The Dorius Family

Family Pictures (Nov 2010)

2010-12-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

The time for the DORIUS FAMILY pictures has arrived! With our family now complete, it was a much needed outing for us! My friend, Shawna Iverson, took them for us and I think that she did an excellent job.

Can I just say that I absolutely love my family. They bring me such happiness. Usually, taking family pictures ends in disaster with one of the kids screaming or misbehaving. This particular time was so wonderful. All of my children behaved quite perfectly....I was amazed!

Easton 3 months (Oct 2010)

2010-12-22T22:19:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast my little baby boy is growing! Easton is almost 4 months old in these pictures. I thought that maybe since he was my smallest baby when he was born at 6 lbs 6 oz that perhaps he would stay smaller longer than the other boys. But alas, it appears as if he is going to follow in their footsteps! Easton has the nickname "Chubbers" for a good reason...he is one chubby little baby and WE LOVE HIM for it! Easton has been such a wonderful baby. He has one of the sweetest dispositions out there. He is very happy and sleeps well.

You can see it in his eyes that he is a sweet and wonderful little guy!

I think that this is my favorite picture and it is actually just taken in my backyard. When Allison was little, I put her inside of a carved pumpkin so I just had to do it again with Easton. I hollowed out the pumpkin and then put Easton inside of a plastic bag so he didn't get all gooey from the pumpkin. He was surprisingly happy for his legs being all smooshed inside the pumpkin. What a good sport! I called my friend (who also had a little baby) and she tried to have her daughter sit in the pumpkin and she wanted nothing to do with it. My friend got some good pictures of her baby screaming inside the pumpkin!

SURPRISE PARTY FOR KERRY'S 33rd! (July 2010)

2010-12-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Mike gave me the surprise of my life...he threw me a SURPRISE 33rd birthday party on my birthday in July! I had absolutely no idea where we were headed. We were driving to St. George to eat at Wingers (we were going to celebrate Grant's birthday too) and then he quickly made a U-turn and headed back to Hurricane after he blind-folded me. We arrived at the Church Pavillion where everyone was waiting for me. It was a "Luau" theme complete with Hawaiian Haystacks, Leis, Luau music and I even had my own personal Pina Colada!

It was such a great party and I had approximately 60 friends/family people attend. Some of my close friends helped Mike throw the party. I felt so loved! Mike wanted to throw me a party since he said I didn't get a big 30th b-day bash since I had just had Grant 2 days before my birthday a few years ago. Where are we going?????? I was so puzzled!

Opening some presents

Here I am with the best husband ever! He knew that it would mean a lot to me, but he reminded me that I am to NEVER throw a surprise party for him!

Grant was a birthday boy too! 3 years old on July 26th!

Our friends eating and sociallizing!

Easton's New Baby Pics (3 weeks old)

2010-07-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

We got Easton's first pictures taken when he was 3 weeks old. My friend, Shawna, took them in his nursery and we are excited with how they turned out! We took a few pictures with all of the kids too!

Easton is growing so fast. He is just barely over 1 month old now and I am already thinking about the fact that he has changed so much during his short life so far. I must admit that the NEWBORN stage happens to be my favorite! He continues to be a wonderful baby--he still sleeps alot and is happy when he is awake (other than when he is hungry). We just love him to pieces! Grant and McKay are still smothering him with love and are still working on the meaning of being "soft." Allison continues to be the world's best big sister!

Welcome Baby Easton!

2010-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

We welcomed Easton Trent Dorius to the family on June 16, 2010 (his due date) at 3:26 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long! I had a scheduled induction the night before (June 15th). I got to the hospital at 8:00 pm and the Pitocin was started at 9:00 pm. By 11:00 pm, I had my epidural and life was good. By around 3:00 am, I was fully dilated and pushed for 15 min. In fact, the doctor almost didn't make it in time. By the time he made it, Easton's head was out and he was able to deliver the rest of his body. My wonderful friend, Akemi Reynolds, was able to be my Labor and Delivery nurse and needless to say, she was happy that Dr. Lunt made it just in the knick of time!

We are all so happy to have Easton join our family. All of his siblings can not get enough of him. They constantly want to give him kisses and hold him--even Grant! I am so grateful that they love him and have welcomed him with open arms. When we brought Easton home from the hospital, Grant went up to Easton, in his carseat, and said, "Hi, my name is Grant!" It was the cutest thing!

I don't know what it is about having a newborn in the home, but there is something very magical and spiritual about the whole experience. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to raise this little guy. He has been such a great baby thus far. He sleeps alot, eats really well and is happy when he is awake.

Kerry at 40 weeks (the day I went to the hospital).

Let the fun begin!

Welcome to the world, little one!

Easton was born with so much vernix on his legs. The nurses said that hadn't seen that much before!

Easton is the littlest one in the bunch! He only weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz.; Allison was 6 lbs. 14 oz.; McKay was 7 lbs. 12 oz.; and Grant was 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Awwwww...the wonderful Dr. Lunt! He is such a fabulous Doctor!

So peaceful and precious...

The proud parents!

Daddy loves to hold Easton!

All 4 kids!

The new and improved Dorius family!

Proud Grandma and Grandpa Blad

Allison couldn't be more excited to have this new little baby around. I have to fight her to get a chance to hold him! :)

McKay loves to hold Easton too! I know that he will be a wonderful big brother to him.

Grant's face says it all. He smothers Easton with kisses and hugs all day long.

Sweet little bundle of joy!

Resting in the hospital

What a cutie!

Cutest kid in the nursery! We are a little biased though.

Mommy and Easton just before we left the hospital to go home!

Easton ready for his first ride in his carseat! How exciting!

Once we got home, the kids could not stop staring at their new baby brother!

McKay's 6 yr. old pictures (April 2010) plus a few of Grant!

2010-05-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

After many attempts to take McKay's 6 yr. old pictures (had to reschedule due to rain, wind and hives), we finally had a beautiful day! We threw Grant (2 1/2 yrs old) in a few pictures with McKay too since they are both super cute boys and brothers! The same friend, Shawna Iverson, that took the pictures of Allison also took these pics too! She is great!

Allison: 10 yr. old pictures (April 2010)

2010-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

After Allison's birthday, we decided to get her yearly pictures taken. My friend, Shawna Iverson, took them and I think they turned out wonderful! I can't believe how grown-up Allison is getting. My one and only little girl is growing up right before my eyes! UGH! She is such a beautiful girl, inside and out, and I love her very much. She has the most beautiful blue eyes!

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY ALLISON! (March 16th)

2010-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

We had a couple of parties to celebrate Allison's10th birthday...a family party and then her friend party (she only gets one on even years). So, pardon all of the pictures, but we had so much fun and I want Allison to remember all the fun we had. We decided to do a LUAU for her friend party. I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun planning a birthday party. Everything turned out even more fun than I thought it would. The kids all responded well--I think 10 years old is the perfect age for birthday parties. I didn't have to keep reminding all the kids to listen and stop goofing off--they were all so well behaved! Grandma and Grandpa Dorius were there to celebrate with us too, which was so fun!Allison with her decorated brownines--we are not huge cake fans in our house.

Allison with her gifts from her family.

Our family all dressed up for the LUAU.

All the kids at the party!

Allison doing the beach ball relay.

Allison doing the BEACH dress-up relay.

The wet-sponge relay.

Can't forget about the Limbo! Go Allison!!!!

Of course, we had to have Hawaiian Haytacks. It also happens to be one of Allison's favorite meals.

The kids eating their Hawaiian Haystacks and fruit kabobs, along with their Hawaiian Punch.

Here we are singing Happy Birthday to Allison! She is like her mom and loves Dairy Queen Ice Cream cakes!

Opening presents.

After the party, Allison and Holland posed for a picture by the palm tree.

Allison, we are so glad that you are our daughter! We couldn't ask for a better one. You love life, your family and the Lord. Thanks for being you. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Grandma Dorius' 70th Birthday SURPRISE!

2010-03-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Grandma Dorius' 70th Birthday (March 9), we surprised her by traveling to Salt Lake and showing up at the Conference Center (where she is a tour guide)! The look on her face was priceless when all of her children and grandchildren walked the door. Grandma and Grandpa then gave us a tour of the Conference Center and afterwards we headed to Grandma's house (where we decorated for a party) and ate dinner. It was a wonderful surprise for a wonderful lady!All of the Dorius clan sitting in the Confernce Center.

Our big group going up the escalator on the tour.

Happy 70th Birthday to Grandma!!!!!

Traditional Grandma Dorius' decorating for her children's birthdays (streamers & signs hanging from chandelier). We just had to try to duplicate it for old times sake.

Grandma Dorius talking about the Plan of Happiness and being together as a family forever as part of her Family Home Evening lesson. It was a special lesson--we are so glad that we could be there to celebrate with her.

Basketball fun! (February)

2010-03-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Allison decided to try out basketball this year (which makes mom and dad very happy)! She ended up really enjoying it and improved a great deal as her season progressed. She is does not have an aggressive personality so it was tricky to teach her that it is okay to be aggressive in basketball! We are proud of her! Allison (red) playing against Holland (white with gray shorts).

Look at those girls with red faces after their last game. They are holding their trophies. Allison is the 3rd from the left.

A job well done!

Holland and Allison!

Annual Snow Storm (Feb. 21)

2010-03-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Although we know to expect a snow storm every year...this one took us by surprise when we woke up and saw all the snow on the ground. The kids had to hurry and get all their snow clothes on and get to work on builing a snowman before it all melted. They love playing in the snow. McKay, Allison and Grant all bundled up!

The 2 snowman masterpieces right before they fell over and melted.

McKay and Daddy got a good start on their snow fort before the sun started to melt it all.

ICE FISHING with the family (Feb. 15th)

2010-03-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mike has been trying to get the family (tried to convince mostly me) to all go ice fishing for a very long time. We finally went over President's day in February. We stayed at the Blad cabin at Otter Creek and went with our friends, the Reynolds. We met Grandpa Blad, uncle Phil and Derek Marlor there too.We had a great time and could not have asked for more perfect weather. However, we could have asked for better fishing! Grandpa Blad with Grant.

McKay fishing with his pole in the ice hole.

Allison fishing with her pole in the ice hole.

Allison pulling McKay and Grant around on the sled. They had a great time being pulled.

The kids checking out the first catch of the day!

Daddy and McKay fishing!

Grant fell asleep on the came chair and we just had to make it look like he was holding a pole and fishing at the same time. We all had a good laugh!

Too funny!

Daddy and McKay with McKay's big catch of the day! I think it weighed almost 4 lbs!

I had to put this piture in as proof that I actually went Ice Fishing! To be honest, I had a great time! However, it does not mean that I am rearing to go sometime again soon! Maybe next year!

Happy Birthday McKay! (February 12th)

2010-03-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY to our wonderful son, McKay! We can't believe how big you are getting! We can't help but think of the wonderful missionary that you will become as we look at this picture of you--dad and I are so proud of you! McKay in his first suit! It was actually torture to get him to agree to wear it!

McKay opening presents at home on his actual birthday with the family.

The clan at Jumpin Jacks (building full of lots of different bounce houses and inflatable slides)! Since McKay only gets a birthday party with friends on even-numbered birthdays, we let him choose want he wanted to do and he, without any hestiation, chose to go to Jumpin' Jacks!

Granty Poo at Jumpin' Jacks. He had a blast just running around the place without really getting on too many of the bounce houses.

The 5 & 6 year old friends! Most of them were a little sweaty by this point.

McKay opening presents.

When given the choice between cupcakes and cinnamon rolls (one of McKay's favorites)--it was another easy choice for McKay--cinnamon rolls! They were tasty and I didn't mind since I am not a huge fan of cake either. Happy Birthday buddy!

1st Cruise & WE LOVED IT!

2010-02-09T10:06:00.001-08:00

We decided to take a little vacation without the kids before baby #4 came along and so we opted to try out cruising. We went on the Carnival Paradise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico from Jan. 25-Jan. 29. We had such a great time. Five other couples/friends from our ward decided to come with us and it made for some really great memories. When I am with Mike, I am reminded over and over of the reasons why I am probably the luckiest girl in the world. He is such a wonderful husband, father and friend.Us on the ship with the beautiful sunset in the background.

Our friends in Catalina Island.

Catalina Island (our ship is in the background)

The clan at La Bufonda, Mexico (1 of 3 blowholes in the world)

We went horseback riding along the beach at Ensenada (all 12 people rode horses at the same time--it was one of the highlights of the trip).

Ride on Cowboy!

Mike and I dancing! My husband is a great dancer!

Kellie Clark, Me, and Akemi Reynolds

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture with Titanic background. I was just hoping our ship didn't sink after we took this picture.

All six couples together

Back: Wilsons, Reynolds, Drysdales, Clarks
Front: Clydes and Doriuses

Headed home...Bye Y'all, say Bye Y'all!

Baby #4

2010-02-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here comes baby #4! Our little baby is due on June 16, 2010. We had our ultrasound and found out that our next little baby is a healthy baby boy! We were shocked (more me than Mike) because I always saw myself with 2 girls and 2 boys. Apparently, Heavenly Father's plan is not my plan, but I know that He knows best. I am not quite sure what to do with 3 boys running around the house, but I think I am supposed to learn more about PATIENCE! As I ponder the idea of having another boy...I think of raising 3 young valiant warriors in the gospel that will hopefully become missionaries and further the work of the Lord. It is an overwhelming and awesome task, but Mike and I will try our best to teach by example the things that Heavenly Father would have them do and become.
Definately a boy part in there!

His arm and some fingers...I hope he is not flasing us a gang sign!

His face...we can't wait to see what he looks like in real life!

New Year's Celebration & Sledding

2010-02-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

It was time for our annual New Year's Celebration with the Dorius Family at Linda's house. Just like every year, we had a great time eating, visiting, laughing, and playing games! We also went sledding, which the kids and adult kids sure enjoyed. I think that there were only a couple of collisons and no major injuries. I know that Allison, Laura, Tori and Kylie ran into some innocent bystanders on their inner-tube! Ouch!Kylie and Allison on New Year's Eve.

McKay and Allison celebrating the new year!

Who ever invented these noise makers anyways?
They obviously didn't have kids who blew them over and over and over.

Mike looks surprised that it is 2010 already! This is not the best angle of me, but hey--I need to come to terms with my double chin!

The Dorius cousins celebrating the countdown! Happy 2010!

Grant all bundled up! He loved sledding. When we aske him if he wanted to keep going down the hill--he always told us "no," but as soon as Mike got on the sled, Grant had to be right there with him!

Daddy and Grant

McKay loved sledding!

Allison and Tori

Chrismtas Eve & Christmas Morning

2010-02-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful again this year. We tried to scale back and I think we did to some degree, but as I looked around Christmas morning-- I realized that my family is extremely blessed and I feel ultra lucky. So many people have been struggling, and I do not have the answer why Mike's business had one of its best years so far. We do not take it for granted, but instead try to be grateful for each passing month that is prosperous and never expect it to to continue. We tried to help others this year, but there is always more we can do.

We had a great time on Christmas Eve with some friends that didn't have family around. The Gibbs, Reynolds and Iversons came over and we ate and ate and ate. We had tons of appetizers as our main meal (cocunut shrimp, egg rolls, stuffed mushrooms, potstickers, Texas Caviar, fruit & dip, chips, veggie tray, and much more). We then acted out the nativity with our puppets and had a great time together. After they all left, it was time to open the Christmas Eve pajamas and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

The kids in their Christmas Eve pajamas in front of the tree.

All the kids laying on Allison's bed. Grant slept in his crib, but McKay and Allison slept in the bed on Christmas Eve anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival.

Daddy reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Christmas morning and dumping out the stockings!

Santa brought Daddy lots and lots of Starbursts!

McKay and Allison got Ipod Nanos.

McKay and Grant sporting their new BYU football helmets (they got the full uniforms). Go Cougars!

Grant playing with his new Thomas & Friends trains! He was in heaven!

The kids in their new teepee. Our friend, Fiona Peterson, made it for us (since I don't really sew).

Mike and Grant singing on the new family Kareoke machine that Santa brought!

Leaves, leaves everywhere!

2010-02-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, how the leaves have fallen! I love having trees for the shade, but I can not say that raking leaves is my favorite thing! However, this year I invested in a leaf blower and it made life much easier. My boys were such great helpers. They were excited to use the rake and we decided to make a pile of leaves at the bottom of the slide for them to land in. They had so much fun sliding into the leaves. I love the excitement that these boys have for life--they add fun and excitement to my busy life and remind me to stop and enjoy the moment!Grant raking away!

McKay was very methodical about raking the leaves into small piles all over the lawn.

Weeeeee....McKay landing in the leaves.

Grant couldn't get enough of the leaves!

Rice Krispy Gingerbread Houses (December 7, 2009)

2010-02-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

I don't know if any of you share the same "dislike" for making Gingerbread houses at Christmastime. It just seems like the roof or sides of the house always collapse before I can finish decorating it. So...this year I decided to try and make Rice Krispy Houses. It was so easy and so fun to shape them into houses and they never collapsed since they were solid! It made all of us happy and I think that I am convinced to keep the tradition going.

Mike and the kids creating their masterpieces!

Allison and I had a great time...I think that I have some OCD tendencies when it comes to decorating my little house!

The final creations!

McKay and Allison showing theirs off for the camera!

Allison, Mom, and McKay's Rice Krispy Houses. How fun and easy...and they are still standing!

Christmas family pictures

2010-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

I realize that I am incredibly behind on updating my blog. As some of you know, I am expecting baby #4 and the months of November and December were my "sick" months. I put off a lot of things, but here I am now...trying to catch up! These pictures were taken at the beginning of December and were our attempt to try and take Christmas family pics...it seems to be getting more and more difficult to find a picture that has everyone looking good--I guess that just comes with trying to get more and more kids to smile!Our little, but growing family!

McKay (5), Allison (9) and Grant (2)

This picture was just too cute to not include--I think it captures Grant's personality quite well (fun, yet a little mischevious).

Our Christmas tree. Mike cut it down in Kanosh and did a great job. It probably has been our most full tree, but it is a nice shape. It didn't fall over...thanks to Mike's efforts to attach it to the vent above with fishing line.

Halloween

2009-12-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

Here we are as the SCOOBY DOO GANG! We had a blast shopping for the costumes and then dressing up in them! We went to our Elders Quorum Fall Festival all dressed up as a family. We had fun seeing the other families there all dressed in their costumes--we have such a fun ward!

I don't know why I think it is so fun to have a theme for our family costumes...maybe one of these years I will let the kids be what they will want to be for Halloween! But as for this year, here is the lowdown on who's who:

Mike=Shaggy

Kerry=Velma

Allison=Daphne

McKay=Fred

Grant=Scooby Doo

Disneyland!

2009-11-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

We recently spent several wonderful days in DISNEYLAND! We were able to meet the Andrus Family (Optometry school friends) there as well as take our staff there. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. The kids had so much fun on most all of the rides (I can't say that Grant enjoyed very many--he was scared for most of them!) Our little family supporting Hurricane Valley Eye Care!

This is the only way that you can get me and Mike to go on the Teacup ride--it must be a stationary teacup for picture taking!

Mike and Kerry in front of "It's a Small World." Don't forget to notice Mike's beard! I can't say that I loved it--but he was sure proud of it!

Our family waiting to go into "Bugs Life." Don't we make cute bugs?

Mom and Allison

Grant--As cute as a BUG in a RUG! (How did that saying ever start?)

The HVEC Staff after Splash Mountain!

Allison took the brunt of the water!

McKay gives Splash Moutain 2 thumbs up!

Even the benches have Mickey Mouse faces!

Dorius Family poses for another picture!

Disneyland was all decorated for Halloween!

Heather Andrus and Kerry Dorius

The Dorius and Andrus Families--we had so much fun together!

Visit with Great Grandpa Blad

2009-10-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to Kanosh and decided to pay a visit to my Grandpa Blad. He hasn't been feeling very well lately, so we wanted to see him and take some pictures with him.

Here are the kiddos with their Great Grandpa Blad or as he calls it: "Grandpa Great"

Here we all are with my wonderful Grandpa Blad!

FOUR GENERATIONS!

I love my Grandpa...he has always been so caring and genuine. If I were to choose something that I will always remember my Grandpa teaching me it would be to LOVE YOUR FAMILY! He has always been so proud of his children and grandchildren. I couldn't help but feel loved (sometimes even if it meant being smothered with hugs & kisses)when I was around him. I am so glad to call him Grandpa!

First Day of School

2009-09-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids on their first day of school. Allison (9 1/2 years old) is starting 4th grade. Mr. Porter is her teacher. McKay (5 1/2 years old) is starting Kindergarten with Mrs. Reid. They switched schools this year, due to new boundary lines, and are attending Three Falls Elementary. Don't they look great? I have to thank my friend, Kara, for taking the picture since I was flat in bed (recovery from my knee surgery) and unable to fully get them ready for school on their first day of school. Mike and I are so proud of our kids! We just love them!

Oh the fun of surgery!

2009-09-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

On August 7th, I went in for surgery to have my torn ACL and Meniscus repaired on my left knee. Dr. Scott Smith was my surgeon and he did a great job! He was so nice to let me WATCH the surgery. Instead of having general anesthesia, I opted for a Spinal with a Femoral Nerve Block so that I could be awake and remember the surgery. I loved it and I know that makes me sound so crazy! I wouldn't have changed a single thing in reguards to watching it. I must admit that it was a little weird feeling the bones in my pelvis vibrate when they were sawing the bone in my knee! The Spinal turned out to be a great thing because my legs were numb, so I didn't feel any pain for at least 10 hours! I have to admit that it was really good for me to be the PATIENT instead of the surgical NURSE--it gave me such a great perspective into how my patients must feel. I hope to be a better nurse as a result of my surgery.

This is me, looking my loveliest, right before they wheeled me back for surgery.

This is me right after surgery with my full-leg knee immobilizer which is locked at zero degrees. Let the fun begin!

After surgery, I was supposed to stay in bed for 2 weeks with my leg propped and iced. Laying in bed got extremely boring. However, I did enjoy reading books and watching approximately 250 decorating shows! Thank goodness for HGTV! Grant was my little buddy while I was home recovering. We spent a lot of time reading books in bed.

The incisions with all the brusing! It actually looks pretty good considering what some look like!

Yippee...I can get out of bed finally with the use of 2 crutches!

Here I am transitioning to 1 crutch and then...

...to NO crutches! Oh, what a wonderful feeling to finally be able to put weight on my foot.

It has been a couple of weeks since this picture, but I am now happy to report that I no longer have to wear my brace! I wore it for one month and it was a VERY HAPPY day when the doctor told me I could take it off! The progress is slow, but steady. I finally started Physical Therapy last week and my range of motion has improved, so I am excited. I do realize that I have about 3 1/2 more months until I am fully better! I hope when everything is all said and done, that I am glad that I chose to have this surgery done because I am dying to get back on the Basketball court!

And now for the Blad Reunion...

2009-08-05T14:35:00.001-07:00

The Blad Reunion started off in Kanosh for the big Pioneer Day parade and celebration! We watched Grandma and Grandpa go by in the parade. They were so nice and even gave us a few extra pieces of candy! After the festivities at the park (most of the Blad grandkids won the races), we all caravaned to the Albrecht Lodge (yep--we were just there for the Dorius Reunion). We had a great time hanging out, making watch bands out of beads, swimming, dancing, horseback riding, 4-wheeling, celebrating birthdays, eating yummy meals from Throw-down Food competitions, and listening to Mom & Dad's life stories.

Pioneer Woman: Grandma Blad in the Parade

All the Blad Sisters

The Minivan Caravan of cars to the Lodge (I think there were 11 cars)

Making watch bands & bracelets & necklaces (Colleen was the Queen Jewelry Maker)

Grant having fun!

The other kids had fun too!

The Birthday people (Kerry, Grant & Cami)

All the sisters dancing with DAD!

Stephen & Kenneth dancing with MOM! (We missed you Kirk!)

We love you Mom & Dad!

Dorius Reunion at the Lodge

2009-07-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the Albrecht Lodge outside of Minersville, UT. It is a very large cabin that can accomodate a large family so it worked out perfectly! Each family had their own room with a queen bed! We rode horses, went 4-wheeling, played tennis, shot clay-pigeons, played games (mostly Wackee Six), and ate a lot of food!

After the time at the lodge, we all came back to St. George/Hurricane and had fun at the lake! Some of the family didn't have as much fun after the lake since they got swimmers itch, but oh well--it is the price you pay for summer fun!

The small picture is of me attempting to skimboard. I guess I should have known better, but I ended up falling right after the picture was taken and injured my knee again! This injury has put me over the edge in my decision to get surgery or not. I am scheduled to have my ACL repaired in August! Yuck! Overall, it was a great weekend with the one exception of injuring my knee again!

Optometry conference in Midway

2009-06-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

While Mike attended his Optometry conference in Midway, the kids and I had a great time around the resort. We stayed at the Zermatt Resort and they had quite a few things for the kids to do. My niece, Ashley, came with us and played with us too! The kids went on a carousel ride, swimming, got their face painted, fed goats, minature golfed and then we went over to Mike's brother's house in Heber. We had a wonderful time. Allison

McKay

Grant and Ashley

Hanging out in the Master bedroom of the suite! It was quite fancy!

Grant feeding the goats

Grant's favorite: TRAINS!

McKay had a really neat FLAME painted on his arm!

Allison had a gorgeous flower painted on her face!

Sharon visits Hurricane!

2009-06-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Sharon, came to visit me on her way to New Mexico from Washington! What a special treat it was to have her in my home! I have always told her that she is my kindred sister! We met at Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro, Oregon where we were both nurses in the Operating Room. She is the nurse who trained me and taught me how to become an O.R. nurse! When we lived in Oregon, we found ourselves forming an amazing bond and creating a friendship that I will cherish forever! I find it interesting that our age difference has never been an issue--over 30 years difference! Sharon and I are alike in so many ways. Here are just a few examples of how we are alike:

1)We think alike--often times we finish each other's sentences

2)We have the same work ethic as nurses

3)We both share an undying love for HONEY MUSTARD

4)We even had some of the same pictures hanging in our homes in Oregon without even knowing

Kerry and Sharon

Grant and Sharon--Grant's first time meeting Sharon and he warmed up to her quickly!

John (Sharon's husband), Grant and Sharon at our home in Hurricane!

Amazing time in Hawaii!

2009-05-29T20:08:00.001-07:00

We just got back from Hawaii yesterday and I must admit that it was the best vacation that I have ever taken. It was such a great combination of relaxation, sight-seeing, amazing food and adventure! I realize that I am posting a lot of pictures, but I took over 200 of them so I think I narrowed it down pretty well! We went with my twin brother, Kirk, and his wife, Andrea! Andrea was such a trooper because she was 31 weeks pregnant. In addition to all of the fun activites that we were able to do, we also had a great time playing card games and eating out. The food was incredible because we tried a wide variety of foods such as Indian, Thai, Greek, Italian, and Island food and everything was so yummy!All of us at the Hawaii Temple on Oahu. It was closed for remodeling so the best we could do was take a picture in front of it.

Kerry and Mike at the Polynesian Culture Center ready for the big LUAU!

I could not get enough of those amazing leis--they smelled great too!

Andrea kept telling us about these amazing Sno Cones from Matsumoto's Sno Cones and she was right! They even have ice cream at the bottom of the cone.

Mike and Kerry at the Pearl Harbor Memorial above the ship. Since it was close to Memorial Day, we took apart our Leis and threw the individual flowers into the water as a way to remember all the soldiers!

After a couple of days on Oahu, we flew to Maui. This is a picture of the sunrise at the top of Haleakala Mountain/Crater (10,000 feet). It was really beautiful (my camera didn't do justice to the beauty). We had to get up at 2:55 a.m. in order to make it to the top in time for the sunrise.

We decided to go out for an evening stroll at Kamaole Beach. We were lucky because our resort was across the street from this beach--we found out that it was one of the better beaches on Maui.

Mike and I decided to drive and brave the extremely winding and narrow road to Hana. Fortunately, I was driving so it distracted me enough that I didn't get very car sick. I really wanted to go so I could see some waterfalls and lush tropical plants and flowers.

Mike with huge waves crashing behind him!

Mike jumping off the ledge at a waterfall! I think that it was one of the highlights of his trip!

This is my absolute favorite tropical flower that I came across!

Oh so beautiful!!!!! A snapshot taken while on the road to Hana.

We decided to take a dip at this waterfall. The water was nice and refreshing!

Here we are doing our favorite thing...EATING!

Here we are doing our 2nd most favorite thing...PLAYING GAMES! Can I just say that Mike & I made the most amazing comeback in the game of Canasta against Kirk & Andrea?!

We are having fun!

We decided to do some Ziplines while we were there. Along with the package that we bought, came a challenge course. This is Mike after he just jumped off the 30 foot pole which is known as the "Leap of Faith." Mike is the only one in our group that actually was successful at grabbing the trapeze bar.

Here I am, relieved that I was able to stand up on top of the pole without falling off. I was successful at jumping out, but not successful at grabbing the trapeze bar. I will admit that I was terrified to do this, but it ended up being a great experience that empowered me immensely.

Mike and Kerry standing at one of the ziplines we were able to go down! It was an absolute blast with an amazing view!

Mike, Kirk, and Kerry on a boat ride heading out to do some snorkeling at Molokini island. As we snorkeled, we saw 3 SHARKS (they were small, nice ones), tons of FISH and at least 10 huge SEA TURTLES. While we were riding in our boat, a DOLPHIN decided to swim and jump next to us!

Mike and Kerry at the Iao Needle. This was our last pit stop before heading for the airport. We were sad to see our trip come to an end, but we were ready to see our kids. THANK YOU to all the many people that helped watch them for us while we were gone. We owe you big time!

We have never laughed so hard...

2009-05-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Mike and I were able to go and see the comedian, Brian Regan, last night with some of our friends. We have loved him for years and were so excited when we found out that he was coming to St. George! I think that we laughed for 2 straight hours! The great thing about him is that his jokes are CLEAN!

Brian Regan on stage at Tuachan! I wish my camera would have taken a less fuzzy picture.

Mike and I before the show, ready to hear some funny jokes!

Our friends, Terra and Chad! We are so glad that they told us that Brian Regan was coming to town.

The ladies: Kerry, Liz, and Terra! We all laughed and laughed! Poor Liz had to sit next to me. I hope that her knee isn't too sore today because I kept hitting it over and over when I would laugh really hard!

While the boys are away...the girls will play!

2009-05-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

It was our ward's Father and Sons Campout last weekend and so Mike was brave and decided to take McKay and Grant. Surprisingly, they all slept through the night (with the exception of Mike because his air mattress deflated) and no one got sick with the stomach flu (last year was so fun for McKay)! Allison and I decided that we should have a little fun too so we went out for a fun night out on the town. We started off by going out to dinner at Red Robin and then went to Tuachan Outdoor Theater to see some of the previous finalists from American Idol. We had such a great time so...we kept the night going by eating some frozen yogurt at 11 pm and then got up and went out to breakfast! I just love my daughter...she is a lot of fun to be around!

Allison and Mom at Red Robin--gotta love those bottomless french fries!

American Idol finalists: Gina Glocksen, Phil Stacey, Melissa Doolittle and Chekezie Ezie performing! This concert was better than I had expected...they were all such great singers!

Allison and Mom at Tuachan sitting in the front row! I actually almost tripped Phil Stacey as he ran past because I wasn't expecting him to come down off the stage!

Our kids are having fun...

2009-04-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

ALLISON decided that she wanted to be on the Competition team this year for dance. It was her first and probably last year to do it. She loved it, but has decided to do basketball and soccer next year (You can't see me, but I have a really big smile on my face!). This past weekend, we went to Parowan for a competition and had a great time. Allison (top row, far right) and her competition team.

Allison (far right) loved dancing with these girls!

Allison's entire dance company danced to a mix of Hairspray songs. She is in the blue dress in the middle having a blast! I think that she enjoyed dancing to this mix the best of all of her dances! At least the smile on her face made me think that!

Allison's dance company posing with their trophy and ribbons! She is in the blue dress.

MCKAY has started the fun adventure of T-BALL! Mike is assisting in coaching his team, along with his friend Chad. Mike says that McKay has a long way to go before he will become the star player! McKay spends his time sitting in the outfield and dazing off into space!
McKay is the one sitting in the outfield on the far left and we couldn't be more proud! :)

McKay is up to bat! He made it to the first base and then all the way home! GO MCKAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

2009-04-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Mike celebrated his 34th birthday on April 24th! We love him so much, but boy is he getting up there in age!

Mike with his Dairy Queen Reeses Peanut Butter ice cream cake!

Notice that the cake has candles on it that say 43! We tried to see how long Mike could go without noticing that we switched the numbers around...we wanted to make him feel like the old guy that he is becoming! Should I be surprised that it took him quite a while to notice? Gotta love getting old!

Mike opening his presents!

Easter

2009-04-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

I realize that I am a little slow at posting my Easter pictures, but better late than never and I really want the pictures in my blog book that I will print at the end of the year. The kids had a great time and the Easter Bunny spoiled them once again. I am really getting tired of all of the stuff they are accumulating. However, I know that the kids are not tired of it!

Here are all the kids with their Easter Baskets!

Grant eating a rice krispy treat from his basket at 8:30 am! Gotta love it!

Our family on Easter morning in our Easter outfits!

What a Great Weekend!

2009-04-06T21:04:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, we celebrated my father's 70th birthday! We kicked off the weekend by meeting in Manti, UT (where my parents are temple workers) and did a session with all of my sisters and my parents! It was a really special experience--one that I will treasure forever. The family braving the snow outside of the Manti Temple.

Mike and I at the Manti Temple (we got married there, but rarely get a chance to make it back to visit).

Happy 70th Birthday DAD! We threw my dad a big birthday bash and invited family and close friends. We had a great turnout and my dad appeared to be having a great time!

The fisherman's birthday cake!

Of course, those BLADS can not get together without eating a lot of food!

We had fun visiting with friends and family!

New Family Pictures

2009-03-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

We finally got some new family pictures taken! It had been over a year and so I am very excited! My friend, Shawna, took them for us and she did a great job! I am very pleased with the coloring and lighting of them. Grant made the experience interesting, to say the least, but we amazingly had some turn out where he was acutally looking at the camera!Our little family!
This family picture probably showcases our personalities better than the other family picture!

Boy, I love this guy!

ant is one cute...yet quite a handful...kid!

McKay was quite the little poser/model for the photographer!

Allison is just plain GREAT!

Happy Birthday Allison...one day early!

2009-03-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

We just wanted to wish Allison a very HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY! Wow...how did she get to be nine years old? Her actual birthday is on Monday the 16th, but my sister Debby and her family were visiting earlier today so we celebrated it with them. The sad part about the whole thing was that Allison ended up being sick most of the day (hence her really rosy cheeks) so we wouldn't even let her blow out her candle while it was on the cake--we had to hold the lighted candle away from the cake so she could make her wish! The great news is that she is feeling drastically better tonight--just in time for her birthday tomorrow!

The celebration gang!

Allison is trying so hard to smile for the camera despite the fact that she feels sick!

Allison blowing out her candle...away from her cake so others don't get sick! I kind of felt like a mean mom!

Yummy Dairy Queen cake...Allison's favorite!

Fun in the garden

2009-03-15T20:25:00.001-07:00

For Family Night, we decided to hurry and plant some sugar snap peas in our garden since spring is just around the corner. The garden is small, but it is still a garden and the kids had a great time helping dad place the seeds in the soil.

What helpful kids!

Allison has always been a good helper!

Wow McKay...nice straight line of peas!

Buddies at last!

2009-03-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure if I would like having 2 boys back to back, but I must admit that McKay and Grant are finally starting to play together. They enjoy the same things..trains, cars, playing outside and jumping on the trampoline. I love watching their relationship as brothers and friends develop. I just got these new matching outfits for them and so I had to take some pictures! Ahh, aren't they so cute!

I can't believe that Grant is sitting so still! I have learned a new trick..I set the timer on the camera (even though I am holding the camera myself) and Grant actually sits there and smiles because he likes to watch the blinking light as it counts down!

OK, so this picture better captures our usual picture taking experiences! I love this candid shot as Grant is trying to escape! This was the 5th or 6th picture in a row so he actually did pretty well considering that he is 19 months!

Fun with Grandpa!

2009-02-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

Allison and Grandpa; McKay & Daddy

Allison ready to have some fun!

McKay wishes he could drive this four wheeler!

Grandma and Grandpa Dorius came to visit! The kids, along with Grandpa and Mike, decided to go for a little excusion on the four wheelers. They were gone for 3 hours and had a great time finding the dinosaur tracks and visiting Fort Pierce. It is fun to live here where we are so close to fun trails. Aside from getting dusty, I think they all had a great time!

MY VALENTINE!

2009-02-19T21:25:00.001-08:00

Look what my Valentine gave to me! Two dozen beautiful roses!

I don't want to brag or boast (okay so maybe I do)...but I have to just mention that I have the best husband! I feel so lucky and blessed to be married to him. I realize that he is not perfect, but he is perfect for me!

Happy Birthday McKay!

2009-02-19T12:37:00.001-08:00

McKay and his birthday cake (unfortunately we found out he doesn't like chocolate cake)

Look at that 24 inch pizza! It's called "The Kracken" for a reason!

Kylie, Kadin, Tysen, McKay & Allison as Pirates!

We celebrated McKay's birthday at a new restaurant called Pirate Island Pizza. He turned the big 5! We had a gigantic 24 inch pizza and it fed us all! We celebrated with Mike's brother's family as well as McKay's best friend. McKay is becoming such a great boy...we deal with far fewer tantrums and whining! We are very thankful for that! We love you McKay!

Kids say it best!

2009-01-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have recently been having a lot of fun typing up stories and memories for each one of my kids that they said or did while growing up. I decided not to keep all of the fun and laughter to myself, but to share a few of the great ones...

Allison was an early talker. Because of this, she said quite a few comical things at a young age. One time, right after we had just started to introduce the idea of using the “big potty,” a friend of Mike’s came over and he used our restroom. When he came out of the restroom, Allison shouted to him, “Yeah, you did it!” Allison was pretty proud of him!

Another time, while Allison (2 years old) was learning to say her prayers, she would just repeat what we would tell her to say. One particular time, I told her to say, “Please help us to spread the gospel” and Allison repeated back, “Please help us to spread the gospel and the butter!” Both Mike and I could not stop laughing during the prayer. I love how concrete little children’s minds are!

This next one is probably my favorite. Mike and I were hanging up chicken wire on the block wall in the backyard (so the plants would attach and weave through it) of our townhome with some screws. While we were working away, the phone rang and Allison (3 years old) answered it. I could hear the person on the line ask her what she was doing. Allison said, “Uh, I am just playing while my parents are screwing!” Thankfully, the person on the phone ended up just being my sister, Sheryl. I quickly explained to her that we were just screwing screws into the block wall.

I know that McKay said some funny things too, but since I was building a house when he was starting to talk, I unfortunately didn't keep as good of records of his cute sayings. However, I do remember one incident that made me chuckle. When McKay was 3 years old, and I was pregnant with Grant, we were at the Doctor’s office. There was a lady in the waiting room who was almost due to have her baby so obviously her belly was big. McKay looked at her and then looked at me and said, “Mommy, she ate too much food.”

Grant is just starting to say a few words, so I am sure there will be more funny moments to come in the future. I look forward to laughing some more as I hear my children continue to show their innocence!

Here we go...

2009-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

I have resisted blogging for a very long time. However, I have given in! I have never been good at journaling so maybe this will force me to keep a better record of our family happenings!

We have lived in Hurricane for about 5 1/2 years and I must say that I find myself enjoying life here considerably more than I thought possible. We love the weather, Mike's job, our home, and our great friends. I am very thankful that Heavenly Father knew that Hurricane would be a great fit for our family.

Christmas just passed and I must say that it was wonderful. Not because of the presents, but because of the time we were able to spend with family. We spent some time with both of our families this year. After hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year, it was wonderful to be "the guests." While we were at my parent's house we found out that my twin brother, Kirk, is expecting their first baby! We are all so excited for them because we know that they will be incredible parents!

I think it has snowed around 3 times now! Not all of them were big storms, but we rarely see snow so we get excited over the little flurries! We can't believe it...I don't remember a December like this one. The kids have had a lot of fun building snowmen and they even made a snow turtle.

I really am hesitant to write much because I have never been too keen on my ability to express the way I feel when I write. So, for now...this will do.