The Criddle Family

School has Started

2010-03-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive that Tyler is in 2nd grade and Nathan is in Kidergarten. They are both at Adams Elementary. Tyler's teacher is Mrs. Leiese and Nathan has Mrs. Scott.

Oregon Coast

2010-03-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

In August 2009 we went to the Oregon Coast for the 1st time as a family. It was a much needed vacation with Billy finishing up his 1st 3 quarters back to school at EWU, my surgery and it just being summer. We had wanted to go the coast for such a long time and we finally made it!

We took our travel trailer with us and had a great time. Our 1st stop was to see "Herman the Sturgeon" at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. It was amazing to find out that this fish are so old - 100 years and only eat every few weeks. We had fun feeding the fish and duck, while Tyler and Nathan tried to catch fish with their bare hands.

From there we made it down to Eugene to see Grandma and Grandpa, Justin, Lisa, Payden, Abby and GiGi and Poppy. We drove over to the coast and stayed in Florence for a few days. We were able to play in the sand and ocean, ride 4 wheelers on the dunes, and just be together as a family. It was the 1st time that the boys had seen the ocean. The dunes were amazing because I had never seen so much sand! It was incredible how much there was.

The Haceata Head light house was neat to see and we were able to go to our 1st "low tide" tide pools at Strawberry Hill. That was so exciting to see all the star fish, crabs, seals and sea anemone.

On Monday we all headed our different ways and we headed up the coast to Newport and stopped off at the Newport Aquarium. That place was fantastic. There was so much to see and take in. We were able to see HUGE crabs, sharks and octopus.

On our way up the coast we stopped at the Museum of Flight and at the Tillamook Factory to get a treat and see how they made the cheese. We love Tillomook cheese and ice cream, so it was fun to see where it starts. At the Museum of Flight, they had little tiny aircraft and everything in between. It was fun to see all the old airplanes.

Our last stop was finally in Cannon Beach and Seaside. I can not say how much we LOVED it there. We were able to stay there for 3 days and had fun flying kites, going out to Haystack rock to see the amazing tide pools, and just hanging out on the beach. On one day we were there right after breakfast and did not leave until dinner time. It was so fun to see the boys enjoying themselves. Ryan LOVED the sand. He would spend all his time lying in the sand and grabbing handfuls of sand and letting it fall through his fingers. Tyler and Nathan loved building sand castles and splashing in the ocean.

We are so excited to go back to the coast. We had some great memories. Thanks boys for the fun trip. I love you!

Finally I get a chance to update!!

2010-03-21T13:29:00.001-07:00

Well a lot as happened since I last wrote. I will try to get all the fabulous highlights!

Unexpected Surgery

2009-07-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the 1st day I have felt good since last Saturday (6 days ago). As many of you know, Fr the last number of years, I have had stomach issues. I had a lot of testing done years ago and never had another issue, that I thought it was over.

Early Sunday morning, I felt it coming on and decided that instead of "waiting it out", we would go to the ER. Well we were there for hours and had some testing done, when the Dr. came in and said that they didn't find anything and that I was probably going to go home, unless we wanted to do a CAT scan - We decided that the reason we went to the ER was for the testing - we did it, and thank goodness.

They found air bubbles where they were not suppose to be, so they figured that it was a peptic ulcer or a perferated bowel. So off to surgery I went and was so nervous. After 3 hours, Billy finally got the results. "No ucler, no perferation. Yes air bubbles trapped in a mass that they biopsed that was negative that they removed. While the Dr. was on the hunt to find the "hole", he was able to look at a lot of organs. He did find 2 infected lymph nodes that he removed and sent off to pathology. We would not get results for 3-5. So even though it was great that they did not find anything - there was still a chance of cancer. What a horrible word.

Thankfully after 3 days they got the results back and it was negative. Thank yu Heavenly Father for blessing me, so that I can continue to be a mom to my 3 wonderful boys. I appreciate all the prayers that we offered in my behalf. I am grateful for the reults.

Now I just have a huge vertical 7" scar on my stomach. The recovery has been good. The only thing that will be really, really hard - is not lifting for 3 weeks. Ryan is still so little, but I guess we will figure it out.

Thanks again for your prayers and the wonderful blessing from Heavenly Father

Seattle

2009-07-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

We did so much in a few days that it was fun, but we were VERY tired!! I bought the City Pass and wanted to take full advantage of all great deals.

We left on Tues the 14th in the morning and got to Seattle by early afternoon. We hit the Aquarium 1st. It was great to touch and feel at the Tide Pools. It was probably everyone favorite. We also really like the tall fish tank as you walk in. It was probably atleast 20 feet tall - with amazing life swimming throughout.

Next we went on our harbor cruise. It was really exciting being on such a large boat. It was very informational - I did not get much out of it, since I was chasing 3 boys. What a beautiful coastline Seattle has.

After dinner and swimming at the hotel, we decided to go to the Space Needle. It was spectacular to see the city. The boys enjoyed looking through the spotting scopes. They had fun finding different things up in the Space Needle and then seeing them on the ground - like a Pepsi sign.

Wednesday we headed for the Zoo. We had a good time seeing all the animals. I think that it was too hot for them, becuase they were not really playing, most of them were just "sitting around".

By 2pm we were going to the Amusemeum of Flight. Both Tyler and Nathan crashed on the ride within minutes. When we got there, we were able to walk through Air Force One and the Concord. It was great to see how massive these planes are and a miracle that they can stay in the air!! They had a huge room full of all sorts of planes - fighters and old-school. Everyone really enjoyed this stop - well worth it!

On Thursday (our last day) we spent it at the Science Center. It was fun, but more over the top of the boys. The cool thing we did there was the IMAX. It showed Underwater Garden 3D. We loved that. It was the 1st time that the boys had seen an IMAX and also 3D.

We rode the monorail over to the mall for lunch. It was pretty hilarius that Nathan had a "battle" for the front seat with a man easily in his late 60's. The guy figured out that Nathan was wanting the font seat and sneaking his way forward. Well, when the opened the gates, the race was on! I couldn't beleive it - it was so funny to see them both weaving between the seats. Well he made it and the guy slide in 2nd!

The car ride home was really long! The boys did great considering how tired they were!

All in all, it was great and we had fun memories of Seattle.

Swimming and Camping

2009-07-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

We have spent a lot of time at the county pools swimming. It is such a great time, splashing in the water.

I love our trailer!! I love it. It makes camping so nice and enjoyable. We have spent a lot of time out at the property. Camping with family and friends - what a better way to spend the summer.

Over the 4th my aunt Elysen and her husband Jon, my cousins' daughter Savannah and my grandpa Hinckley - all from Utah. It was so nice having them visit and I was amazed at Ryan behavior with Savannha. He LOVED her! Almost would go to her over me!!! It was really nice having an older girl with me all weekend, because Tyler and Nathan acted better and she really helped out with Ryan.

It is so fun riding on the boat. Ryan is constantly lifting his leg (like he is climbing on) and saying "ba boat"

Tyler is quite the tuber and has had a great summer "riding the waves" It is so fun to see him having fun!

Nathan just loves to ride on the boat or maybe go for a SLOW ride on the tube. He loves to drive and hold the flag.

What a great summer and sad to think that it is almost over.

Silverwood

2009-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Summer started with our annual trip to Silverwood. What a fantastic place and so much fun. I can't believe how much my boys "LOVE" the rides. Tyler loves the rides that make you completely sick and Nathan loves the rollercoasters. I did one ride with each of them and knew that I was done!

Nathan - I was completely amazed that he rides the "big" rollercoasters with his hands held high in the air and yelling. Sitting next to him, I couldn't believe how my baby has changed!

Tyler - I only did one ride and was about to puke! He kept going and going. He loves the rides that shot you from one side to the other and up and down!

Ryan - he loved all the little kiddie rides, but especially the "Little Toot Toot" train rollercoaster.

Billy - Well he becomes a 5 year old all over again. He love ALL the rides and loves that everyone loves riding with him.

It is amazing how fast the day goes. We never even made it to Boulder Beach - a huge waterpark.

I had to document that I still go on rollercoasters!!

You have to love the big train ride. It is about an hour and a guaranteed nap for Ryan, 3 years in a row - Gotta love it!

The boys love bumper cars

More bumper cars

My favorite ride is the log ride

A drive in the Country - these cars make the boys feel so big! They get to drive the car. Watch out!

Memories of Silverwood

Dying Easter Eggs

2009-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun dying eggs. We even blew out some eggs. It was hilarious to see Tyler and Nathan, it looked like they were blowing out snot. Ryan even did a good job - no spilled dye and no tears from anyone :) Tyler plugging Nathan's nose - so that he could get enough air to blow it out. Tyler blowing out his Easter eggs

Horses!

2009-05-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ryan loves horses - nothing more to say than he goes crazy with the thoughts of horses, seeing horses and will do anything if you tell him that you will take him to see the horses. If you are looking at a book of horses he lifts his leg and wants o ride the horses in the book. His favorite pass time is to take carrots and apples to the horses.

As you can see in the picture - he has his apple all ready to throw into the horses. The lead mare is always the 1st one there when he sees Ryan coming. They all know that he brings treats.

Who knows - maybe one day he'll be a famous "horse whisperer!"

Nathan.....

2009-04-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Nathan has not really been a "fisherman", but this past weekend with opening season, Grandpa and Mike Fisk took Tyler and Nathan to Fish Trap and camped overnight on Fisk's boat. Nathan from the get go was ready for it and could not wait until Friday. Saturday morning as the fishing was slow, Tyler (who can out fish anyone and usually doesn't care if he gets a bite or not, started to get frustrated that the fishing were not biting), Nathan looks at him and says, "You know Tyler you have to wait a long time to get a fish!"

I am grateful for my dad and Mike Fisk for taking both of them. They will always remember sleeping on the boat and fishing. They had a great time.

Tyler......

2009-04-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

So just the other day, Tyler and I were talking about different things and he tells me so metter of fact that he is, "a medium-sized adult - not a kid!" I just started laughing and couldn't beleive what he had said!

A week or so ago we were talking about riding the bus and that everyday after school he would not just automatically think that he and Nathan were going to play with the neighbor boy everyday after school - since they would get off the bus together, so Tyler said without a pause, "Well mom, why don't you get me a cell phone and I'll call you from the bus and find out if that day we could play or not." I was stunned that he thought that it was completely NORMAL for a 7 year to have a cell phone!

And finally, last week for cubscouts they went to a museum. I was not able to go, so when I picked him up I was talking to him about what was cool that he saw and learned. It went on for a while and then sorted ended. Then all the sudden he says, "Yeah - there was this thing called a typewriter - it was pretty cool, I even got to type my name on it." As I'm laughing I realize that I too and getting old and things that I used as a child are in a museum!

Oh, it is always good to have a good laugh.

Spring Break

2009-04-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great spring break. We stayed close to home, but did a few fun things everyday. It puts a damper in your spirits when it SNOWS during spring break, but oh well we still managed to find lots to do. Billy was back in school, so we really couldn't go too far! We hit the library, Jump and Bouce, Baskin Robbins and Cabelas. It is so funny how the boys still love going to CABELAS!

We went to Triple Play with our friends from Montana the Richardsons. It was so fun to see and play with them.

Tyler and Gabe enjoying the wave pool.

I was suprised how well Nathan did - considering he had just had his surgery barely a week before. He mainly wanted to hang out in the hot tube, but hey thats where I wanted to be also. Grandpa Hinckley made him some plugs for his ears so we didn't have to worry about the water.

Ryan had so much fun splashing, running all over the place and putting his mouth over all the bubbly fountains. I knew that I would not be able to go by myself, ( Billy was in Utah for his Grandpa's funeral), so my mom came and helped which was a lifesaver. Thanks so much mom for all your help that night. I truly appreicate it.

Nathan's big surgery

2009-04-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

After months of constant and nasty ear infections we went to the ENT and found out that it was not his ears - but his tonsils and adnoids that were causing "ALL" the problems. The Dr. even said that most likely in 6 months his speech will even improve. Nathan was fantastic through it all. He was not even that nervous going into surgery. In fact, he took the nurses hand and walked back all by himself.

The surgery went well and was over before I new it. Walking into the room to see him after surgery was difficult for me. Instantly the tears flowed when I saw my "baby" laying there all druged up and knowing that he was in pain and hurting. He was so paitent, and for him that does not come naturally. That night we all were thinking "wow" he is doing so well - up wrestling with Tyler and Ryan. The next day - was much different, but as long as we stayed on top of the medicine, he did very well.

I had stocked up on all the icecream and popsicles in advance and quickly found that he did not want any of it. He wanted mashed potatos and gravy, hot chocolate, soup and anything else that was warm.

Ryan took full advantage of the "maid" service that Nathan was receiving. He thought all he had to do was sit on the couch and eat whatever he wanted. Ryan was Nathan's little buddy watching TV and eating all the treats. Ryan ate all the icecream and popsicles that Nathan should have!

It was a good recovery and took a good week before he really felt comfortable eating different foods. I am grateful that he got the "full-meal deal", having his adnoids and tonsils out, and tubes put back into his ears. Hopefully we will see improvements in the next few months.

I am proud of you Nathan fori being such a good sports about your surgery and being patient with mom and dad while we tried to help you recover. I love you buddy.

Tyler's 7th Birthday

2009-04-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive that my baby has turned 7 years old. He is such a great kid and so fun to be around. For his birthday we went bowling at Players and Spectators for an afternoon of fun, cake and icecream. His cake was a snowboarder on the mountains. He invited Roka, Matthew and Payden.

Pinewood Derby

2009-04-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Tyler is in cub scout and is a Tiger. He loves it. Ever since he was super litte, he also wanted to do it , becuase Billy has always worked with the Young Men and Boy Scouts. So when they announced at the beginning of school that 1st graders could be involved with cub scouts - he was all over it. It has been really good for him to have something fun to look forward each week and an opportunity to do something with just dad! Of course, the biggest and most fun activity was the coveted pinewood derby.

We went out to Great Grandpa Ransoms house to use all his wood cutting machines - after much debate of how the car should be designed. Nathan even got in on the fun and Billy designed Nathan a car also.

After weeks of "no you can not touch that" and "Don't touch that!" (even though it is suppose to be "Tyler's" car :) , melting lead and making a mess all over - it was finally time for the race. Many times Tyler was wondering " what the heck did dad do to my car?" I had told Billy that I didn't care if it took 1st placce, all I wanted it to do was make it down the track and finish!

The very 1st race of the day, Tyler's car set a new track record. I was so grateful - it looked like his car was going to do great! After Tyler's car and everyone else had raced - Tyler took 6th out of 35 cars. Billy had done a fantastic job on placing the weights in the right place and made a good car. We were shocked at how well Tylers "Shock Wave" raced. His car was number #321 and bright yellow. Tyler mainly raced against the older boys - since they had better designed cars. It was a lot of fun and very exciting.

Billy was even more excited when we realized that Tyler and him had done well - but we did not have to spend another Saturday in Districts for the "Race off" to see who had the best car! They only took the top 5 to Districts.

After the official race, they had an open race were family or whoever could race. Nathan had a lot of fun racing his car.

Billy talked with other dads and took some mental notes - so who know maybe next year they will do even better - or do the complete opposite!

Lovin' life on top of the mountain

2009-04-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

We had a really great time at Mt. Spokane and are looking forward to next year when all of us, including Ryan can go.

Ryan at Mt. Spokane

2009-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan found this stick and loved pushing it across the hill as all the skiers and snowboarders would come down and get on the chairlift. He absolutely loved it. We had a lot of fun watching dad, Tyler, Nathan and grandpa on the mountain.

Nathan Snowboarding

2009-04-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

Tyler Snowboarding

2009-04-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding

2009-04-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Tyler and Nathan took up snowboarding this winter. They had a complete blast and did very well. They each got a lesson and picked up quickly and by the end of the weekend, were both going down chair 3 with dad. At first Nathan was a kamikaze, but with time he learned that it was actually a lot easier to snowboard "under control." Tyler did well and was able to ride the chair life ( even chair 3 ) by himself. He loved going on it by himself. Ryan and I were "lodge people" and had a goog time, eating treats and drinking hot cocoa. I just realized that ALL my pictures are blurry from the camera that I used. I am so bummed, but atleast you can see them a little.

I was amazed that they both did so well. Way to go Tyler and Nathan!!

Winter 2009

2009-04-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

When we moved, it was probably the worst timing ever with snow storms, but we caught the one window between storms and made over the passes from Missoula to Spokane. When we arrived Billy told the boys that " we took a wrong turn and ended up in Alaska." Tyler and Nathan totally beleive him for a few minutes, because you could not see anything. Everything was buried in snow.

How life changes!

2009-04-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well since the last time that I posted - our life has changed DRASTICALLY. We have moved from Missoula back to Spokane, so that Billy could attend EWU and finish out his BA degree in Business. I have been holding off of adding new posts, because I wanted to have all my posts in order. Well, I have decided that if I am ever going to get back on track I figure that I have to start with life now. So I am hoping that in the near future I will have an update blog :) So watch for more to come.

"I just could not breathe!"

2008-09-18T10:34:00.001-07:00

Tyler was quite a little dare devil this year at Silverwood - all he could talk about was wanting to ride the Panic Plunge. The pictures are great of his face right after the "drop". I asked him if he was scared and he said, "No - I just could not breathe!" I am proud of you Tyler for trying it out.

Bumper boats

2008-09-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

SILVERWOOD

2008-09-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

It would not be summer without our annual trip to Silverwood. It is so much fun and the boys look forward to it each year. This year both Tyler and Nathan rode the rollercoasters. Tyler did the panic plunge - which in his words, "was not scary - I just could not breathe! :) I was suprised at how much Nathan absolutely loved going on all the rollercoasters. Billy was in heaven just knowing that both Tyler and Nathan LOVE rollercoasters. We never even made it to the water park - we stayed in the amusement park the WHOLE day from open to close. It was a great day.

Missing tooth

2008-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the tooth fairy is now familiar with our house. On Saturday June 21, 2008 Tyler lost his 1st tooth. It was very exciting. We were camping and glad that we did not loose it in the dirt. The tooth fairy gave him 4 quarters and a one dollar bill. He now wants to save all his teeth and give them to the tooth fairy all at once - so he can get more money at one time :)

It's official Tyler has Graduated from Kindergarten

2008-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Doesn't he look so cute!!

Tyler's last day of Kindergarten

2008-09-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Tyler had a fabulous year at Hellgate Elementary School. His teacher was Mrs. O'Conner and she was a perfect fit for Tyler. She helped him learn to read, do math and enjoy going to school. He made some wonderful friends in his class. Tyler alway said that Mrs. O was teaching them "1st grade stuff." He loved going to school.

Nathan's last day of school

2008-09-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Nathan attended preschool at 1st Luthern Church and his teacher was Mrs. Stiff. He absolutley loved going to school and especially being the "super star". That was the day that he would bring treats/snack, show and tell and be the most important "line leader."

Learning the HARD way!

2008-09-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well Ryan really learned his lesson on how to properly go down stairs. His poor face took a beating at the expense of learning. We did not realize that the slider door was left open. So much for cute 1 year old pictures - they will have to be post-poned.

It's my Birthday !

2008-05-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned 1 and had a wonderful birthday. Natalie and mom and dad made the drive over to come celebrate with us. He was not bashful about getting into his cake - he was reaching for it before we even sung "Happy Birthday" I can't believe that 1 year has already come and gone - I quess time flies when you are having fun!

Tyler - after school thoughts

2008-04-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday, April 25th, after school Tyler told me that he had told some of his friends that he now wore size 7 pants. I asked him, if they were impressed. Quickly he said, "No, not really. And before I could ask him another question, he blurted out, "NOT EVEN A BIT!" Both Billy and I laughed so hard. It was truly a comment that I will never forget!!

Circus

2008-04-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed going to the Circus Friday night. It was so fun to watch the boys in awe. Starring at the acrobats and trying to figure out how they were doning everything. They were ablt to ride the elephant - which was pretty exciting. Also that the top of the list for what they like best was - getting "cotton candy"

Fishing Season is FINALLY here!!!

2008-04-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally made it out fishing this past Saturday and the boys loved it. The river was running very fast, so pretty much we just threw the line in and reeled it back up. It was nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air and the warm weather. Nathan is excited to learn more about fishing and Tyler is convinced he knows the most about fishing and willing to teach anyone who does not know how. Ryan thought that looking at the river was the most exciting.

Easter Sunday 2008

2008-04-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here we are on Easter Sunday all ready to go to church. Tyler is 6, Nathan 4 and Ryan is 10 months. We stayed the following week - since it was Tyler's Spring Break and HAD to hit all our favorite "Hot Spots", like Krispy Kremes, Jump and Bounce, Riverfront park, Chuck E. Cheese, YMCA for swimming and many others.