MeInHaRt FaMiLy

Bella's Bday

2011-09-26T14:21:00.005-05:00

I am not a fan of stuffed animals but Build A Bear RoCKs!!!!!!
Bella had a blast. And I think the rest of us did too!

**notice the boys "summer" hair do's**

Birthday festivities. Even Chance was ready to PaRTy!!!!!

Grandma & Grandpa Visit

2011-03-29T23:10:00.029-05:00

We had a super fun visit with Gma and Gpa. Beach, bowling, cupcakes, board games, birthdays, walking, diet pepsi, bbq, and lots of other things were done/consumed during the visit.

USS Lexington

Port Aransas

Carter's Birthday

Grandma's Birthday

Second Chance

2010-07-04T19:12:00.006-05:00

Our dog Chance has changed so much since we got him we thought we'd share some pictures. He was very sick last month with parvovirus and had to have an iv with fluids and antibiotics. He didn't eat or drink for 6 days. It was very sad but thankfully he's all better. He was immunized for the virus but I guess it didn't work!

Dallin's Baptism

2010-06-27T14:13:00.005-05:00

Dallin was baptized on April 24. We were so glad that Grandma and Grandpa Norris could share this special day with us. Aunt Sarah made sure he looked sharp for the family photos by giving him a new outfit. Some neighborhood friends and Dallin's school teacher were able to attend. Chandler and I played a piano/viola duet of I am a Child of God. Chandler did a great job. Afterwards we went to a pizza place called Big Lou's Pizza. We ordered the biggest pizza they have-42"! It was yummy :)

Chance

2010-02-16T09:22:00.005-06:00

We wanted to share some pictures of our new puppy Chance.

HaLLowEEn

2009-12-13T21:41:00.005-06:00

Wesley Turned 6!

2009-10-06T23:10:00.007-05:00

Wesley at his finest...love finding these kind of pictures on the camera:)

Chandler mini golfing (love the face)

Dallin mini golfing

The birthday boy and Carter

Wesley's soccer cake

Wesley making a "normal" face...unbelievable!

Wes and his teacher. His classmates were singing to him. His birthday treats were green rice krispy treats on a stick.

Texas Pride Barbecue

2009-09-02T00:21:00.004-05:00

Last Friday our great neighbors invited us to join them for dinner at Texas Pride Barbecue. It was a fun experience with outdoor eating on picnic tables, a live band and a big dance floor. Dallin and Wesley had lots of fun showing off their dance moves and Bella roped her Daddy into 3 dances. Chandler and Carter had fun playing pool.

Haircut

2009-07-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

Bella got a haircut...

Marshmallow Covered Wagons

2009-07-21T22:22:00.005-05:00

Let's start with a cute picture of Bella! She's getting a haircut tomorrow so stay tuned for more cute pics...

I know this next pic is hard to see. Wesley has been asking to make a countdown to his upcoming birthday...in Oct! Only 72 days left!

For FHE we talked about pioneers. Our craft/treat was marshmallow covered wagons. (Thanks Mom!)

Wicked/Swim Team/Bella's Bday

2009-07-15T09:38:00.007-05:00

Wicked- We were able to see Wicked last month...so good!

Swim Team- The boys are finishing up another year on our neighborhood swim team. This was Wesley's and Dallin's first year and they each were awarded the ribbon for most improved in their age group. Carter received the high point trophy for his age group. Chandler earned a silver and bronze medal from Divisionals.

Bella's bday- Bella turned 2 this month...hard to believe.

Thankful

2009-02-23T09:38:00.004-06:00

This is what happened when a drunk driver skimmed the side of our car...

After this she proceeded to PLOW into the car next to us. Thankfully no one was injured. A couple had seen her recklessly driving a few miles back and were following her while on the phone with the police until they could intervene. Which was about a minute after the accident. We are just so thankful all are okay.

Random

2009-01-04T23:59:00.011-06:00

Hanging out with friends at Sea World

Bella stealing a sippy cup

Hot and sweaty boys after playing at the park!

Bella's 1st haircut

Informal family picture (gotta love my red socks?!)

Ouch!

ThEn & NoW

2008-12-27T18:52:00.005-06:00

Then(8months)...

Now(18months)...

**for the life of me i couldn't get her to smile?!**

Viola

2008-12-21T21:29:00.004-06:00

This post is dedicated to the one and only Chan Man. He started playing the viola in 5th grade and decided to keep up with it in middle school. This past week he had his first strings concert...it was great! Chandler definitely has talent in the music department. Enjoy the video...

"The Look"

2008-12-15T22:25:00.003-06:00

I caught Bella giving one of her famous looks...

Baby Swing

2008-12-07T21:47:00.006-06:00

We put away the baby swing long ago but Bella rediscovered it in the garage and started sitting in it and swinging herself. She gets right up into it, turns it on, holds onto the side bars and swings away! We ended up bringing it back in the house much to her excitement. The other day I was on the computer and when I turned around this is what I saw. I've never seen her lay in it tummy down...I think she was super tired. I took a few pics before transferring her to her crib for a much needed nap!

Arrow of Light

2008-12-04T13:40:00.006-06:00

Chandler has been an 11 yr old Scout for a few months now but it took awhile for his actual crossing over ceremony to happen (I guess when your Dad is the Cubmaster that can happen!) He was awarded the Arrow of Light which is the only award earned in Cub Scouts that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. It was a great night!

Face painting

2008-11-18T07:46:00.007-06:00

One of the bonuses to living in San Antonio is having Sea World and Six Flags at our doorstep (well almost!) This year we purchased season passes to Sea World and last weekend we enjoyed a pleasantly cool Saturday afternoon there. Of course the kiddos always want food, souvenirs, and anything else that has a price tag on it! They always stop in amazement and watch a little boy or girl get their face painted...and of course want to be next in line. Well last Saturday I had an idea...why not try to paint the boys faces myself. They were so excited at this prospect. So we bought some face paint, watched a tutorial on youtube, and away we went. Although my artistic ability is in it's infancy the kids thought it was the best...thanks boys! I only had time to paint Wesley's and Dallin's face and Wesley washed his off before I could get a picture of it so you'll just have to envision Wesley with a Cheetah face!

Bella with ponytails

2008-11-14T09:10:00.005-06:00

I just had to put Bella's hair in ponytails! She barely has enought hair but we made it work!

Halloween

2008-11-14T08:24:00.005-06:00

My pictures are all too dark! The kiddos had a blast trick or treating through the neighborhood. Everyone thought Bella was adorable...I have to agree with them! We had fun making her costume. I made the tutu and Chris made her tail and ears...which you can't really see in the pics but he did a great job. Chandler was a Star Wars character, Carter was an Air Force pilot, Dallin and Wesley were ninjas and Bella was a black cat.

Bella after trick or treating...it's the only pic that really shows her cute ears! Notice her face makeup is a mess!

Playing With the Hose 101

2008-09-11T13:45:00.014-05:00

While your Mom is watering the flowers put on your cutest face and chances are she'll let you play with the hose!

Getting a drink from the hose is a must. Make sure your mouth is open really wide!

If that doesn't work try putting the hose on the ground.

If you don't want the water to get in your eyes...close them.

Just in case the photos aren't enough instruction please watch the video below.

Christian & Stephanie Nielson

2008-09-07T22:22:00.002-05:00

Who are Christian & Stephanie Nielson? Well to be honest with you I have never met them. I've only know about them for a little over a week now. I was looking for a new background for my blog and happened upon their story. They are a young LDS couple with 4 little kiddos who preside in Arizona. Last month Christian and Stephanie were in a private plane crash which left them in critical condition. Christian received burns to 30% of his body and Stephanie 80%. Stephanie has a blog, which I checked out and I think she is a wife/mother/daughter of God who truly finds joy in her journey here on earth. She has inspired me to try a little harder to enjoy the simple things of life, especially when it comes to my children. I just wanted to share their story with you... Nie Recovery

Utah Slideshow

2008-09-02T07:38:00.002-05:00

Corn!

2008-07-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

I have to make this fast since it's pretty late and the kiddos and I are leaving bright and early for our trip to Utah. We roasted some corn in the oven to go along with our delicious dinner and the kids not only enoyed eating it but making hats out of the husks...see below!

Roller Skating & Day Camp

2008-07-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

This past week Chandler and Carter attended Cub Scout Day Camp. They had lots of fun handling a bow and arrow, shooting a bb gun, swimming, fishing,... It was neat that they could go together and I hope they hold that as a special memory from their childhood. By the last day they were pretty worn out and ready to just plain veg!

With the oldest two at Day Camp we couldn't just sit at home and think about all the fun they were having outside in the heat and humidity !? So we decided to go roller skating and it sure brought back lots of fun memories. I remember doing the Hokey Pokey and Red Light, Green Light at Roller King in California. Dallin and Wesley had a great time and definitely want to go back. Bella was completely entertained by all the lights, kids, music,... She's quite the little dancer!

Bella Turns 1!

2008-07-06T21:52:00.000-05:00

Bella's birthday party was last night. Usually Chris decorates the birthday cake but with his crazy schedule this past week the task fell into my hands. Now Chris is much more patient than I and my philosophy is as long as it tastes good the appearance isn't of utmost importance. Hence, his cakes are worthy of being displayed in a bakery window and mine...well you know who made it. But I had so much fun making a cake with pink and purple frosting and flowers and butterflies. I love my boys but it's so much fun having a girl! Bella has wrapped herself around all of our hearts and consequently gets her way almost all of the time. We love you Bella.

It's Been a Long Time!

2008-07-05T13:25:00.000-05:00

I could list all my excuses for not blogging in over a month but I'm not going to! I'll just fill you in on what we've been doing.

Chandler had 5th grade promotion and received the President's Award for Education Excellence. The requirements were a 90% or better grade point average for all of 4th grade and the first quarter of 5th and a commended performance on the math or science Texas Assessment Test. Hopefully he'll keep up the momentum!

Chris enjoyed some R&R before he got slammed with 82 hours in the first 5 days of residency. The highlight of his week was performing his first C-section.

Carter and Chandler enjoyed their second year on our neighborhood swim team. They did great and have learned so much...confidence in the water being a big one. They could win me in a swim competition any day! Carter has proved to be quite fast and won all of his races.

Dallin and Wesley are having fun sleeping in and hanging out at the pool....they're working on some nice tans!

Bella turned 1 yesterday...and it's truly gone by way to fast! Chris had the "privilege" of being on call for the 4th so her celebration will be later today. We did eat dinner with Chris at the hospital and then watched the firework show on base. Bella loved the fireworks and was laughing and pointing at them.

Enjoy the pics below!

Dr. Chris Meinhart

2008-05-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

It's official...Chris now holds the title of MD. He has worked so very hard and we thank him for that. It amazes me that with a wife (who never makes demands!) and five children, Chris was not only able to survive medical school but thrive in medical school...Heavenly Father has truly blessed us.

The Meinhart Family Over the Years...

2008-05-15T00:39:00.001-05:00

We thought we'd share some pics of our family over the last decade. Little did Chris and I know when our paths crossed 12 years ago that the outcome would be a marriage...5 children (especially since Chris was planning on having 1 child!)...living in 5 different states (especially since Tricia envisioned buying a house and growing old in it)...medical school...and lots and lots of fun times. There's never a dull moment at the Meinhart home and we couldn't imagine it any other way. Aren't families great!?

Surgery/Swimming

2008-05-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

FYI-I wrote this blog on Saturday, but our computer was having some issues...hence the late posting!

Surgery-Chandler had an appt with an ENT doc on Monday who told us he'd need a second set of tubes for his ears and his adenoids removed. When I let the doc know we'd be flying next week he worked his magic and got Chandler scheduled for surgery ASAP. To make a long story short Chandler had surgery yesterday...all went well...and he's home recovering.

Swimming-In Texas it's very common for neighborhoods to have community pools. Thankfully our neighborhood has one...we didn't realize how important this was until we experienced "Texas heat." It's the only outside thing the kiddos do in the summer. Well today was the first of many, many trips to the pool for summer '08. It was Bella's first swimming experience and it didn't go so well. She didn't want anything to do with the water and held onto me for dear life. Thankfully she was content hanging out in her stroller watching all the kids swim. Enjoy the pics!

Bella

2008-04-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

We put together a slide show of Bella's first 9 months on earth. We can't believe how much she's grown. Our family has been so blessed by her arrival. She has brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

FIESTA TIME!!!!!!!

2008-04-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

Here in San Antonio they have a huge celebration each year called Fiesta. The kids even get a day off from school for the Battle of Flowers Parade. I've tried to put my finger on what exactly is being celebrated. Natives say it's an excuse to party for 10 days straight! In my quest to get to the whole truth and nothing but the truth this is what I figured out. In 1891 the wife of a congressman conceived the idea to have a Battle of Flowers parade in memory of the fallen heroes at the Alamo and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto where Texas had gained its independence from Mexico. During the first parade there was an actual "flower battle" with half of the fresh-flower covered carriages, floats, and bicycles going in one direction and the other half going in the opposite direction, while throwing flowers at each other. By 1895 the parade had turned into a week long celebration which is now called Fiesta. They still have the Battle of Flowers Parade, but it's just like any other parade...no more "flower battles." The schools have Fiesta parties each year...they do this instead of Valentine's parties. Chris, Wesley, Bella, and I were able to join in the fun and thought we'd share some of the pictures.

Chandler and Wesley enjoying some food at the 5th grade Fiesta party.

Don't you love Chris' hat?

Dallin with his class...he's in the front row.

The 4th graders design floats and parade around the school.
The boy in red is our neighbor Ben.

Bella enjoyed watching all the kids.

Pinewood Derby

2008-04-24T07:58:00.001-05:00

Wednesday night was the famous Pinewood Derby and boy was it exciting! Being the cubmaster, Chris organized the event which ran quite smoothly minus some technical difficulty. I completely enjoyed myself...my responsibilities were to arrive around 7pm with the kids in tow, sit down, and enjoy the derby. I did help with clean-up! This was Chandler's last derby and Carter's first...they both had a fun night. Chris said it was a little stressful making two cars...I mean "helping" make two cars. Chandler named his car the Yellow Jacket and Carter's was the Arrow of Light.

Carter placed 2nd among the Wolves

Chandler placed 3rd among the Webelos

We're Goin' to the Zoo

2008-04-21T12:33:00.000-05:00

On Friday Dallin had a field trip to the San Antonio Zoo. Bella, Wesley, and I tagged along. We had lots of fun and were thankful for the nice weather. I packed Bella in the Kelty pack courtesy of Bryon and Michelle (thanks!) and she enjoyed a great view of the animals. Wesley wore his Braun Station tshirt along with all the Kinders...he fit right in.

Dallin took this pic of an elephant bird's egg

Don't they look like twins?

Here I Go...

2008-04-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

After much thought I've decided to give this bloggin' thing a try. We've had a busy week so please bear with me on this lengthy entry. Dallin celebrated his 6th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's surrounded by his family. We don't need to invite friends...our family alone makes a party!

Dallin and Wesley playing a mean game of air hockey.

Chris, Chandler, and Carter playing, Deal, or No Deal.

Bella in the drivers seat.

Chandler is playing baseball for Northwest Little League. After a rough beginning, which Grandma can attest to, he is really taking a liking to it. In his last game they were down by 4 runs and it was the bottom of the last inning. Chandler got up to bat with two of his teammates on bases. He got a hit and was able to bring both runners home! By the end of the inning they had won the game 7-6! Chandler also make a great steal from 1st to 2nd, sliding and all. Go Marlins!

Here's a little video of Chandler at bat...way to shake it off!

Carter and Dallin are playing soccer for the YMCA. Carter's team is the Cougars and Dallin's team is the Grape Apes. Carter's all about winning and Dallin's still trying to figure out the game! Goalie was Carter's position during the 2nd half of his game and he made an amazing block! The other team got a penalty kick and as the ball headed toward the goal Carter dove, stretching out his body to block the ball...and it worked!

In all our excitement no pic was taken, but this is what it looked like.

Carter's soccer game...can you spot him? He's wearing a maroon jersey.

Dallin taking it all in!

That's all folks!