Easter Pictures

A New Addition to the Twilight Saga......

This morning when I went to open my email, this is what greeted me on yahoo news. I am always skepitcal about Stephenie Meyer's books, but end up loving them. Make sure you read how to download your free copy!

Stephenie Meyer's New 'Twilight' Book Introduces a Surprising New Heroine

by Joseph Brannigan Lynch · March 30, 2010

Well before "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" hits theaters on June 30, "Twilight" fans will be treated to a new glimpse into author Stephenie Meyer's vampire universe.

On June 5, the 36-year-old multimillionaire author will release "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner," a novella that takes place concurrently with the events in the third "Twilight" book, "Eclipse." Only this time, the bloody tale of revenge and romance will be told from the perspective of Bree, a "newborn" vampire recruited by antagonist Victoria (to be played by Bryce Dallas Howardin the upcoming film) to kill human heroine Bella Swan (played, of course, byKristen Stewart).

If fans are confounded by the news that a minor character from the series is the star of the first "Twilight" book in two years, they're not the only ones. "It's a surprise...I never intended to publish this story as a stand-alone book," Meyer says on her website. "I began this story a long time ago-before Twilight was even released. Back then I was just editing Eclipse, and in the thick of my vampire world.... I started writing from Bree's perspective about those final days, and what it was like to be a newborn."

The short story was originally slated for the upcoming tome The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide, but when Meyer's publisher informed her it was far too lengthy for inclusion, they decided to release it as a separate book instead.

Anyone skeptical that the wildly successful vampire-genre author is just trying to bleed her fans for more money can rest easy-starting June 7 at noon and until July 5, the entire story will be available at www.breetanner.com for free. "You all have bought a ton of my books," Meyer noted on her site. "I wanted to give you this story as a gift."

The book will also be released in hardcover by Little, Brown on June 5. One dollar from the first 1.5 million copies sold in the U.S. will go to will go to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to help ease crises like those in Chile and Haiti.

A trip to Moab

We made a short trip to The Arches National Park in Moab. Corey and I have lived in Utah for years and have never been. I went once as a little kid, but did not see any of the arches. So Corey and I were excited to go to Moab finally. I had planned out all of the hikes and things we wanted to do and see that weekend.

We were about 30 miles away and stopped for food and a bathroom break. Annisten started throwing up all over the gas station. I did not even know she was sick. She was telling me that she was hungry and then I look down. Annisten was throwing up all over her and me.  I felt bad for the gas station people who had to clean up the mess, but glad that it was not in our car.

After that she was fine. Annisten ate pizza and went swimming with us. Then at bed time she got sick again. It was a long night for Corey and I. Both the kids were throwing up all night. We made so many runs for clean towels and blankets. Oh and our room smelled so bad; Corey had to open the hotel window.

By morning we were exhausted and not sure what to do about our trip. We drove all the way and without seeing anything would be such a waste. So Corey and I decided to take the scenic drive through the park. The kids seemed better. We tried one and only hike, the Delicate Arch. Corey and I carried the kids a lot on the hike and were not sure if we had made the right choice. Delicate Arch was breath taking and worth the struggle to get to it (It was really a short hike, but the kids were not at their best on the way up.) At the arch, our family ate lunch and just stared at the beautiful landscape.

Our weekend trip was cut short to a one night. That is just the way it goes some times. Even though the kids were sick, we still enjoyed the short time that we were there as a family and would like to go back. Arches National Park is so cool and there is so much to do there. Hopefully next time every one will be in good health.

A Visit from the Leprechaun

The night before St. Patrick's Day, the kids and I made traps in hopes of catching a leprechaun. Once again the little man out-smarted us. He turned the M & M's we left for him in the trap green. Our other trap he only left the wrappers of the gold candy. The leprechaun turned our milk green and left a messy train of green foot prints. There were green and shinny things strung all around his path too. What a mess!

Peyton was disappointed at not catching the leprechaun, but excited about all of the mess. We had to look at the traps and talk about how to make better ones for next year. Annisten was really mad. All day (and all week actually) she talked about the mean crazy guy and that he turned her milk green. Annisten told me over and over that she did not like that guy one bit! She even told me with a really mad face "I hate that guy!"  I don't think I have ever heard her say hate before.

Our day started with green food and ended with green food. I think the green eggs were the worst. Its not that they tasted bad, but it is hard to get past the look of the eggs. The kids loved it though.

No More Braces!!!!!

Look at those perfect teeth! Corey is so thrilled to get rid of his braces. Loot at the hot guy with a great smile!

New Reed Family Favorite

Cinnamon apple waffles topped with vanilla ice cream and syrup- need I say more!!!!!!

Breakfast lunch or dinner, everyone is loving it!

What is your family favorite?

Strange spring weather...

Spring is almost here and with it comes the unexpected weather. Yesterday was a perfect example. The kids played in the sunshine until about noon. By the time we finished lunch, the wind picked up and the rain came. A little after dinner we had a dusting of snow. Then this morning, there is a beautiful winter wonderland. We have about 7 inches out there and the snow is still coming. Looks like snowman building is in the forecast for today.

The move...

Peyton and Annisten were sharing a teeny tiny room upstairs. At one time it was the nursery. Peyton has refused to go downstairs because of the monsters living down there. Well one day he said, "I want my room downstairs." Corey and I were shocked. Peyton said the wall had to be red and his name on the wall as well. Sold on the idea, Corey and I got to work that night. We were afraid that he might change his mind.

The red was probably the hardest paint to deal with. I'm not sure if it was the brand or the color, but it was drippey and needed several coats of paint. I had a major mess downstairs and there still needs to be some serious touch ups. It is bright and bold- that is for sure. He loves it though. The first time Peyton saw the bright red, he started dancing around and saying "yes!" Peyton's looks better in person. My camera had a hard time with the coloring of the wall.

We moved Annisten downstairs as well. This is a big deal to her, because she now has a big girl bed. She calls it her princess room. At first she was not happy with me because I put up blue tape so I could paint the wall. She ripped it off three times and I ended up putting a child lock on the door. Annisten said "No blue. Anni's wall, not a boy wall!" Once the purple was painted and the blue tape gone, she was happy.

The kids love their new room. There is still a few questions about monsters. So every night before bed we do a check. Then I remind them that monsters are afraid of Daisy. I feel a little strange myself with them sleeping downstairs. They seem so far away, but I would not tell them that. Its nice that they have more space and all of their things in one room. The room is a little crazy with the two different colors, but at the same time its a fun space for them.

A Fun Trip With The Family

First stop... Las Vegas

Last week our family went on a fun trip with my parents and my uncle and aunt. My parents flew in from Missouri and then drove with us to Las Vegas. My uncle and aunt flew in from Alaska to meet us. We saw some of the Las Vegas sites. We watched a parade with all the race car rigs. They came down the main strip of Vegas honking their horns and waving. The kids loved it! They even had an Oatmeal pie thrown at them. What was that about I don't know; maybe they forgot the candy? ! @?

We did a little bit of walking on the strip. The M&M store was a big hit. Its one of our favorite candies. Corey told the kids that they could get some M&Ms. Annisten pulled the lever and never let go. Needless to say... I have never spent $30 on M&M and hope that it is the last time!

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is pretty amazing. Just think, the dam was constructed in early 1930's; now that is crazy! Looking over the edge just makes the butterflies circle in my stomach. There is enough concrete (3.25 million cubic yards) in the Hoover Dam to circle around the earth's equator. It leaks 200,000 gallons of water every day- and that is normal?! The number one question that our tour guide has been asked is "Where did Chevy Chase leave his gum on the Hoover Dam?" Ha Ha  

The large bridge archway in construction is the new road. Could you imagine being the one to help build the thing?  Just the idea of driving over it in a car (once its completed of coarse) gives me the willies. 

Next stop, the Grand Canyon.

Going to the west side of the Grand Canyon was the highlight of the trip (besides being with family). Yeah I have heard that the Grand Canyon is amazing, but you will never really appreciated or understand its beauty unless you go to see it for yourself. The sight is a beautifully breath taking! My Dad took most of the pictures, but here is a few from our camera.

The Skywalk

The Skywalk at Eagle Point is 4,000 feet above the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon! It is a clear walkway that is jutting off the edge of the canyon. Once on it we could see the bottom of the canyon through the clear glass. It is actually not that think of material either. Supposedly it can hold the weight of 71 Boeing 747 airplanes, withstand 100 mile hour winds, and an 8.0 earthquake. So I guess the thing is safe. Man the crazy things people do for a rush and a great view! Hey I have to admit I was a bit timid to step out on that walkway. I know someone in the group who was more than timid, but I won't mention any names.

I pulled these pics from the internet. You are not allowed to take your camera out there on the skywalk.

Here is a site if you want to see for yourself what it is like out there (pics and video clip).

http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/skywalk.html - 

We had a great time and wished the weather was a little bit better for some hiking. Most of the fam ended up buying sweatshirts at the gift shop because of the cool weather. A little advise... eat before coming or purchase a meal ticket. Things are a little confusing and slow at the gift shop. Oh and make sure you check your receipt.!!! They tend to under charge you if your lucky (like my aunt) or if your Corey double charge you! 

All and all a great trip and no major disasters, which is rare on a family trip! :)