The Daily Starr

Budapest

2009-09-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

So we have to do some catching up from the last little while. May the existence of this quote serve as slight evidence that we will begin to update the worl again with our happenings. I thought I would include some images from Budapest where we went back in May for about 10 days. As most know, Lauren served her mission in Budapest and some other roundabout towns and I will recap a few things we saw while out there with a few photos: this one above shows us at the castle in a central park type of spot in downtown Budapest.

Just a start, but more to come...

If anyone's out there!

2009-09-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was going to wait a complete year in-between my last post and this one, but decided 3 weeks early is close enough. What can I say, I'm an over-achiever when it comes to blogging. I'll try and do a brief catch up of what we've been up to over the last little while, but for now here's a few pictures of a relaxing night we spent in our backyard a few nights ago.

Oh, and one more thing...Go Cougars!

GET EXCITED!!!

2008-10-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Alright, I broke down and did a tag. Thanks Katie. WARNING: If you continue to actually read this post, you may begin to feel severely tired, nauseated, and the urgent need to take a nap after the boredom you just put yourself through.

8's

8 TV shows I love to watch

1. The Office.
2. Seinfeld
That's about it besides BYU and Jazz games and the news sometimes (but I don't think those really count). I've never been a big TV person.

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Mimi's Cafe
2. Sundance Foundry Grill (a rare occasion)
3-4 Pretty much any place with Americanized Mexican food (Garcia's, Loco Lizard, Barbacoa, Cafe Rio, Rubio's, Bajio Fresh, Manuel's, I could keep going)
5. Magleby's Fresh
6. Red Robin
7. Art City Trolley
8. Winger's

Can you tell I like to go out to eat?

8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Played soccer
2. Watched my neighbors' kids
3. Took Lydia to the park
4. Made home-made grape juice
5. Broke our vacuum (Brief explanation: I think I was watching what Lydia was doing while I was vacuuming more than I was watching WHAT I was vacuuming up. After I could smell it burning and noticed it wasn't doing anything anymore, I stopped but couldn't figure out the problem. When Shane came home, he found a sleeping mask caught in it. Whoops!)
6. Went to my brother's football game
7. Sold our cinnamon roasted almonds
8. Went to the Jazz game

8 Things I'm looking forward to

1. All of Lydia's firsts and new developments (I never thought these little things would be so fun and exciting).
2. The BYU-Utah game...I'll apologize to you Ute fans ahead of time for the outcome.
3. Going on a trip with Shane.
4. Every and any time I get the chance to play soccer.
5. Halloween and dressing Lydia up.
6. Skiing this winter.
7. Our little business getting all the kinks out.
8. The Utah Jazz season.

8 Things I love about THIS fall:

1. How the warm weather stayed around pretty long.
2. Going to football games (BYU and my brothers')
3. Having so many parks close by our house and having Lydia LOVE to go there and be around kids.
4. Going to the zoo when its not quite so hot.
5. Doing anything outside.
6. Walking down the street with Lydia to look at the horses, sheep, goats, lamas, and hopefully seeing some dogs along the way (she loves them the most and tries to immitate their bark...I love it!)
7. Getting excited for the upcoming holidays and seeing family and friends more than usual).
8. My birthday (of course) and General Conference.

8 Things on my wish list:

1. To have my family be healthy and safe and I wouldn't worry so much about Lydia.
2. To be able to go back and visit Hungary and all the people I love there before I forget Hungarian.
3. To challenge and better myself more in so many ways.
4. To have the priveledge of having many more children.
5. I had my very own horse that was very loyal to me that I could gallop on every day.
6. That we would just get all our emergency preparation stuff taken care of.
7. That my grandma will get better.
8. That Shane and I will be able to grow old together and live long lives.
(Gosh, this last list almost started sounding like part of some of my prayers...ha ha, just kidding).

8 People I tag:

Shannon, Morgan, Kim, Catherine, Mary, Melissa, Jesika H., Jessica M.

To those of you who have seen Billy Madisson, "You are now all dumber having read this post."

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS--PART 2

2008-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME!
Before Shane started his new job we were able to take advantage of the short break and plan a couple of quick trips. CA was amazing, as always, and the perfect vacation with Lydia. Shane's grandma has a beautiful house in Corona Del Mar that is literally a couple of minutes walking- distance away from the beach. Just since we've been married, we've probably stayed there five or six times. Come to think of it, no wonder why I suddenly fell in love with Shane on that very vacation just over three years ago. Too bad every guy doesn't have a place like this he can take a girl he is dating to really "seal the deal!" Ha ha, just kidding, but it really was where we first said "I love you" to each other (I know you've been dying to know that juicy little detail). Alright, on with the pictures...

We flew into San Diego and spent most the day at Sea Port Village. We walked along the boardwalk , ate at a little Mexican place, walked around the little shops, and then swam and hung out at the Marriott's outdoor swimming pool (I don't think they minded). After a couple of hours we headed to Shane's grandma's and were able to visit our friend, Alyson, on the way.

After a couple of hours we drove to La Jolla, got some dinner and walked out on a pier and saw a bunch of seals. On the way to Shane's grandma's we were able to visit our friend, Alyson.

We soon learned that going to the beach and going to the beach with a baby are two completely different things. We've never packed so much to just go sit and play at the beach before. When it was just us, all we really needed were our swim suits (a towel was a plus). Depending on how Lydia was doing, we just planned on relaxing at the beach for a good portion of the day so we brought just about everything you could think of (umbrellas, chairs, a cooler of food, changes of clothes, toys, books, and so on). We actually have never loved hanging out at the beach so much and realized what a difference having an umbrella makes. Both days we got there at about 10:30 and stayed until 5: 00 or 6:00. It was so relaxing and fun to just hang out together.

This picture doesn't really show it, but Lydia was in heaven at the beach. She has always loved the water, but the sand and waves brought a new level of excitement to it. She would just sit there and squeal with delight and splash around when we'd take her in.

This was Lydia's favorite store at Fashion Island.

Good thing we had another mini trip planned ahead of us because it was hard enough leaving this place. We flew back to SLC and then drove straight back up to Hebgen Lake! I loved it!

I think we've created quite the little beach bum.

Summer Highlights--Part 2 to be continued...
I'll post some more pictures soon, but I just wanted to document a few things before I forget. I can't believe Lydia is 8 1/2 months old and just this past week she has grown up so much. It seems like just last week she learned how to sit up on her own and today, for the first time, I came in to get her this morning and after one of her naps, and she was completely standing up holding onto the crib slats!

What?! I didn't think this would happen for at least a few more months. She was SO proud of herself! A couple of days ago, I heard her wake up from her nap. I usually go and get her the minute I hear her, but I was in the middle of something (no, not finishing off a daily ice cream Sunday...why would you even assume such a thing?) and I could hear her just happily playing. So after maybe three or four minutes max, I go up to check on her and the minute I open the door the smell hit me. She had somehow learned how to take off her poopy diaper and was sitting there holding it with "you know what" all over her hands, legs, stomach, feet, and worst of all...face. She was grinning ear to ear with it surrounding her mouth! Ugh!!! Let's just say, she had quite the bath that day!

Ha! Looking all sweet and innocent!!!
She doesn't crawl "traditionally" yet, but she can pretty much get anywhere she wants to. She's now obsessed with being on her stomach and does kind of an army crawl all over the place. Her are a few pictures.

Just yesterday she started giving things or people kisses, especially a certain character in her favorite book and some of her stuffed animals. It's so cute! One last thing I was excited about is that today she started clapping for the first time, pretty much out of no where. She would never let me do it with her hands when I would try and just today when I was clapping for her, she suddenly started clapping like crazy and has been doing it all day long now. I know, I'm a classic first time, overly-excited mom, but I can't help it... I love it!

RANDOM SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS--- PART 1

2008-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

FIRST TRIP TO HEBGEN... NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH HEAVEN!

Lydia with my dad and brother, Mitchell, showing off her true mohawk at its finest!

I guess you can say, we kind of let loose at Hebgen. At least it was only 7-up (just kidding, she just loves to hold the can after I drink it).

Lydia LOVED everything about Hebgen (playing in the cold water, eating sand, riding on the boat, jet ski, paddle boat, mule, and 4-wheelers, having millions of kids around her, seeing the wild life, and especially having her dad with her for a week straight!!!) We thought she was a little young to water ski this year, maybe next--at least on two (skis) for heaven's sake!

Yes I am just now, posting a picture from the 4th of July! It was quite the day! We spent the day at the lake and then went over to our cabin a little more off the lake and had a BBQ and our own firework show (which we were lucky enough to not burn down the forest, our cabin, and one of my little cousins who only got skimmed with a firework that shot off in the wrong direction as everyone else dove out of the way). Shane and I had a great view of the mishap from the balcony and couldn't believe everyone came out OK. Let's just say, it may have been our last home firework show (well probably not, but it should be)!

The whole immediate family out at our favorite place to eat in West Yellowstone...Pete's Pizza.

Even though I'm the mom, I basically have no control over what people feed my baby while on vacation. When I try to stop them, they all act like I'm paranoid and tell me that all of "us" were raised on these things (chocolate malts, rootbeer floats, suckers, pie,...anything she won't "choke on.") Why do I have no say in this? My grandpa and mom are the worst!

We were waiting for our pizza when my grandpa came up behind Lydia with quite the disguise. When we go into town, he usually finds something crazy to walk around in the for the rest of the night and tries his hardest to embarrass us.

We had to get a shot of Lydia all suited up for a morning paddle boat ride with Shane and I.

MORE SUMMER FUN

Don't let anyone ever tell your too old for harmless little pranks, such as toilet papering. My youngest brother, Connor, and I went when I was sleeping over at my parents' house (when Shane was out of town) and it felt like I was in jr. high again! Of course the options of who to get didn't exceed our neighborhood in case Lydia woke up, so we just hoped we didn't get caught. After only a few seconds of tossing my first streaming white beauty, I soon learned that the same little brother who moments before had actually questioned if I had ever even BEEN toilet papering before, had to be given quite a few pointers of his own. I hope you took notes Connor! Anyways the next day at church, as I was walking past the Sunday school classroom of the person whose house we jokingly got, I heard him say"OK, which one of you punks toilet papered my house last night?!" to a bunch of young boys. Good thing a new mother holding her wee baby as she walked by looked like the least likely suspect.

While on the subject, I thought I'd post this picture I took of my bathroom cabinet just to show my WONDERFUL mom, so on the ball and talented in so many other ways, what having a generous supply of toilet paper in the house looks like. I guess it was just one of those items she somehow managed to forget at the grocery store one too many times. Don't worry, we almost always had some kind of napkins, usually from fast food places, as a back up. And we even had a "Stranded!"song that we would sing at the top of our lungs from the bathroom until someone heard and came to the rescue! Let's just say, it was a happy day in the Haller home when WE got toilet papered!!!

Come on, show off those new pearly whites!

Alright, so even when her mouth is open you can barely see them in this picture. This was when they had just poked through. but as of a couple months ago, Lydia now as two teeth on the top and two on the bottom...yeah, I'm nearly three months behind. Sorry.

We also sent my brother, Mitchell, off on his mission to Brazil! Lydia sure is going to miss this uncle. I can't believe she'll be 2 1/2 when he comes home.

I think he just told her a pretty funny joke!

"Alright, alright!!! I won't grow up too much while you're gone!"

Lydia and little Maggie (Mary and Nate's).

Luau Birthday Party

2008-07-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

A while ago we went to Las Vegas for Shane's sister, Bryn's surprise birthday party, and their baby, Luke's, blessing. It was so much fun!

Even chubby babies get lost in their sweaters!

2008-06-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Where better can a baby spend their 5th month than NICKELcade!?!

2008-06-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Maybe I was a little more excited than she was to be there. I guess having a baby gives me an excuse to go to all these fun, little kid places all over again! Although Nickelcade feels dirtier than a bowling alley and half the games are always broken, I somehow still like throwing away a couple handfuls of nickels there every now and again.

Since she fell asleep on the way there, Lydia was our ticket holder.

Trust me, the prizes you walk away are well worth the money and time you spend at Nickelcade! Ok so we didn't spend our life savings there, but I couldn't believe that between the two of us, the only sections of prizes we could look at were the mini candies...and what a selection they had!!!

My brother Michael, with his annual summer buzz, in all his glory!

2008-06-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

To say that my family WORSHIPS "the Rio" is an understatement! Especially when it comes to my younger brothers. The youngest two would spend their very last dime to eat there and often do. I had to snap a picture of Michael during "his favorite part" when he's eaten the salad down enough that he can wrap up the juicy rest and devour it. You can probably guess that there isn't much conversation going on between the boys at this place and I hate how they always want to leave RIGHT when they're done! Go Michael!"Shane! the Rio's been like a brother to you!" replied Michael after Shane's comment of "getting kind of sick of the Rio."

Morning cuddle!

2008-06-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Usually when Lydia wakes up in the morning she is smiley and wide-eyed, ready to start the day! Every once in a while, she wakes up just wanting to be held and cuddled, like this one. We love both ways!

Slow down, you're growin' too fast!

2008-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

After just the last couple of months of not posting many pictures, I feel like we are YEARS behind with how much Lydia has grown and changed. As you can see, she is all we think about, talk about, dream about, etc. No I'm just kidding, we still have lives besides just being obsessed with our baby. But now I understand where parents, especially first time parents, are coming from when there baby has become the center of their lives! Shane and I have to remind each other to pay attention during Sunday School and not to look at and play with Lydia so much. We were having lunch one day (OK, at Costco I admit) and these two elderly people, who had been watching us, came over and said, "It's too bad you guys don't love that baby of yours!" I guess we may have been a little too much.

Here are just a bunch of pictures to document how much Lydia has grown! It's been so much fun to see her hit new milestones (rolling over, sitting up on her own, eating rice cereal, and having her first two bottom teeth break through...to name a few)!

Gotta love the Bumbo!!!

"Go on Aunt Shannie, smile! Isn't she beautiful!"

2008-06-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Baby Cruella De Vil

2008-06-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

2008-06-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

I know it's been warm for a while now, but these are just a few pictures of Lydia all ready to go on her first outdoor stroller walk...it was still kind of chilly! I know, I know, you can hardly stand the excitement. Well I was excited after having a winter baby.

Just one of Lydia's many rituals before, after, or during bath time!

2008-06-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Way behind...her blessing day!

2008-06-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

In a giggling mood!

2008-05-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we have updated anything on our little one. She is now 5 months. Lydia for some reason thought that a little can shaking was hilarious. You never know what will make em laugh.

2008-03-25T23:28:00.001-07:00

We were going to get her a new dress to be blessed in, but then I thought it would be neat if she were blessed in the same one I was. I tried it on her and loved it. So after a good wash, it was good to go. We're FINALLY blessing her on Sunday, but I couldn't resist getting some shots before her big day. The dress started going out on both sides, so I thought I'd spread it out a little more. I know I'm cheesy, but how could I resist? She really is our little angel!

It's official!!!

2008-03-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

Since I'm on such a posting roll (which never happens, if you've noticed), I thought I'd do this last one that I've been meaning to do for about two weeks. One of my best friends, Aly, (who I actually met Shane through) just got engaged to a fabulous guy named Andrew. I'm so excited for you Aly and want you to know what a great friend you are!

Congrats to Lil' Mithcie a.k.a. Mitchie Baby Suga' Honey

2008-03-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

He got his mission call last week to Interlagos, Sao Paolo, Brazil. We are so excited for him and I've never seen a more excited and prepared missionary! He's going to be great! My brother, Kam, got back from serving in Brazil less than a year ago and they've already started Portuguese lessons. On the way home from him opening it, I was thinking about the mission calls in my family and thought they have been kind of interesting. Both of my parents served in Ireland, where my mom also lived for three years as a young girl while her parents were mission presidents. Then my sister and I both served in neighboring Eastern European countries. And now two of my brothers have been called to Sao Paulo, Brazil. I wonder where my two youngest brothers will go. I'm jealous of you Mitchell, missions are the greatest!

'Twas a grand ole time!

2008-03-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

For St. Patty's Day (yes, I'm only getting around to writing about this holiday now, hopefully I'll get to Easter before Mother's Day hits...just kidding, and don't panic, that's not for a while) we had a little party at our house. We had a classic "potluck," which I thought was quite fitting for the holiday. Thanks to everyone who could make it and put up with my fierce Irish trivia competition. We also found out who would make the best lying leprechaun in the deceiving game of To Tell the Truth. I didn't know what a horrible liar Shane is (although I somehow don't have a problem with that) and what an incredible fibber sweet, innocent, and believable Angie Munnerlyn is...only in the game of course. Thanks again everyone for making the trip up north!

Little Lyddie Lu, Our Lil' Chunkster

2008-03-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Lydia is one spoiled little baby and loves hanging out with her uncles and aunts! Thanks for being so cute with her everyone! This is her and my brother Kam, who always quickly whispers for me to pass her over when his girlfriend's around. The minute she starts to cry, he always just says "there, there" and pats her on the back a couple of times. When that doesn't work, he quickly passes her back.

Lydia with Grandma Everson and Ellery, our cute little niece, in the background at a party at the Green's house. Sorry all who were there, the crowd kind of got to her that night and she didn't appear to be a very happy baby!
On a day my brothers had off of school my mom planned a little outing she called a "Tour of Utah" with my brothers. Now that it's just me and Lyddie at home during the day, I joined in on the fun. How the tables have turned! It's funny to see my youngest two brothers moaning about going to the museums and some of the stuff she had planned while Mitchell (who's greatly matured in the last few days since he got his mission call) and I were trying to talk them into it. I love how Michael tried to pose like a tough guy and then ask to see the picture after. Hilarious! Anyways, the day was shortened from about 6 of the things she had planned to 3. They picked me up and we went to the Hill Air Force Base Museum (which is right by my house and where this picture was taken). Then we ate at the Asian Buffet, definitely a must when you're learning about Utah...ha ha. And then they managed to talk her out of everything else and we went to a nearby park and played basketball while my mom walked Lydia around in her stroller. Thanks for the fun day and helping out with Lydia everyone! Sorry that we took you in basketball C-Mon and M-dogHaller6 (as Connor and Michael like to be called).
Surprisingly enough, Lydia fell asleep before her dad this time! I find them asleep together about once a week, it's so adorable! Every once in a while Shane will be fast asleep and she's just wide awake looking around. Shane's so cute with her!

Just after a bath!

2008-03-12T15:00:00.001-07:00

Lyddie has loved bath time right from the beginning. Her favorite part is leaning her had back and having the top of her head run under the faucet. Nothing better than being wrapped up in a towel after a nice relaxing bath!

A few more pictures of the "starr" of our family!

2008-03-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind and thought I better hurry and post a few more pics before I start posting more recent ones of our little chunkster.

Lydia's Favorite Position

2008-03-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

We had to snap a few pictures of this favorite position of hers. She would hang out like this all day if we'd let her.

Winter Trip to Hebgen

2008-02-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went up to Lauren's grandparent's place up in Montana (just outside West. Yellowstone) and relaxed for the weekend along with some snowmobiling. Well, it was more digging the snowmobiles out of the snow than riding on it but that is how it goes sometimes. Check out the snow levels up there (keep in mind that I stand about 6'3").

The place was great and we had a great time being with family up there.

2 months later

2008-02-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since we have updated the blog but here we go! Lydia has been getting pretty cute. She is more smiley and interactive everyday. We are eating it up. She has also caught a little RSV which has had us pretty worried but it seems to be dissipating.

A STARR IS BORN!!!

2007-12-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

We officially welcome our new pride and joy into the Starr family, Lydia Lauren Starr. What a wonderful experience it has been having her with us, finally. She was born on Friday, December 21st at 4:00 am exactly. The night was pretty hectic but Lauren was a champ. She popped out with a full head of hair (we couldn't be any happier about that) and has been extremely pleasant all along. I count it lucky and we will leave it at that . . . knock on wood. She is such a little doll.

It made for a really relaxing Christmas not being able to easily leave the house with her. Lydia weighed in at 6 pounds and 8 ounces. She feels so tiny. She was even able to fit into this little Santa hat we found.

One busy week!

2007-12-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

This has been one crazy week. I honestly think we drove to SLC for something every single night. First off, I wanted to thank everyone for all the great baby showers that were somehow fit into one week. I felt so spoiled and am so grateful to everyone.

2007-12-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

Well I'm the last of the pregnant girls yet to deliver...(of course Jenny's only trying to fake it)! We're so excited for Catherine and Mary and that both of their deliveries went so well and now they have healthy little babies!

Hi all you bloggers!

2007-11-20T21:41:00.001-08:00

As of a couple of months ago I had no idea the whole world of blogging even existed. As more and more people started sending us their blogs I finally realized how out of it we are. I know it sounds crazy that someone as technologically-inclined and up to date on all the latest and best as me could have possibly missed out this long, but it is true!

I actually love reading other people's blogs, but have avoided starting out own because I don't think it's too fun to write about yourself. I told myself, however, that I would create one by the time our baby comes. Since that's less than two months away I thought I better get going.

2007-11-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

As most of you probably already know, we're expecting!!! When we told my family we were having a little chocolate fondue after a Jazz game. Not everyone was there, but we (well I) couldn't hold it in any longer. As we had planned, I told everyone to get together for a picture. The first time I just said, "OK. One, two, three, everyone say 'Cheese!'" Then I said, "OK. One more, just to make sure it was a good one. One, two, three everyone say 'Lauren's pregnant!'" It was great and we caught their surprised and shocked faces in the picture.

Here are ultra sound pictures from a little while ago when we found out she's a girl. We can hardly wait for this new arrival, expected to come on December 29th!