Estamos Aqui


Hola we have made it here to South America. We landed last night in Lima and hit the night life with a taxi driver, then caught a early morning flight to Cusco and spent most of the day looking at the Sacred Valley. We had an authentic Peruvian lunch. We ate guinni pig and alpaca and a bunch of other stuff that we didn�t know what it was….more to come…We love and miss you all. Tonight we will sleep for the first time since leaving SLC.


check out that claw on that pig

Comments:

michelle said…

O.k-I believe you now! poor little guinea pig! Other than that, looks pretty amazing! It is so cool to see the people with you. Wow! Keep on having fun and please be safe!
Friday, June 06, 2008 8:04:06 PM

Anne said…

Lance is so lonely for his brothers looking at these pics. Gross you ate Guinea Pig. Did it taste like chicken? Have fun. Love the pictures!
Friday, June 06, 2008 9:54:55 PM

Dad and Mom Parker said…

OK so we know how you feel, TRIED!!!!! Looks like you are having fun. We enjoyed the pic. Watch out for the food, it could give you the runs. Be safe, drink it all in, different cultures are amazing.
Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:35:26 AM

Haley said…

Daddy,
I told you exactly NOT to eat a Guinea Pig. But, I guess it’s O.k. because, we don’t have are Guinea Pigs anymore.
Saturday, June 07, 2008 9:16:50 AM

Stephen Parker Family (at Grandpa Baldwin’s house) said…

You guys are crazy! The foot on that guinea is too much…Lily wants to know what you are giving that little girl Stephen? Glad you got there safe and are enjoying! Keep the pics coming…we miss and love you.
Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:48:28 PM

Stephen said…

In that picture I gave that little girl the 16 cents that Lily gave me. We are headed for Puno tomorrow.
Saturday, June 07, 2008 8:17:38 PM

Steph said…

That food tops anything we ate in Japan eh. I can’t wait to hear more and see more pictures. Have fun guys and be careful.
Sunday, June 08, 2008 12:15:15 PM

Stacie said…

It looks like a lot of fun! I am glad to see Haley is ok with the guinea pig feast! Rick thinks the marinade looks good, can you get the recipe for him to try on his smoker! Have fun and be safe! Love you boys!
Sunday, June 08, 2008 10:19:15 PM

lily said…

we love you dad
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 7:26:02 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

Okay, that does it! If that is what you have to eat there, I am not ever going! 🙂
Friday, June 20, 2008 4:22:49 PM

Vamos a ir a America del Sur


I can hardly wait to go now, Lily was kind enough to put together a little farewell package for me (Alexis, Mason and Olivia contributed as well). She made me quite a few cards and gave me a present with 13 cents in the bag. That is for me to buy some stuff when I go down south. I will be sure to bring her something fun home. You can see all the kids made me a special card it was very nice of them. I wish they were coming too…next blog will be coming from somewhere in Peru or Bolivia.

Comments:

pablo said…

ya esta!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:25:17 AM

Steph said…

Send me a post card!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 1:23:58 PM

Jana said…

Way exciting! have fun with the boys!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 6:34:18 PM

anne said…

Have a great time. Lance wishes he could be going with you. Next time though.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:48:24 PM

Mom and Dad said…

Buena viagem e cuidado. Hope you have a great time,
Thursday, June 05, 2008 4:53:08 AM

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi familia


Baldwin Famiy Spring 2006Busy time of year for the Baldwin Clan!

It all started with my parent’s anniversary last week. They are the two people responsible for the rest of the birthday madness. Seems they had three children at the same time of year. Brother #1(Brad) and #3(Scott) and my only sister Michelle. I am happy I have the parents I do. They have taught me SOOO many good things. I am very glad that they married each other!

Michelle was born on the day after their anniversary. She is one of the funniest and funnest persons I know. She is a very funny mom and it is very fun for me to visit their home. One thing I love that she does is called “table text”. If her children receive a text message during dinner, they have to read it out loud. She is full of compassion and charity too- always ready to let you know she is thinking of you. When I’m prego she pulls out her lotion and works over my feet, and every once in awhile she’ll surprise you with a package in the mail. Everyone should get to have a sister like her!

Scott, my little brudder has a birthday today. Happy Birthday man! I think he is like the coolest ever. When I was a senior in high school- he was a freshman. I have always been proud to call him my little brother. He is very talented musically and has a cool music sense. He is also very smart, but the thing I love best about him is how great a dad and husband he has turned out to be. He is very considerate and thoughtful and leads his family in righteousness. He is a good friend and example to me.

Brad’s birthday is in two days. He is my oldest brother. I have to say that some of my early memories of him are of fear. He had a ram’s head ring he used to threaten us little annoying kids with. Now he is also a person I look up too. He is very savvy and creative. He and his wife Amy have raised some very great kids. He is not ashamed to be found curling his little girl Abby’s hair (age 3) or paint her fingernails. He always has the coolest and latest electronic devices to wow the crowd.

Brian, my sister’s husband’s birthday is the day after Brad’s. He is a great man as well. He is kind hearted and would help anyone in need. He is very supportive of his children and ALL of their many talents. Glad he married my sis.

Jeana, Scott’s wife, has a birthday a little over a week after Brian’s. She is also amazing. I love her patience and she is one darn good mom. She is one of the most enjoyable people to chit chat with and have a meaningful conversation. She is adventurous and is great at finding good balance in life.

Now that I’ve gotten started I am on a roll and thinking of all of the great people in my family and why I love them…but I am going to have to brag about them at another time.

Except Eric – He is the only one in my immediate growing up family that I didn’t get to say something about. (His birthday is in December) He is also so great. He is kind and inclusive. He never made me feel like a bother as we were growing up. He was just very nice to me. I am proud of all that he has accomplished. He is always up for a good time and makes a lot of fun memories with his family. He is a great dad too. We have a joke in my family that he is the “golden child”. Mostly because he is so agreeable and goes with the flow. Basically he is a peacemaker!

I know, I have a cool family! I wouldn’t trade a one of them and I’m very proud to claim them!

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

Nice blog. It looks like Stephen fits right in with the hair line in the family. All the men have about the same hair style so they can run fast.
Monday, June 02, 2008 1:06:05 AM

Brad Baldwin said…

Thanks for you kind words and thoughts. Sorry to inflict fear and trembling in your formative years. I have learned from you too. I still get sad when I think about questioning getting married so young and fast. You made a great choice!
Monday, June 02, 2008 7:56:46 AM

Magan said…

I am so blessed to be in such a wonderful family.
Monday, June 02, 2008 12:02:10 PM

Anne said…

Jodi you have a great family. What a neat family picture. It sounds like your siblings have some of your similar great qualities. Happy Birthday to all the Baldwin’s.
Monday, June 02, 2008 12:48:49 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

And you forgot to mention that sister Jodi is the kindest and most upbeat of all. Always a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
Monday, June 02, 2008 2:15:40 PM

Jeana said…

Thanks Jodi. You’re so nice. I was talking about you a few weeks ago when my sister was visiting and Danielle said, “Jodi seems like she would be an awesome sister-in-law.” I said, “She is. She is so easy to talk to.” I’m so blessed to have married in to such a great family.
Monday, June 02, 2008 7:35:29 PM

Jana said…

Jodi you are right up there with all those great qualities you shared about your family! Thanks for your great example and being my bike buddy! You pretty much rock and I can’t say enough nice things about you and your cute little family, glad we are related even if it’s just through marriage!!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 10:19:41 PM

Become as a Child


I couldn’t help but snap a shot of this precious moment. Lily was in trouble for making a bad choice, but Olivia wanted to make sure she was Ok. I could Hear Olivia saying, “What da matter Lily?” Priceless moment.

Comments:

Anne said…

That is what sisters are for!!! How sweet!
Sunday, June 01, 2008 9:09:47 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Sisters, pretty sacred stuff.
Monday, June 02, 2008 1:02:26 AM

Jana said…

She is priceless..I love all my sisters (including in-laws!)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:17:52 PM

We Pull Together!


This morning Alexis wanted to make a treat for the family. I suggested one of my childhood favorites, Salt Water Taffy. Before I knew it she was boiling the ingredients. It turned into a real family ordeal once they saw how much fun it was to pull and stretch it. Only bummer was it is fast Sunday so we had to wait until after church to sample it.


Chew!

Man this is tiring work!

Comments:

Paul said…

I remember making that once. It was fun. Looks like Olivia took a sample or maybe two.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 8:42:22 PM

Anne said…

Very fun! I have never done that. We will have to get pointers and do it for a fhe. Way to pull together and make some memories!
Sunday, June 01, 2008 9:04:45 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

We always had somebody burn their hands. You all look like you are having a great time. Mason looks a little serious, but what a happy memory.

Monday, June 02, 2008 12:57:36 AM

Jana said…

I would be with Olivia and have a little sample or two! I remember making that as kids too. Looks like fun!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:11:22 PM

Meg the Gem said…

How fun! I’ve never done it, you’ll have to teach me how when we finally get together again!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:38:24 PM

michelle said…

Looks like a good time-we tried making taffy one time. It didn’t quite work. it turned into barbie hair! I’ll have to get some pointers.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 1:55:54 PM

Who makes May 31 a special day!


Alexis celebrated her eleventh birthday yesterday! Birthdays are very exciting happenings at our home. Everyone was up at the crack of dawn ready to open presents – Alexis probably woke everyone up! It is fun to celebrate the birth of one we love so much and count our blessings that she gets to live with us in our family. We learn much from Alexis and she helps make our home and the world a better place.

Here are eleven things that happened on her 11th birthday:

1. Woke up to open some fun gifts.

2. Was surprised and loved her very own hair dryer.

3. Chose to eat German Pancakes for breakfast.

4. Helped Stephen get a load of gravel for under our playground.

5. Happy to talk to Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin on the phone.

6. Was excited her Uncle Scott remembered her birthday and called from Texas.

7. Went swimming in the little canal and muddy pond at our house with dad, Mason, and Lily.

8. Washed her hair and used her new hair dryer.

9. Performed in her first gymnastic recital and had a fabulous time – she really enjoys it and is anxious to learn more and get even better (she started nine weeks ago and is very close to doing a back handspring on her own!).

10. Chose to go eat dinner with her mom and dad at Subway(just us three – oops and sleeping JT), instead of having a party.

11. Blew out all eleven candles, and ate a piece of birthday cake at 10 ‘o clock at night!

She was also very excited to get to see and talk to Grandpa and Grandma Parker on Friday via Skype. She will cherish the special email they sent her!

Alexis is growing into a fine young lady. We are very proud to call her our daughter!

Comments:

Tio Pablo said…

Feliz Cumpleanos! I am glad you were born. Looks like you had a good birthday. I will see you soon and we will have some fun this summer. Adios
Sunday, June 01, 2008 10:44:17 AM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

Para Bems from Portugal. You really are getting to be a beautiful young woman. We’re glad you were born too, and we are glad your dad married your mom. Thanks for being a great grand-daugther.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 2:58:33 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin said…

Alexis, thank for being such a wonderful partof our family. We are pleased with the way you are growing. We love to visit with you either by phone, email, in Orem, and especially in Rexburg. Just think, when your grandparents (both Parker and Baldwin) finish their missions you will be in Young Women’s. You are growing up fast.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 5:21:56 PM

Aunt Anne said…

Happy Birthday to you! Looks like you had a special and fun birthday. We love you and are glad you had a special day!
Sunday, June 01, 2008 9:08:26 PM

Grant said…

Happy Birthday Lex
Sunday, June 01, 2008 9:13:08 PM

Aunt Jana said…

Lexi…thanks fro being such an adorable girl! you are a great kid. Glad you were born
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:16:02 PM

Look a Skunk!


Lily and I were watching for the bus today when we noticed a Skunk! He was just on his way north past our place, we opened the window and yelled at him but he didn’t seem to mind us too much. Just hope he keeps on moving and doesn’t bother us.

Comments:

Mom and Dad said…

You need to drive him into the shop and spray water on him. Stacie and Jana can put on coveralls and you will be sure to get him.
Thursday, May 29, 2008 3:31:31 PM

John said…

Lance does well with skunks. Just ask him. You should get it and keep it as a pet.

Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:54:30 PM

STeph said…

Fish and game told us to drowned it when we caught one in the rock chuck trap. We let it go but as soon as it walked out of the trap it rolled over and died. We were very careful not to make it spray. That’s a good story I will have to tell you it some time.
Saturday, May 31, 2008 12:12:22 AM

Paul said…

You know in Texas there was a family that had a pet skunk. It was a great pet. And they would let it go play with the dog every so often to get it to spray.
Also I remember when you were building your house I saw a whole family of skunks running along your road. So you may have a few of them around.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 10:46:02 AM

Discoveries


Yuck = worms!Here are just a few of the fun things I found tonight in Mason’s backpack after he went to bed. I might add, some of them were more fun to see than others! It’s a good thing there wasn’t a mouse in there! One of the questions I am planning to ask are, “What are the worms for?” (Stephen wouldn’t let me get rid of them, but they are waiting outside in their natural habitat) Other question, “Just what are your plans for all of those rubber bands?” A side note, it took Mason forever to walk home from the bus today. I asked Lily and Lex where he was and they said he was trying to catch monarch butterflies. You’ve gotta love that fella!

Last week Mason was given a challenge by his dad. At breakfast on Thursday, Stephen told Mason if he passed all of his times tables off before the end of school on Friday they would go to the new Indiana Jones movie. Well he came home from school THAT DAY and told us he had passed all 5 sets that he needed. Apparently he works well when he is given the right incentive! We went to the movie, yes I invited myself, on Monday with Grandma Baldwin. It was great and Mason said it was well worth getting all of those times tables passed off. Another thing, we went to Sam’s Club Monday morning. Stephen surprised us by putting a bag of Swedish fish in the cart. In the car everyone was given a serving size. A few minutes later, Mason called from the back seat. I turned around to see a dog manufactured from Swedish fish. I was impressed by his creativity, and it really did look like a dog. Too bad I didn’t have a camera.

On Sunday, Mason gave a great talk in Primary. He was hesitant like usual and he really didn’t want to do it. He says it is scary to give talks in front of all of the people. Stephen told him to think that all of the people were in their underwear (remember the Brady Bunch, when Marsha had to give her speech?) I was extra proud as he stood up and spoke loud and clear and taught his friends about honesty. He is a missionary in training and looked very handsome in his suit coat and tie. He proved he can do hard things.

Comments:

Steph said…

Matt and Mason have a thing with rubber bands. I haven’t found worms in his backpack though, that would put me over the top. Save some symphony bar for me.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:45:04 PM

Grandpa Parker said…

The developmet of great youn men is an interesting process. It looks like it’s going well with Mason. I know what I used to do with rubber bands. They are very useful things to have. (I won’t say what I did with them. The list is too long but mostly good.)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 2:20:54 AM

Pablo said…

I like the daily spanish book. That is pretty cool!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 5:46:50 PM

Uncle John said…

Let’s go fishing with those worms. We could shoot down some monarch’s with the rubberbands and enjoy some chocolate as we do it. Keep up the fish molding. (It is a creative way to get more candy.) I have used that one before. You looked sharp in the suit. Maybe you will be a seminary teacher someday.

Thursday, May 29, 2008 7:39:16 AM

aunt Jana said…

He reminds me a little bit of Hannah she has brought home 2 or 3 backpacks full of random items that she has collected thru out the school year. That kid is special he is always thinking and taking time to enjoy life! Thanks Mason for being a great kid!
Thursday, May 29, 2008 8:19:59 AM

michelle said…

Mason-you are such a cool kid! Your family is lucky to have you around! Thanks for being such a good example for Zach!
Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:11:51 PM

Magan said…

Hilarious treasures!
Friday, May 30, 2008 7:36:41 PM

Fairy Tale Fifth Grade


Mrs. Galbraith’s fifth grade cast (our class) 2007-2008I was the Little Mermaid in my class fairy tale play last Thursday. We broadcasted it four times. Once for the fourth graders, once for the fifth graders, once for the sixth graders, and once for the parents! I was chosen by my teacher to introduce everyone and then close the show at the end. I had a lot of fun and hope to be in another play soon! Thanks Jana for trying to help me find a costume – I ended up using the one my teacher had. I hope you guys can be in a play too someday.


Introduction
Little Mermaid and Katie Lean
Mitzi, Erica, Me and Arian – friends from my class!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Alexis, you are a great young lady. You look so happy and surrounded by wonderful friends. Keep smiling. Your smile brightens up the day.
Monday, May 26, 2008 1:55:25 AM

Steph said…

I wish I would have known, I would have lent you my sea shells. I love to go to plays so I hope you will be in more so I can watch you. Did you get stage fright? I would have. You look like your a natural, good job! Did you sing too, Sharpae would be so proud.
Monday, May 26, 2008 11:46:41 PM

aunt jana said…

Glad your play was a success! You look like you had a great time doing something that you love we will have to put a play on this summer in the backyard!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:22:12 AM

Aunt Anne said…

How fun! You look so cute Lexi! Keep smiling!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:10:38 PM

Broadway


Dancing SistasMelanie’s Dance welcomed us to “Broadway” last night. Lex and Lily had their end of year dance recital. They were so excited and did very well. It is fun to watch Alexis’ progress from last year and see Lily keeping with the beat her first year!

Alexis’ class did a tap dance to Greased Lightening from Grease. A ballet dance to Chim Chim Cheree from Mary Poppins and a gymnastic dance to Popular from Wicked. Her favorite dances were Greased Lightening and Popular.

Lily’s class did a gymnastic dance to Mamma Mia from Mamma Mia. (they looked so cute in their boot spats!) A ballet dance to Part of your World from Little Mermaid and a tap dance to a Broadway Medley. Her favorite dance was to Broadway Medley.

Special thanks to Mason for gladly entertaining Olivia out in the hallway for the two hour production! JT enjoyed the loud music and dim lights and didn’t start fussing until the last 20 minutes. Stephen was in true character as camera man. We had to send apologies to the people around us for all of our public displays, all of which included Olivia.

Until next year! (Oh, just kidding – I think they are moving on to taking just gymnastics)


Greased Lightening
Mama Mia
Chim Chim Cheree

Part of your World
Popular
Broadway Medley

Comments:

Uncle John said…

Fabulous dancing! Who needs to go to NYC. You have it right in Rexburg. Keep on dancin’. You girls look great. Nice hall monitor work Mason.
Sunday, May 25, 2008 8:42:36 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Way to go ladies! We always enjoyed seeing our family learning and presenting talents on stage or at home evening. You both looked beautiful.
Monday, May 26, 2008 1:50:59 AM

Steph said…

How fun! I love going to those things, they are always a treat to watch. Mason is a good brother, I’ll bet he didn’t mind not watching all the dancing. You girl’s look so cute in your costumes. Keep dancing!
Monday, May 26, 2008 10:58:26 PM

Aunt Anne said…

You two look so cute! Glad it was great night!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:11:52 PM

Magan said…

What a fun dance theme! Alexis looks so grown up.
Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:30:17 PM