The D Bollards

Crafty Wood Cutouts!

2011-11-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Check out my brothers' new Craft Store in Orem, Utah!

Hiking at Red Rock

2010-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

We went hiking at Red Rock. Aubrey got scared because she thought there was a snake in the cave.

Hawaii 2010

2010-08-31T22:42:00.001-07:00

Every now and then, you get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you just can’t pass up. That’s just what we got when we recently got a chance to spend a week in Hawaii, courtesy of Dan’s work for a Conference he got to attend.

While Dan was sitting in lecture most of every day, Danielle soaked up some sun, and caught up on some much needed relaxation in the Tropics.

We did get some sight-seeing in, however.

Hiatus?

2010-07-01T21:06:00.001-07:00

So after much persuasion from my friends and family, I have decided to return from my blogging hiatus/facebook migration, and go back to my roots in blogging, then just put links to my blog on my facebook page, so as to appease both worlds.

Anywho, the whole B&W Bollard clan went on a California vacation last month. We spent a few days with Ben and Heidi in Simi Valley to brush up on Bollard roots, and visited the Reagan Presidential Library while we were there. We took in a little beach activities, and finished with 3 or 4 days at Disneyland and California Adventure. The girls loved meeting all the real Princesses, and we loved spending time with family, even though things can get crazy sometimes. All in all, good times!

August '09

2009-10-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thank You Paul Mitchell (Hairspray):

Once Upon a Dream:

Chillin' at the Pool:
2 years later:
The Bollard Bus:

The Bollard Bus Race:

The New Thang, Save Grandma and Grandpa from the couch:

Couchin' around:

Princess time:
Ruby and the hat girls at swim time:
Reading time:
Pretty mama:
Curly 1:
Curly 2:
Oversized:

Practice makes perfect:

Summer '09 Family Beach/Downtown Disney Trip

2009-10-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

The fam:

2nd time at the beach...:

Little Mermaids:

Sand tastes gooooood...:

Lego Darth Vader:

Lego-bot:

Lego-snake eating Aubrey:

Lego-giraffe:

Lego-fam:

Stephy dancing with the girls:

The Salsa:

Dancing at Downtown Disney:

Ursula!

Snow White on Steroids:
Everybody loves Eeyore:
Back to the beach:
Mama:
Newport Pier:
Lookin' at the fish...:
Danalidavestephcadcamaubsteph:
Stephie cakes and Aubrey:
Group shot!:
Newport Bicycles:
Precious Cargo:
Jammin':

Newport Beach Bicycling (Californiaaaaaaaaaaaaa....):

Give me a hug! (w/ cuz-cuzin Teddy):

July '09

2009-09-08T21:42:00.001-07:00

Reading Time:

Someday, my prince...:

Scary Princess:

A tragedy occurs...:

A tragedy remedied...:

Ali blowing bubbles:
Ruby and Ali (and Aubrey):
-Fourth of July in Bob's Backyard-
Ali and Grandpa watching fireworks:

Betsy and Aubrey:

Grandma and Ali:

Lindsay and Ali and sparklers:

Ali posing:

Hiding in the clothes racks:

-Dan's Trip to Cleveland/Kirtland-
Dan at the Kirtland Temple:

Amish Country:

Horse buggies on the street:

Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame:

Big Guitars:

Cars hangin' from ceilings:

Dan Bollard and Chris McDermott rock the Hall of Fame:

-Aubrey and Ali's Joint Princess Birthday Party (Ages 2 and 3)-
Aubrey excited:

Grandma's homemade castle cake (yeah, that's right, she made it...)

Sleeping Beauty (apparently mute) and Prince Philip (the life of the party):

Princess Party Participants:

Game time:

Nap time:

Aubrey putting on make-up with Princess Aurora:

Princess Popeye:

The gang with their balloon animals:

Birthday Girls:

Happy Birthday to Aunt Jean too (97 years old?):

Uncle Craig and the nieces:

Abby (Marie's daughter) and the girls:

LOL! Dad made all the kids wait until he had cleaned the pool spotless before they could go in. Good times...:

Present-opening excitement:

Sisters:

Pioneer Day parade in Las Vegas:

Sporty Aubrey:

Sporty Ali:

The next Britney Spears?

Ali - Baby One More Time:

The next-next Britney Spears?

Aubrey - Baby one More Time:

Cute school girls:

Dinner Time?:

No, not Ali...:

Funny Face time with mommy:

-Ali of Many Faces-
1)

2)
3)

4)

5)

6)

Ready for the moon:

The brushing of teeth:

March-June '09

2009-08-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Aubrey surprise:

Sisters:

Ali as Captain Underwear:

Ali and Uncle Davey:

Ali and M.A. (and Gordon):

Danielle and Candace:

The Three Cousins (Ali, Aubrey, and Courtney Ann):

Cousins making trouble:

Brian's Wedding:

Wedding Reception:

Ali:

Aubrey:

Dan:

Ali chillin':

Aubrey chillin':

Danielle reading to her girls:

Aubrey at the water park:

Our princesses:

Hear no evil:

Ali sings Heigh-Ho:

Ali and the Carrot (3rd Birthday)

Doctor Danielle and Dentist Dan:

Seth teaches Aubrey how to play the recorder:

Sleeping Beauty:

Help a sista out:

Still helpin' a sister out:

January-February '09

2009-02-18T13:39:00.001-08:00

Ali with a super smile for the camera:

Aubrey being weird:

Ali doing as her Dad asks by posing as the Statue of Liberty in her painting shirt:

Aubrey all ready for church:

Dan and the girls reading before bedtime:

Grandpa Tom babysitting for us. We went to see Pink Panther 2 (Damblurgrerr...):

Dan and the girls reading before church:

The Hardy Kids (and their families) Christmas Picture:

Silliness for Breakfast:

Ohhh maaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!

How it all began...

2009-01-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken immediately after Bob returned from his mission...

...the rest is history.

December Videos...

2008-12-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

Fun with whipped cream:

Decorating the tree:

A Star Is Born:
(After the Ward Christmas Party, Ali took the mic, and was said to have stolen the show. Notice applause... )

Ali the Dancer I:
(in the church parking lot)

Ali the Dancer II:
(with cousin Cole)

Retribution:

2008-12-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

A little while after Ali had smashed Aubrey's fingers in a crib, this conversation between Ali and Aubrey was recorded as follows:

Ali: You know what? [Slightly bending down to "Aubrey's level" with her hands on her knees] You need a book. I'll go get you a book. You stay there.

Aubrey: [Backs up against the wall and waits patiently].

Ali: [Comes back with a book] Here you go. I'm sorry you were crying [gives a hug].

This picture was taken as the book was transferred:

November Videos...

2008-12-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Bath Time:

Going for a walk with Dad:

Jumping practice (Monkey see, monkey do):

Playing with Grandpa:

Visiting Santa:

October Videos...

2008-11-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

A famous song by Winnie the Pooh...sorta...:

Aubrey likes things on her head, and Danielle likes to sing:

Silly Ol' Bear:

Indians in the cupboard:

Ali loves jumping on the trampoline:

Ali goes crazy with balloons:

October Pics...

2008-10-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pre-Halloween pics (and then some...).

Aubrey wears Grandma out:

Dave and Steph and the girls:

They aspire one day to be just like their mother:

Ali on the Batman ride at Halloween Town:

Mom and the girls on the boat ride at Halloween Town:

Granmda and the girls on the ferris wheel at Halloween Town:

The Pink One:

The Yellow One:

Grandma and Grandpa:

Sis:

Buba:

Horsey rides with Grandpa:

Aubrey's watching her weight. She's put on a few pounds:

Grandma won 1st place in her age group in the 5K:

Aubrey won for best smile at the 5K:

Hugs are abundant at the Bollard household:

Lead me, guide me...:

Aubrey:

We love Killer Bunnies (the game, not actual killer bunnies):

First of three Trunk-or-Treats:

Dad and Aubrey:

Caden and Ali:

Aubrey and the spider:

Danielle and Cameron:

Danielle still has a few inches on him:

Dan and Cole carving pumpkins:

Ali loves the trampoline (at Eric and Deanna's house):

More pumpkin carvin':

Danielle's pumpkin (Pooh Bear):

Pooh Bear Pumpkin:

Seth and Lindsay carving with us:

Tired girl...

2008-10-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Aubrey strives to stay awake whilst eating her applesuace:

A few more videos...

2008-09-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time to post these earlier, but thought they were worth it...

Aubrey's first time at the beach:

Rosemary was in heaven at her birthday party with this personal serenade from the King:

...and that's all she wrote...

The latest and greatest...

2008-09-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while, but now that we're back in Vegas with no internet, blogging time seems to be a scarce commodity these days. I sifted thru the best of the best, and here's what we came up with for the past month or so.

Ali knows her ABC's:

Ali loves her Aunt Jean for whom she was named after (her middle name...Alison Jean):

Ali had her first race with Grandma, and lost miserably...but we still love her:

After a long day of racing with Grandma, Ali and Aubrey needed to relax:

Later, at Grandma Rose's 60th birthday party (with a 50's theme), Ali and Aubrey tried to get their twist on:

They eventually got the hang of it and got the courage to shake it on the dance floor:

This is something that Dave and Steph have been nagging me to get on film for the past 6 months or so, so we have proof of Ali being cute...and smart. (Note: the following was unrehearsed, and she can do them in any order):

And this one I just had to share. I was so impressed with my 5-year-old nephew, Caden. We opened up the new Guitar Hero Aerosmith video game and popped it in the xBox, and he rocked it perfectly on expert mode. The kid is freaking awesome. Who says kids these days aren't learning anything?

Something inspirational...

2008-08-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Randy Pausch, most recently known for his Last Lecture, died a few months ago. If you haven't watched his lecture, I highly recommend it. It's a little long, but if you have an hour to watch it, it's definitely worth it. I just found it on somebody's blog.

I loved these lines:
-Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
-Brick walls are there for a reason: They let us prove how badly we want things.
-Wait, and people will surprise and impress you.-Respect authority while questioning it.
-I don't know how to not have fun.
-When you do the right thing, good stuff has a way of happening…
-Get a feedback loop, and listen to it.When people give you feedback, cherish it, and use it…

July-August

2008-08-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics:

Aubrey loves to play peek-a-boo.

Thanks Grandma Rose for our pretty dresses...

At church with Uncle Davey:

Thanks Aunt Candace for our pretty dresses:

Aubrey loves wearing this funny-looking hat around the house:

Uncle Dave and the girls at the Bouncy place:

Aubrey likes to climb:

Going down the slide. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!:

Ali loves her monkey. She carries it everywhere, and likes to read it stories:

Aubrey's 1st Birthday:

The traditional hand-eating of the first cake. She wasn't as messy as anticipated, so we had to help paint her cheeks and forehead a little...she enjoyed herself:

Mama and Aubrey:

The girls love to read:

Helping a sister out:

Even when helping out is less effective:

Mama and Ali:

Dada and Aubrey:

Sometimes, there's room for two:

Some more videos...

2008-07-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

Aubrey and Ali play well together. Here, Aubrey shows one of her favorite activities of banging her head into things. Then, Ali helps with the discipline as Aubrey is naughty and plays with the blinds:

Uncle Dave playing with Ali. She sure loves her uncle:

Ali shows off her dancing skills as Danielle bribes her with tortilla chips. It is... "The Chip Dance". Notice the grooviness of her hips:

Ali has learned to draw happy faces. As you can see, she can clearly draw both Dora and Boots the Monkey:

Here's Ali's first time really loving the Fourth of July fireworks. It starts off a little dark, but we just thought it was cute how excited she was...:

San Fransisco Trip

2008-07-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Dan's parents and his brother's family flew out here to california for a little family vacation. We had fun with all the cousins playing together, and visiting some of the sites of San Fransisco.

Cousins (Courtney, Aubrey, and Ali):

A fun place to eat in San Fransisco:

Ripley's Believe It or Not in San Fransisco:

The Golden Gate:

Ali was impressed:

If you want to see us drive down the famous Lombard street....then you're weird...:

Aubrey enjoyed watching the sharks in tunnel at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA:

Help a sista out...

2008-06-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

With Aubrey learning to walk, Ali does what she can to help her sister out:

Love you Grandpa...

2008-06-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

Love you Grandpa. Happy (Grand)Father's Day!

Fun with Aubrey...

2008-06-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

A friendly game of peek-a-boo with Aubrey:

Aubrey is all smiles:

The Office:

2008-06-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

These are the pictures hanging in our office, so we know where we stand in number of sales:
Brad and Brian picked the pictures for us:

Dan (that's root beer he's holding...):
Brian:

Dave (Hardy Potter):
Stephanie:
Donaven:

and Dave Gallagher has a picture too, but I forgot to take a picture of it.

And here's a cute picture of Ali by the pool:

IRON MAN.

2008-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Aubrey's First Steps...

2008-06-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

Aubrey just started walking this week. She still prefers to crawl, but can take a few steps by herself now, so it's pretty exciting.

Napa, CA - Bright and Sunny

2008-05-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

So, we are now living it up in good ol' wine country Napa Valley, CA. Dan is off to a slow start as expected with his sales. But he's made a few already, so he's right on track to make millions for the summer. Danielle does what she can to fill time during the day with the girls while Dan is gone all day. The local park and community pool helps a lot.

Dan and Ali:

Ali has taken the liberal Bay Area spirit to heart, and is quite the tree hugger now:

Aubrey and her (2nd) cousin, Boston, like to chill together in the shade:

Ali's "sad" face with a hair full of static from the slide:

Ali is almost a little girl now (turns two on June 23rd):

Our family in our new apartments in Napa:

Although it's tough days for the both of us, overall, we love it here, and are enjoying the experience. More pictures to come...

Just kidding...

2008-04-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

This reminds us all of someone we know...

...some witty title...

2008-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

So, we've made the decision. From May 15th to August 25th, our family is moving to San Fransisco so Dan can sell alarm systems for a company called APX. Actually he's not the only one in the family. His brother (Brian) is going to be his manager. Dan's cousin (Brooke and Dave) and their family is going, and Danielle's brother (Dave and Stephie) are both going to sell. So, it'll be a family affair.

We're actually going to live in Napa Valley, and sell in the surrounding areas there. It's a bit scary since it's all commission based, but we're all looking forward to it and we're really excited for the opportunity to make some money and catch up a little on bills.

This is my mugshot for my APX file. Cute, eh?

Ali Jean and Aunt Jean see eye to eye.

Aubrey and Ali. Ali likes the spotlight.

Dan and Aubrey.

Ali and Aubrey on Easter Sunday.

Let me esplain...

2008-03-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it’s been a while. Let me esplain….

No…there is too much. Let me sum up…

I graduated from UNLV in December with a Bachelor’s in Biology. Unbeknownst to me, there apparently are no good-paying jobs with just a Bachelor’s in Biology. Hmmmmm. My goals of pharmacy school have since been suspended due to GPA integrity, or lack thereof…so a different route is currently being pursued. I’m attending UNLV for one more year to become a certified Medical Microbiologist (WHAT?!). I dunno. Whatevs…. But it’ll get me placement wherever I want to live and it’s a pretty good-paying job… so…that’s the plan.

Other than that…

Christmas was good: MA and Gordon were the Santa odd couple, while Aubrey and Danielle and I once again got to play Mary and Joseph.

Aubrey attempted her first words.
(no, your speakers are not broken...)

Ali met Dora.

Aubrey had her first Valentine’s Day, and we heart her a lot.

We like going to the park.

Ali learned to swing…

and jump…

and sweep!

And they love getting ready for church.

balloon hug (removed)

2008-01-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, America's Funniest Home Videos has asked us to take our video of Ali hugging the balloon off of YouTube in order for it to be eligible to be on TV. We complied, and now expect to win $10,000. We'll keep you posted.

Disneyland '07

2007-11-29T15:40:00.000-08:00

Halloween, a little late...

2007-11-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

Better late than never I guess...

Weekend in Utah

2007-10-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Danielle went up to Utah last week with the girls and Dan's parents to visit our Dan's brother's family. Ali had a fun time playing with her cousin, Courtney.

She didn't like the merry-go-round so much...

But the corn maze was fun.

She learned a new word, pum-pum.

And Bob helped her pet her first horse. "NAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!"

She also fed the ducks right from her hand. She liked that.

And decorating Halloween cookies is now her favorite part of Halloween.

Aubrey still smiles with the best of them.

...but not when she can't breathe.

And there you have it, the grandkids of Bob and Wendy. A cute bunch.

shadow puppets are awesome...

2007-10-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

thought this was worth putting up...

just another day...

2007-10-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sistas

2007-10-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Elephant shoes..

2007-10-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

We're just a couple of elephants in love is all we are...

Lion Around

2007-10-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Not much to report. Here's some pics.

The Hardy Girlz:

Ali seems to do this a lot.

Ali practicing the training arts of the Count of Monte Cristo.

Dan still sleeps a lot.

Ali can put on her swimsuit all by herself.

She was excited about something.

Dan tries to get some studying done while watching the girls.

Aubrey's a big smiler now.

Grandpa helps out too.

Workin' it...

2007-09-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Danielle is finally in her element. A full time mom. Sorta. She will go back to work for just 2 days a week soon, but she's enjoying it while it lasts.

Meanwhile, Ali has learned to do some aerobics to try to help mom get back in shape.
She even trys to help Aubrey by encouraging her to get up out of her bouncy chair, and offering to sit in it for her.But all in all, Ali and Aubrey love each other.
And that makes Aubrey happy.
So Dave and Candace and Courtney came down to visit. We went to Excalibur, but found out they turned the famous free family magic show stage into a huge bar. So we had to go downstairs and play games instead. Danielle beat Brian in the horse racing game and won a toy elephant for Ali.
On Sunday, we had the blessing and had fun trying to get Danielle's family and our's in the picture. Dan just made it in.
Granny was thrilled to be able to be there with us and hold her 73rd grandchild...or somesing like 'dat.Grandpa was hungry, so Ali helped feed him.
Then on Monday, we followed our Bollard family tradition and went to the park to feed the ducks.

And with Dan working full time and going to school, he enjoys his sleep more than ever before. As you can see, however, he still finds time to help with the kids.

Sorry for lapse in blogging. Now that I'm getting my groove back, I'll start to be better, hopefully.

Aubrey's Birth...

2007-07-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well, the day is finally here.

Aubrey Rose Bollard has entered our world.

We kept everyone guessing on a name until the very last minute...but I think this should suffice.
She was born at Spring Valley Hospital here in Las Vegas at 7:27pm on July 23, 2007 (That makes her and her sister Alison exactly 13 months and 42 minutes apart). She weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz., and was 19 3/4 inches long. A good size baby, so we're told. She's as healthy as an ox, with no complications during or after the delivery (via C-section).

Danielle is now home and taking it easy. Although Alison went straight to the bottle, Danielle has started breastfeeding with Aubrey. It's a new challenge, but Danielle is up to it and doing great. (We are going to save so much freakin money! Sweet!...but all kiddingness aside, seriously, $25 for a can of formula that lasts a week? Seriously guys.)

Anyway, here are some pictures....

Free MySpace slideshows, photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Alison's 1-Year-Old Pictures

2007-07-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press, here is Alison's 1-year-old Korean Dress picture, a growing and now solidified tradition in the Bollard Family...

Here is her normal 1-year-old picture.

Alison's 1st Birthday

2007-07-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Free MySpace slideshows, photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Well, my neighbor's Wi-Fi has been down for a while, so I haven't been able to steal their internet and update my blog. But now I'm back baby!

Alison had her 1st birthday (Jun. 23rd). Apparently, the cake was a big deal for my mom. She spent several hours decorating it, and was actually a little dissapointed that Alison didn't make as much a disaster of the cake when it came time to dig in. All the adults just kind of stared at her while she gently grazed the frosting. We can't believe that a year has aldready gone by. But I have a feeling that this next year will seem a little longer...at least for Danielle anyway.

This is the last week of full-time work for Danielle....ever!(?). She will work this week, then take off work a week before the scheduled C-section...which will be July 23rd. Since Danielle previously had a C-section, the doctor wants to do a C-section this time as well. She is very excited to get this thing outta her. They told her that a late third--trimester pregnant woman's body temperature feels about 10 degrees higher than normal. Add that to our 115 degree Las Vegas weather, and Danielle's doing about 125. It feels like she's branding me every time she touches my leg or something. Soooooo...she's ready for the new baby.

With Danielle going on maternity leave [then eventually coming back to work 1-2 days a week], I will be 'encouraged' to step up and fulfill the role as main provider for the family. This next year is going to be the most interesting yet of our marriage, financially speaking. I should graduate in December with a Bachelor's in Biology, then apply to Pharmacy school. As a backup to Pharmacy school, I am planning on doing another year of school at UNLV to become a certified Medical Technologist [i.e. - doing analyst work for a place like Quest Diagnostics]. So, I still have effectively another year and a half of school. I'll keep working part-time at the body shop, and have recently gotten a job working for Deseret Industries part-time [hopefully]. My home teacher hooked me up with this great evening job at D.I., so we're looking good right now.

I know, way too long for a post, but just had to git it off my chest.

And here's the obligatory Independence Day picture with a surprised look on Ali's face.

My First Slideshow

2007-06-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Free MySpace slideshows, photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby Ali in action...

2007-06-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Here's Alison on her first birthday. She loves to wave byyyyyeeeeeee........

Baby Jamima

2007-06-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is her Aunt Jamima Sunday dress her Grandma Wendy bought for her. It's da bomb.

Mt. Charleston fun

2007-06-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand... So, what to post? Hmmmm....

Well, school is out for the summer for me...so I'm just working part-time and taking care of Ali. It's pretty fun. But Danielle is sure ready to quit her job and be a Mom full-time. Actually, she'll probably just cut back to 1 or 2 days a week, and take care of the kids the rest of the week.

The new baby is due in July, and we'll set the surgery date pretty soon here.

About a month ago, the parents and us went up to Mt. Charleston for a picnic. It was good to get out of the heat for a little while.

Some weird guy up there had a bird and fed it by putting food in his own mouth and having the bird pick it out of his mouth. Was kinda gross. But Ali liked it, and so that's how we feed her now.

Our motorhome trip...

2007-03-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

We took a motorhome trip from Vegas to Texas and back. It was just a weekend trip, in a 8-passenger motorhome, and we had 8 adults, and 7 kids. 'Twas awesome.

In the back of the motorhome, baby....

[No pictures please!]

At Danielle's brother's wedding..

...with Ali wearing a fantabulous dress.

Alison

2007-03-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here's our cute Ali on our Texas motorhome trip.

So, here's our blog...

2007-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

And there you go.