Seattle in December

We decided to go for a quick family get-away before Christmas to Seattle. We had a blast!Day#1 we spent at the Aquarium. The kids enjoyed touching all the creatures of the sea.
(Liv's favorite)

We also went on a harbor tour, very relaxing and fun to see seattle from the water. We had a great guide. (Averee's favorite)

Day#2 we went to the top of the space needle: awesome. (My favorite) They even had a Space Santa, Nykelle wasn't quite sure of him. Then we went to the Science Center where we could have spent the entire day and then some. We watched a movie on elephant's, my children were well educated on their habits if you know what I mean. Very cool place. (Braedon's favorite)

Day#3 we went to the Flight Museum. Another place we could have spent a day or two. We went on the AirForce One jet that JFK used, WWI and II museum full of fighters, music, etc of that time, space museum, and history of flight area. Needless to say extremely cool. (Justin's favorite)

Day#4 was a very wet Seattle day and our last stop was the Zoo. We didn't get to see its entirety, but we did get to see the baby gorilla named Uzumma meaning "bearer of joy to the family" which reminded us of our little monkey who has definitely brought alot of joy to all of us. Averee made friends with a penguin who would follow her finger, swimming up, down, and all around. All in all, it was an excellent trip with many hours spent at the hotel pool as well, of course. We can't wait to go back again some day.

Beauty School

So my brother came over one night in need of a haircut and wanted to give my girls a lesson in beauty school.
When it came down to it I don't think either party was 100% sure, but the party must go on...

...success! Thanks Sean! You truly are a sport. The girls had a ball.

Nine is Fine!

This little sweetie celebrated her 9th birthday on November 6th. After quite a few years of "friend" parties, I told the kids this year was a "family" party year. That didn't stop us from having a FINE time, though. In her usual style Averee chose to follow what her sis did for her b-day. I didn't have a problem with that we went for pedi's, had a great lunch at her choice The Pizza Factory, and came home for a partay. Let me also mention that Ave was also going to have her ears pierced like her older sis, but mid-way through lunch she looked over at me and said "Mom, I'm going to wait to have my ears pierced." That was FINE with me. Averee was my baby for 8 years. She didn't like the idea of losing that spot at first, but I tell her she will always be my baby. I sure am glad she is the opposite of her older sis in that way. She is in no hurry to grow up. She is my sweet, snuggle buddy. She is a big helper--always cleaning and babysitting. We love you A, you are one FINE little gal.

Getting her pedi.

Look at those FINE looking purple/glitter toes.

Yum, Yum.

Her grandma made it a colorful rainbow day. Cake, balloons, toes, jacket. Thanks grandma!

One FINE day!

Happy Halloween!

Our little flower fairy.
My older girl's made it easy on me this year, homemade costumes. Score!
This is Grandma Averee.

Our nerd Liv.

Zorro revealed. Brock didn't want to disguise his face.

Family Pictures

Here is a sampling of our latest family pictures. A few things I learned: #1 Babies need a decent nap before having their picture taken if you want them to smile. #2 The more children you have the harder it is to get a photo where everyone is looking and smiling with their eyes opened. #3 If you have had a baby recently and you suffer from a little bit of muffin top, invest in some spanx for family pictures. #4 If you have a great photographer you end up with some pretty fabulous pictures anyway. Thanks again Kristina. You are the best!

Beauty is...

The theme for reflections this year was "Beauty is...". Liv wanted to enter a photo. While I was at work one night she took these photos of Nykelle and submitted this collage for reflections with the subtitle "Beauty is... my baby sister." I don't know if it will be the blue ribbon winner, but it melted my heart anyway.

Sister Love

I guess if you grew up praying for a sister and never got one, the next best thing is to have three girls. I tell them everyday how lucky they are to have a sister.

Growing Too Fast!

I just love this little butter-ball. She is already crawling, pulling herself up, has a tooth, and prefers her mama. Oh ya. She doesn't have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, but she does love to hold and carry Braedon's hacky-sack everywhere she goes. Does this mean we have a future hippy on our hands?

Summer Days Are Gone! :(

So, I had a crazy busy summer training in L&D and kind of lost touch with the blogosphere. So, here is a quick update on what my kids term as their "most boring summer ever."

A week down south with my family. We started with the Drake Family Reunion, it was great to see everyone. From there we went to Brian Head, the sand dunes, a trip to the top of the world, went off-roading for deer (didn't know I was a red-neck), and enjoyed the stars and a red moon (no not the out-house). We did spend a day at "the property" where there is an out-house with a red-moon. It was fun to see my kids enjoying doing the things I did as a kid. I think I had more fun searching for a horned toad for them than they did. We went by my great-grandfather's home where my dad spent most of his summer's growing up, must have been heaven. Then it was on to St. George where we went to Footloose at Tuacahn--it was great. I can't wait to go again.

A fun-filled weekend with Justin's family in St. George. Traditionally there was Adult Bingo. It sounds worse than it is, the kids supervise and Justin even walked away sporting some sexy red long-johns. There was Fear Factor, lots of pool time, and food, food, food.

We had a fun day at the zoo. Can't you see the excitement on the teenagers face. Grrrrrr. Teenagers!!

We spent the day at the lake with the kids. The water was frrrrreeeezing, but that didn't stop our little penguin from jumping in. You can see the after picture, I think she is in shock.

For our 16th Anniversary, Justin surprised me and swept me away to Zermatt. It was just what I needed: peace and quiet, not to mention a beautiful view.

He's All Heart

Anybody who knows Braedon knows he lives for baseball season. Well three weeks into the season Braedon learned the meaning of tough brakes!

Poor guy broke his arm, and his pitching arm no less. That didn't stop him from jogging three miles afterwards or going to school the next day because his mom the nurse said he'd be alright.

I had to add this pic of Braedon and Nykelle. He loves his baby sister. Shhh, don't tell him that I spoiled his teenage image and showed that when it comes to baseball and babies, he is ALL HEART!!

Random Pic's of our little Elle

Sweet Baby Elle

Sleeping at one of Braedon's baseball games

Her first taste of food. It doesn't look like it was as good as it looked.

Watching one of Braedon's baseball games like a big girl.

All dressed up!

A decade of Sunshine!

Nothing like another child joining the double digits to make you feel old. Liv turned 10 today, yay! Of course I forgot my camera (will I ever get better about that?), so I don't have the best pictures. We spent the day at a spa getting mani's/pedi's and hair done, fun, fun, fun. Then it was off to get her ears pierced. No tears, all smiles. That is so Olivia. She is our bright, energetic, and joyful ray of sunshine. I think back over 10 years and how did it blow by so fast? We are looking forward to the next 10 Liv. Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Showing off the new holes in her ears.

Mani's and Pedi's, Oh my!

Only 10 of the wonderful things we love about our Liv.
1. She bounces (She is Tigger: bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun)
2. She is my fellow night owl
3. Her love of music
4. Her optimism
5. Her picture poses (We have the greatest pictures of her, she can't just smile in a photo she has to make some zany face and pose).
6.Her love for her family and friends (9/10 times the phone rings, it is for Liv).
7. Her ability to entertain whether it be with her silly laugh, her tongue roll, or a performance of some sort.
8. Her room--not because it is clean, most of the time it is not and the closet is a whole other story but because it shows me she is still a kid. Her dad always says she is 8, 9, now 10 going on 18.
9. Her ability to try anything new--food or activity, you name it she'll try it. Fear factor here she comes. Okay, unless it includes spiders. That's my girl!
10. And finally her huge heart--she wants to be every one's friend.
We love you Liv!

You Know It's My Birthday, and Yes I Had a Good Time!

This is what my Birthday consisted of:

A beautiful crown made by the gals at work, victoria secret mesh panties for the headband and sanitary napkins pasted to the front reading "Happy Birthday Fancy Pants"...good times, thanks girls!

A dance recital for this little beauty, good job Liv!


These cuties were there too.

My bro enjoying some cake.

Some amazing gifts from my wonderful family, including this watch from my brother. Thanks Sean!

And a delicious cake made by my sister-in-law. Thanks Jennifer! Thank you to everyone for making my day!!