The Leslie Family

2010-08-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, Justin and I finally got out of the house. Justin got me tickets to see Jack Johnson for my B-day. We had the greatest time. The music was amazing. ALO and G. Love opened. Loved it all, but nothing topped Jack. Gotta love when they actually sound as good as their albums. Actually, maybe even better. We even got some good laughs over the people dancing in front of us. Let's just say, worse than Elaine from Seinfeld but equally funny. I think I may have convinced Justin to get a sitter for the kids and get out of the house more often. Yay for me. Thanks babe.

Father's Day

2010-07-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am the world's worst blogger, guilty as charged. I meant to put these posts in order from January through July, but like I said "I'm not blog-worthy." So here you go in random order a recap of our last 6+ months.

For Father's Day we hiked to Stewart Falls. It was beautiful and the kids had a great time. Of course my camera died after this picture was taken, on a positive note at least I got one. :)

February = Love My Family

2010-07-21T20:25:00.001-07:00

I cannot say enough how lucky I am to have my family, LOVE THEM!!

Easter

2010-07-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Nykelle enjoyed her first Easter Egg Hunt. She didn't know quite what to think, but loved the candy surprise. I wish they were that easy to please forever.

Summer Friends

2010-07-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

The kids have been so busy this summer with their friends. Nothing beats a carefree summer with friends, good times! From baseball in the rain, swimming, Seven Peaks, Lagoon, football camp, Shadow Mountain camp, soccer, Stadium of Fire, to just being crazy with their bestees, it will be hard to top this summer of fun.

Summer Makeover

2010-07-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Orange Sherbet anyone? I imagine you will only desire an orange room once in your lifetime so when Averee asked for an ORANGE room I said "Wish granted." It turned out a lot cuter than I anticipated, although sometimes I think I still need blinders when I walk in her room.

Let the games begin

2010-07-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats sunshine and baseball. We have so much fun going to Braedon's games.

May = Birthday girl

2010-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

This Cheeser had a birthday in May. Liv turned 11! Hard to believe next year she will enter Young Women's. Hope they are ready for this beehive, she is such a ham! She really does keep us all laughing. Love you Liv!

January

2010-07-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here is Nykelle enjoying her first ride in the snow, she could go all day-literally.

Look Who's One!!

2010-01-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

This little angel turned one on January 5th. What a blessing she has been in our lives. She is just starting to walk and is talking up a storm. She loves books and she is already a little mommy, rocking her babies from side to side. Her favorite is emptying anything in sight: drawer, cupboards, baskets, purses. Sure makes it hard to keep a clean house. She is not a dainty eater. She is covered in food from head to toe by the end of each meal. After going through multiple outfits a day, I have resorted to stripping her before each meal. Although, this isn't an option in public so I will warn you now because when she is done eating it is always fun to have a food fight, as food is thrown in all directions. Honestly, it has been such a joy to watch our family dote on this little one. When one of us calls out that she is doing some adorable act, we all come running. We can't imagine our lives without her. Thank you for coming to our family little Elle. We love you!

Cake time fun!

She sure had fun opening gifts with an audience. She quite enjoyed being the center of the show.

1-2-3, Who do you see? Two of these are Nykelle, 1 is Liv and 1 is Averee. I had Olivia and Averee's pictures taken at one year with this yellow sweater and can you believe after 9 long years I still had the sweater and had Nykelle's picture taken to match.

The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

2010-01-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

A gremlin lived under my tree this Christmas season...and her name is Nykelle.

I love Christmas, it is such a magical time of year. I can say that having this little one around sure does open my eyes and reminds me to treat everyday as if it were Christmas. It was so fun to watch her excitement about the little things that my older gremlins don't get as excited about anymore. Such as...the ornaments on the tree, wanting to handle each one, taking them off the tree one by one. The Christmas lights, she would sit in such awe on light rides, practically jumping out the window at each new found discovery. The two times she sat on Santa's lap, there was no wailing or tears (even though she is very stranger shy), she just looked at him inquisitively. She loved the sounds of bells ringing, loved hanging with me in the kitchen, was such a trooper as my shopping buddy, and rocked around the Christmas tree to holiday tunes. She definitely made this season magical.

We hosted Justin's family Christmas party shortly after we returned from Seattle. The kids look forward to this every year. Of course Santa dropped in to say "HOHOHO."

We try to calm the children long enough to set the mood for the Nativity story. All in all it was a good night full of new cousins meeting, food, and fun.

Christmas Eve pajamas.

Christmas morning was crazy fun. We had to wake the baby (the middle/left picture), she was a little glossy eyed. That's okay, I'm sure she will get revenge on the older ones in years to come. She loved her babies. As soon as she ripped enough to see what was inside "O-baby", "baby." Adorable.

Averee loving her new Christmas dress, and I think her eyes bugged out of her head when she opened her I-pod.

Do you see a running theme? You're only an obsessed little girl once, right? Yes, she did get a few things that were not "Jacob" related.

The boys. Braedon loved his weights from Grandma and Grandpa Drake. He is saving for a weight bench now. Brock is enjoying his array of toys. Santa was very good to all of us this Christmas. Really, I know who I'm thanking for everything good in my life and I don't think he lives at the North Pole, but he does make things in my life very magical. And I will be thanking him in my prayer's tonight, and forever.

Seattle in December

2009-12-23T19:56:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-10T19:00:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-10-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

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! :(

2009-09-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T13:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-09-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T20:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

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!!

Sweet, Sweet Auntie

2009-03-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Averee's class read a book called Flat Stanley at school and had the assignment to send their own flat Stanley in the mail to someone and have them return him with a picture of him and his adventure while he was away. Averee chose to send Stanley to Aunt Sandi. No ordinary Aunt, always goes above and beyond. She took Stanley to the Jelly Belly factory, took pictures, and sent a Jelly Belly treat back for everyone in Averee's class. Averee's words: "She is the best Aunt in the entire world." And yes I would have to agree. Thanks Aunt Sandi for your example, you truly are "the greatest aunt in all the world." Ethan and Hayden are so lucky to have you for a grandma. We love and miss you.

Blessing Day

2009-03-03T17:49:00.001-08:00

Justin gave a beautiful blessing. It's always good to have a day with family.

4 Weeks Old

2009-02-26T01:12:00.001-08:00

My cute friend Kristina came over and took some fun pictures of the baby. This is just a sampling of the hundred or so pictures that she took. Check out her site by clicking the button at the side, this girl is oh so talented. Thanks Kristina!!

1st Blog!!!

2009-02-26T00:26:00.000-08:00

So I told the ladies at work that I would try to start a blog once I had my baby. I guess now is as good a time as any...1 a.m. while my precious baby sleeps or is that precious sleep I'm missing while my baby sleeps? Either way, for my first blog I thought I would introduce our newest bundle: Nykelle Grace Leslie, born January 5 at 2:56 a.m. weighing in at 7 lbs 10 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. After working half my shift at the hospital I couldn't take it any more and less than 3 hours later the beauty arrived. She has brought out the softer side in all of us, we are so glad to have a baby in the house again. This child will never be lacking in the hugs and kisses department. We all lover her so.

The kids are crouching to show the horrendous snow storm in the background, but it wasn't even captured. Oh well, they have the 2 hour car ride home as a memory.

She's got lungs!

My amazing labor nurse, Jenn. She was my physical and emotional support since hubby showed up 30 minutes before she was born. Things went a lot faster than I anticipated. Thanks Jenn and all the L&D staff, you guys were awesome!

Some of the amazing nurse friends in postpartum.

They even tried helping me name her: Hortense Mildred, Treasure Gold, Snow Eve, Jezebel Wanduh...thanks guys.

This is a picture of the knot Nykelle had in her cord. Gross but cool at the same time. Maybe it is the nurse coming out in me.