shedreamsinyellow

Fun in DC

2012-02-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

I was so lucky to be able to go to DC and spend a quick weekend with my brother Dustin...isn't he cute!

We went to Georgetown and ate lunch at this really yummy Greek sandwich and salad place. If I remembered the name I would tell you, because it is worth going to!

Putting Dustin in charge of the camera, not a good idea.

Then we headed to the National Mall, went into the Flight and Space Museum (dad you will love this place) and saw a 3D Imax on the Hubble Telescope (mom you will love this).

We ran into the Museum of Natural History, saw the dinosaurs, then ran over to the Museum of American History and saw the Star Spangled Banner and the exhibit with all the first ladies' dresses. By this time I was completely museum-ed out! I can only take so much. I am not one of those people who can read every plaque, and look for hours.

I love how there are people everywhere. There was a rugby game going on in the square, millions of runners, and of course, lots of tourists.

Dustin hadn't been over to the Jefferson Monument, so we chose this one to go see. We had a limited amount of time.

We caught the Jefferson right at sunset, it was beautiful!

Thanks Dustin for a great weekend! I had so much fun just hanging out with just you, I don't think we have been able to do that in years.

What an amazing city DC is!

Pine Wood Derby time

2012-01-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

It was fun to watch Mark and Parker work together to come up with a theme and make it happen. The race is this Saturday, can't wait to see how it goes.

It isn't Spring YET!

2012-01-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

It really hasn't been warm enough to warrant wearing such scandalous clothing, but my little girlies decided it was time to bring out the swimsuits.

I was still in pants and a long sleeve shirt, mind you, while taking these pictures.

They are in ca-hoots, who can give me the most gray hair first! Yep, I have gray hair already.

I love the Ugg boots with the suit, quite the combination. They make me laugh.

All Girl!

2012-01-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

I know I just posted about this little girlie posing for the camera,

but this cracked me up!

Addison borrowed my camera, and this is what I found...

Bailey showing off her masterpiece on the bathroom wall,

from every

possible

angle. Cutie patootie!

Another one bites the Dust!

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

So here's the story...Reilynn's car seat (which is massive by the way) was nasty after our long Christmas road trip, and I, being the perfect mother that I am, pulled it out of the car, hosed it down, and left it in the driveway to dry. But if you have ever been in Southern Texas you know that things don't dry outside.

Mark needed to pull out of the driveway, tried to prop it up against the window, misjudged the massiveness of the car seat, and it broke yet another window. I think Mark is up to 5 that he has replaced now....he loves it, can you tell?!?!!

Baby Crib to Front Porch Bench

2012-01-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

This little diva takes every opportunity to...

STRIKE

POSE!

What do you think? I am happy with how it turned out!

New Year's Eve

2012-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Mark and I took the kids to Town Square for the FREE fun and festivities.

They had a great aerial silk performer and...

a fabulous fire juggler.

This guy was a great performer. He kept everyone entertained with his many tricks.

The kids had a lot of fun! Then we took them home, got a babysitter, and went out to a couples party at a friends house. I think this was the first time since we've had kids that we stayed up till the ball dropped. I felt very young and hip!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous 2012!

Christmas morning in one picture

2012-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

We were up late and up early, but the kids were very excited about each and everything they received...a fun morning.

The Cutest Mary

2012-01-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Addison gets a little shy in front of crowds...but she did such a good job holding her little cousin.

Reilynn started out as a shepherd, but due to a dirty diaper, she wouldn't put her outfit back on. Bummer.

As soon as Reilynn saw that Addison got to hold baby Mabel, she was pretty mad that she wasn't Mary.

Isn't this little angel cute?!?! Here is a direct quote from Kasidee: "Everybody thinks Bailey is all adorable and sweet, but she is NOT, she is mean and rotten." Bailey does have a little spunk in her, but I don't know about mean and rotten. :)

"NO REALLY! I WANT TO HOLD THE BABY!!!"

Wise Man.

PJ opening...

Lining up for the PJ fashion show...

Everyone in their PJ's.

Family Fun

2011-12-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

Mesa Temple Lights:

We went to Hamburger Haven before crossing the street to the Temple...it was so yummy!!! They have pastrami burgers that were killer!

Then the whole group (minus a few the person taking the picture cut out) headed over to the temple.

Slumber Party at Granddad and Grandma's:

The cousins watched a movie and slept on blankets.

I don't think one eye closed before 11 o'clock that night.

Sugar Cookie Decorating:

Sprinkles, frosting, and more cookies than we could count....the perfect combination for 20 grand kids.

The highlight was when Gordon, age 7, lead everyone in singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs. I was so glad I had the video camera close...cute!

Snow From Logan:

Uncle Mike and Aunt Jen came from Utah, and brought a trailer load of snow with them. It lasted a couple of days on Granddad and Grandma's yard. Who knew on little pile of snow could be so fun?!?

Polar Express Movie Night:

Uncle Marc and Aunt Michelle invited everyone over for a fun outside movie night in their backyard.

It was a cold night, which was perfect for candy canes,

hot cocoa,

and popcorn.

Cute Mallory and Jessica!

Gordon and Parker found sweet spots on the hammock swings.

Michelle even went to a theater to get the good popcorn. What a fun night!!!

Thanks Michelle and Marc!

Parker came in to warm up for a second, before heading outside for round two of hot chocolate.

Cutie Patootie Maryn and Sydney.

More pictures to come...it was such a fun trip!

AZ or bust

2011-12-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

We went to AZ for Christmas to be with Mark's family. The kids had so much fun with all their cousins! Here is Natalie.

Santa Came to Town

2011-12-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

Santa came to our ward party. Addison, Bailey and Reilynn wouldn't get on his lap. There is always next year.

Jamaica

2011-12-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

The weather didn't cooperate with us, so we cancelled our excursion in Jamaica, and after the downpour subsided, we headed out to explore on our own.

Mr. Stilts was there to greet us, very nice. He was quick to tell us that it would be perfectly acceptable for us to tip him for the Kodak moment.

It was very kind of him. :)

We walked around all the booths, saw everything there was to see, and then wandered outside the gates...

The "real" Jamaica was a little scary. People trying to "guide" you into their little shop, or "I braid your hair pretty lady," and there were a lot of men standing around. Luckily, we found this really nice man who took us in his van all around the island.

We went here for lunch...

And as you can see, I was not happy about sharing with Mark...hands off my food buddy! Haven't you learned, it has been 11 years, you don't mess with my food. Ok, so I really didn't mind sharing, I don't know what that look on my face was, but thanks mom for capturing it.

We ended the day with a little dancing...I was having Zumba withdrawals...so fun! The Cuban shuffle is a blast, if you have had the chance to try it!

Grand Cayman

2011-12-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

Stingray Island:

This was the craziest experience ever!

The guide brought over this stingray and let us hold it,

pet it,

kiss it,

and it gave us stingray massages.

I think I will take a Swedish massage over a stingray massage, but it was pretty amazing.

We ate lunch at Tikki Beach. It was beautiful!

Then we left Grand Cayman right at sunset. What a fun day!

Cozumel

2011-12-08T13:21:00.001-08:00

In Cozumel we went on an ATV ride through the jungle.

It was so much fun!

I was a little worried because I caught whatever Addison had, and I was throwing up on the ship that morning.

But I ended up feeling ok, and we had a blast.

Mark thought he was a professional driver, and he passed me and sprayed mud up the side of me...punk!

Here is my hot shot dad...lookin' good dad!

I thought it would be a pretty easy route...but they actually took us on a pretty good ride.

Cozumel was a lot of fun!

And We're Off!!!

2011-12-07T18:11:00.001-08:00

All you can drink Diet Coke...

Fancy,

Shmancy,

Dinners...

Beatle Mania...

Titanic Reenactments...

Towel animals...

And Beautiful Sunsets...

Let the relaxing begin!!!

First Things First...

2011-12-06T17:46:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving:

We were so lucky to have Cory, Lori and Payden come the week before Thanksgiving and play with us!

We headed to Kemah for a day.

Reilynn caught on really quick that the rides were really fun!

Here is the train around the boardwalk.

Cory and Lori came from Idaho...FREEZING WEATHER...so they were loving our warmer days.

I think Mark about threw up after this ride. :)

How cute are these two...I won't tell you that it was a staged kiss, because it is cuter if you think it was spontaneous.

The kids were throwing bread out at the seagulls, and they came swarming in. They would of eaten it out of your hands if you didn't throw it fast enough.

My cute little nephew! My kids loved having a cousin to play with!

There is something about the ocean...I love it!

Then we had to get down to business. Here is our pit, the fire had to burn for 8 hours before we put the turkey in...the guys had a good time.

Then poor Addison woke up Thanksgiving morning throwing up. Poor thing, she was so sick! And of all days!!!

Here are the turkeys...

Here are the other turkeys...he he he. Dustin flew in Wed. night. It was so much fun having him come too!

Despite Lori's face, the turkey turned out really good. It was falling off the bones.

It's not Thanksgiving without a little football.

These two became really good little buddies. Although, Reilynn did learn how to say "stop it" that week too. :)

Wet Willy!!!

Pay back!!!

I loved having family around! We miss you all...come back!!!

I didn't think it needed to be said, but.....

2011-11-17T11:25:00.001-08:00

I guess it does:

PEEING IN MY BACKYARD IS NOT ALLOWED!!!!!!!!!!

I had the two neighbor kids over last night and they were all playing in the backyard. Well, the little boy was swinging on our two person yard swing (too high) and it tipped over backwards right into 2 windows!! One in my living room and one in my bedroom.

So that didn't make me very happy, but it was an accident....just breath.

But then, as I was cleaning up the glass, I look out the window to see this same boy, pants down, peeing in the middle of my yard. And we are not talking hiding in the corner peeing, we are talking flaunting, swinging "stuff" back and forth peeing...in front of my sweet little girls!!!!

H#$% no!!!! Yep, I was that mad! I stomped out to the backyard, catching the boy in the act, and let him know (in a very loud way) that there would absolutely be NO peeing in the yard. WOW! It pretty much ruined my whole night, I wasn't very nice the rest of the evening.

My two favorites...

2011-11-15T15:05:00.001-08:00

It doesn't get much cuter folks!

Results coming...

2011-11-10T13:17:00.001-08:00

Yes, I finally took the plunge and started the dreaded project of painting my kitchen cabinets...dun, dun, dun! I am so excited with how they are turning out. I will post pics when they are complete.

And of course, family pics. I can't wait to see how they turned out..and I bet you are sitting at the edge of your seat in anticipation too!

Preparing for the yumminess!!!

2011-11-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

I sent this cute girl outside...

...with my camera to take pics of this handsome man...

but I came away with lots of pictures of this cute girl instead.

Not that I mind, I mean how cute is that face!?!?!

But this was what that handsome man was up to...

...a pit to bury a couple turkeys in. He made a brick oven to slow cook them until the meat falls off the bones. My mouth is already watering...yummy!

...smell my feet...

2011-11-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else been hearing this phrase a lot lately? (Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat?) Every other second at my house this year!

We started the Halloween festivities with some pumpkin carving.

Kas loved pulling all the guts out of the pumpkin. She is my only adventurous one...I ended up scraping out all the others.

I saw some cute pumpkins on pinterest...and i wanted to try a few. One said pumpkin had lots of little holes in the whole thing...my cute husband accommodated his crazy wife and pulled out the big guns. (and the drill too...he he he)

Parker thought he was pretty clever to pull out the pumpkin mouth and try it on for size.

The end result was awesome!! I wish I could of taken a picture of the pumpkins all lit up with candles...I'm not that talented.

After pumpkin carving we dressed up, and I use the word we very liberally...THEY dressed up and we headed to the church for trunk-or-treating. We have a big tri-ward party every year, it is so much fun. Kas brought a friend from school this year. They were purrr-fectly excited to fill their pumpkins with candy!

Then came Trick-or-Treating...seriously, we have so much candy at our house right now!!!

Look at Addison's face..."GIVE ME CANDY!!!" That's what her face is saying.

It isn't Halloween without a silly face pic!

Our cowgirl...

Minnie Mouse...

Ballerina...

Kitty Cat...

Good ol' Darth...

And of course Zoe had to tag along for the fun! Reilynn insisted on holding the leash. I don't know who was leading who!

Here are our cute neighbors who dress up and give FULL SIZED candy bars. It doesn't get much better than that people!!!

Hope ya'll had a very Happy Halloween!

Good Friend

2011-10-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

I love when my kids have good friends! Reading together on the couch, so cute!

Projects, projects, and more projects!

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome-ness at the goodwill...SCORE!!!

I painted it grey and antiqued it...the pic doesn't do it justice. The color is so much better in person! Come on over and see for yourself!

Then I took this entertainment center...that I have hated for a while, and painted it black, and now I LOVE it.

I also separated it and now I have bookshelves in my piano room, and a nice tv case upstairs.

Speaking of getting it upstairs...yep, my awesome friend and I did it by ourselves. You have to get creative when your husband it out of town and you are as impatient as me.

Here is project number one million this week...primary blocks for the temple trip this weekend.

Each child is going home with a picture of the Temple.

And this is my OCD-ness coming out in my 3 year old. Sorry Bailey, I have cursed you for life!

And last, but definitely not least, is this cute Christmas card holder. Isn't it fun! This is my November craft for my craft night I started. It looks very cute in my kitchen!

Why did I wait so long?!?!?

2011-10-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

My knife block has been an eye-sore on my counter for a while. The problem was, I use it about 500 times a day...why didn't I think to paint it sooner?!?!? Now I love it! Thanks pinterest!

I'm taking orders!

2011-10-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Christmas is around the corner!!

Rudolph

2011-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks Kelli for this picture of Reilynn. She was so happy to inhale her ice cream...she was diving in nose first...I was starting to worry about frost-bite. :)

The Tickle Dragon

2011-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Addison went over to a friend's house the other day. Her dad came home from work and played "tickle dragon" with his girls and Addison.
Rules of the game:
-dad sits in the middle of the room
-children circle dad, trying not to get caught, but really wanting to get caught
-dad tickles children when they get caught
-if a blanket is placed over dad's head, he is not allowed to tickle until said blanket is removed

Addison thought this was the best game since Twister! She could hardly wait the couple of days until Mark got home to teach him...
Needless to say, it was even more fun with her own dad!

Just a side-note, Addison asked me the other day, "How come mom's can yell so loud?" Mom of the year award....again! I am on a roll!

You've been BOOed.

2011-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year!!! I love the start of a season where we can focus on other people!

Have you ever done this? It is so much fun!

You know it is fall in TX when...

2011-10-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

It cools off to 80 and everyone pulls out their pants!

We had a gorgeous Saturday!!!

It was perfect for soccer,

more soccer,

and flag football games.

I love seeing my kiddos engaged in positive physical activities! They are wearing themselves out, gaining skills they will use for the rest of their lives, and having so much fun doing it!

Parker ran the ball in for a 2-point conversion (did I say that right), I'm still learning football. It is such a complicated sport to me! Parker is loving it!

Wiped out!

2011-09-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Bailey was tired enough to fall asleep with a book as a pillow...wiped out!!!

We love you to the Moon and back!

2011-09-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

I love the seconds after Mark walks in the door...he is gone for the week for work, then he comes home to a family who has missed him so much!!!

Fall Craft

2011-09-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I have become addicted to pinterest...only on my blog, not to my husband. :)

I saw this idea on pinterest and had to try it...I thought the canvas turned out pretty cute. Do you love pinterest as much as I do?

Ignore the Ghetto...

2011-09-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ignore our ghetto swing-set (held down with a block of cement), and our ghetto grass (which has been mowed recently and doesn't look ghetto anymore).

This is my kiddos latest game...

Attach the dog leash to the swing, have Reilynn hold the leash, have Addison swing, and laugh as hard as you can. It is pretty funny to watch.

Rain, rain, DON'T go away...

2011-09-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

...little children want to play!

We finally have some rain!

We are having a big drought down in here good ol' Texas (if you haven't heard), and we really needed a little moisture.

The kids (friends included), took full advantage!

Splishing and splashing to their hearts content.

Reilynn wasn't quite brave enough to splish and splash, but she liked watching the splish and splash action!

Cute Kasidee!

2011-09-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

I lucked out with the sweetest husband ever...how did I get the sweetest daughter too?!?? She spent her free time in class writing the whole family these little notes, telling us how much she loves us.

We love you so much too Kas!

2011-09-12T12:19:00.001-07:00

What a great husband I have!!!!

Six 3 year olds and one almost 2 year old...kill me now!

2011-09-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

I'm actually just kidding. Bailey kicked off preschool at our house, and we had a really good time.

I tried to get a picture of the cute new preschooler...but she would have none of it...hence the solo backpack picture above.

We talked about the letter "A" with apples and worms.

We ate dirt cups with worms for our snack today...only the healthy stuff in our preschool!

The only time I wanted to pull my hair out was when I found this...

a whole glue stick ground into my carpet.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?

How am I suppose to get that out?

Well, if you ever have this problem in the future, baby wipes and a little elbow grease did the trick.

You can't tell my mom I didn't try!!!

2011-09-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here is attempt number two! Everyone in their wedding attire.

I love Parker's distracted smile...

This was the best I could get...

This was unscripted...how cute are these three! Come for Thanksgiving Cory and Lori...we miss you!

The End.

Magical Times

2011-09-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

All the kids dressed up in their choice of costume...

Put the music on...

(which just happened to be Kelly Clarkson...no comment)

...and busted a move...

...or two!

Is there anything more magical than twirling in princess dresses?

It made me want to put down the camera,

Find a fluffy skirt,

and twirl!

But then I remembered that I am 30, have five kids, and when I twirl I get so sick and dizzy that I want to throw up, not to mention a headache the size of Texas. So I picked my camera back up, and took pictures instead.

When the kids are away, mom's will play!

2011-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

One for the back door...

One for the front door.

Distract the 3 yr. old!

2011-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Bailey has been begging for preschool to start. She is ready to be a big girl!

So I have been playing "distract the anxious 3 year old" for the last week. We have one more week until school starts...I don't know if my house will last.

Only a week late

2011-08-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have 3 in school now.

Our little sweet Addison is off to Kindergarten.

Parker was very nervous about 2nd grade. "Mom, is it going to be a lot harder than 1st grade? Is the math going to be really hard?"

Poor little Bailey, she wants to go with her sisters and brother so bad. She hates being left behind!

Has this girl grown up a lot this year or what?!?!? I love seeing Kas come into her own.

I love that these two always have each other. It is not as scary to start something new, when you always have someone there to start it with you.

We have them in separate classes, but they still watch out for each other.

Addison went to school like a champ. She walked right into the school with her sister and brother. However, the teachers put her in the wrong place for pick-up, and she was waiting all alone for long enough to scare her. By the time she got home, she was pretty traumatized. But thankfully she went back the next day, without much of a fight. I am hoping that they all have really good years.

"Midway" home...

2011-08-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

On our way home from WA, we were lucky to be able to stop in Midway and see Mark's parents.

They are staying at a fun place called the Zermatt.

We swam...

and we visited a couple fun parks. (I love seeing uncoaxed sisterly love.)

We had a good time.

But my poor mother-in-law has seen us on the tail end of our summer extravaganzas, twice now...

And by this time, my kids have had it, and let's be honest, so have I.

So Judy gets grumpy grand kids and a grumpy daughter-in-law. It's not very fair, sorry Judy!

Midway was gorgeous!

It is a little old Swiss town, up in the canyon.

There was lots to see and do, but we chose to entertain ourselves with stickers instead of enjoying the beauty outside.

Remember how we were tired and grumpy?

Stickers are the trick.

Who doesn't cheer up with a few stickers on their leg?

Thanks for a fun couple of days in Midway. Even though we weren't the best company, it was really fun seeing you and getting a couple hugs. We love you both!

The Open House

2011-08-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is where
all the fun
began!

Did I just say fun...this zip-line never got old! This is what the kids were doing while we were busy setting up.

The zip-line wasn't the only fun ride.

And this little punk, I take that back...big punk...was doing the tie-you-down-and-string-a-long-line-of-spit-down-and-then-suck-it-back-up-at-the-last-second thing. Gross!!!

The open house at my parent's house was an all day event to set up for.

Here is "the man"...

And here is "the man" with "my man" laying on the back of the 4-wheeler. They were on a mission to obtain apple bins.

Mission accomplished!

Me, Aunt Karen, Lori, and Aunt Peggy. Poor Aunt Peggy dislocated her finger that afternoon. The sacrifices we all made for a beautiful open house. Way to take one for the team Aunt Peggy.

Can you tell we are related?!? Funny.

Here I am putting the paper lantern masterpiece together. It turned out so pretty. When it got dark and the lights were all twinkly, the lanterns had a soft glow...gorgeous!

And here is our oompa-loompa worker...we would say, "Put an apple bin here please." And he would reply, without any complaint, "Sure. And where would you like the next one put?" What an awesome oompa-loompa we have!

Here is the sign in table...Didn't it turn out so cute?! We found all these cute antiques in my grandparent's shed.

Here is the drink station.

I think it all came together great.

One more look at my
paper lantern masterpiece.

The gift bench by the sign in table.

The little girlies taking advantage of the drink station.

The dessert table, complete with 2 soft serve ice cream machines.

The cute couple. Welcome to the family Ash!

My mom and her mom, grandma Taylor.

What a fun night! I'm so glad I was home to be a part of this special night!

That's what I get for being nice...

2011-08-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

My hats are off to anyone who gets a good picture of a group of small children!

My mom really wanted some pictures of her grand kids.

Ok, I thought, I will be nice and get some cute shots for her.

I have a nice camera, I can get everyone dressed up and take some pictures. Piece of cake...

No one would look at the camera at the same time, the wheat was too itchy, it was too hot, the sun was in their eyes, she's touching me, I'm bored....

Then I left the wheat colored bench in the wheat colored wheat, and the combine (a very expensive machine that harvests the wheat) almost combined the wheat colored bench, which would have cost as much as my house to replace.

I seriously could not catch a break. How hard could it possibly be to get 6 children to just look in the same direction at the same time for 2 seconds?!?!?

As you can tell......IMPOSSIBLE!!!

These are the only ok pictures that I got...one threatening to throw rocks on grandpa and grandma's yard, and...

one in the wheat. Not everyone is smiling, but they are all looking in the same general direction.

I've decided I'm not going to be nice anymore, it is way overrated!

I MISS THIS!!!

2011-08-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I miss going to the garden,

picking fresh veggies,

stacking said veggies in an OCD manner,

and then gobbling them up as fast as we can.

I couldn't find this song to add to my playlist, but I love it, and it makes me think of home.

Lucky Little Cousins

2011-08-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

These two are going to be the only two, out of my kids, who have cousins the same age.

Luckily, they got along great.

When 2 year olds share their Mac'N Cheese, you know it is love.

How cute are these two?!?

Little miss "I just learned how to roll my tongue."

And little mr. "I have the cutest, biggest, brownest eyes in the whole world."

Fun, times 10

2011-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go to the Callahan's homemade water slide again this summer.

They have added a couple upgrades, including a big inflatable trampoline...

and a fabulous pavilion!

Here is my little bro with his cute little guy in his my-parents-are-too-overprotective-because-I-am-their-first-child life jacket.

The kids had a blast finding some independence taking the paddle boat out by themselves.

These two little ones are only a month apart...

and they are little friends. It is so fun to watch them find each other.

Here is my cousin Dakota, and my cute working-in-Chicago-so-we-don't-get-to-see-him-enough brother.

Here is Lori my sister-in-law-who-is-not-my-only-sister-in-law-anymore with cutie patootie. Ok, I'm done with the run-ons. :)

Of course, the guys can't just go down like normal people...

They have to go down like this.

And this.

Even Great Grandma Taylor came out to watch.

Thanks Callahan Family for making this wonderful place for us country folk to play.

Can it get any more REDNECK?!?!

2011-08-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Oh look, you have a baby, naked, in a tractor!

My dad was scraping and leveling gravel on their driveway.

Everyone had a turn in the tractor.

Even my little cute nephew, Payden.

Hike!

2011-08-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Cory, Dustin, Dakota, Markley, and Parker played a pick-up game of football last night. We are thoroughly enjoying the nice weather and family home.

Parker thought he was pretty hot stuff, playing with the big boys...Set....

Hike!

Aunt Karen and my Grandma Taylor came for the open house here at my parent's on Saturday.

Here is Parker's victory high five with dad...he scored a touchdown! I had to crop it quite a bit, so it is a little blurry.

My poor sister-in-law, Lori!!! Dakota was all sweaty and gross after playing football and he attacked Lori. He wiped his sweat all over her face...it dripped in her ear, mouth, all over her face....GROSS!!! I can't wait to get the picture of her payback!

The Event

2011-08-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ashley received her endowments in the Columbia River Temple in the Tri-Cities.

Going through the temple with family is what it is all about!

Then we were off to Seattle for the wedding.

The kids thought they had died and gone to heaven...staying in a hotel, swimming in the hot tub, eating out every meal!

This pool was freezing..but they didn't seem to mind.

Family flew in...

We headed to the Seattle Temple...

And then we waited...

And waited...

For the big reveal...

But it was worth it, they were such a beautiful couple!

Ashley was gorgeous!

Brian was glowing...

It is a good feeling, seeing your brother so completely happy.

Brian is my youngest brother, but now he is all grown up and starting his own family.

I am so happy for him!

Then we went down the street to a park and had a picnic.

I loved the picnic!

Umbrellas, baskets of sheets to lay out,

basket lunches,

glass bottled soda,

and ice cream cones to finish off the afternoon. Cute, cute, cute!

Ashley did an amazing job on her reception!

She made every puff ball and hand-died every strip of material.

She wrapped her letters,

and made her backdrop. It was all so beautiful! What a fun night!

A Message for Dad

2011-08-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

We hate when you are away! We love you!

Mr. Farmer Himself

2011-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

My dad is amazing! The pool was too cold, and it was very expensive to buy a pool water heater, so he made his own.

He painted a board black, ran black hose back and forth on it, and put it in the greenhouse. The water runs from the pool, heats up in the tubing, and runs back into the pool. Amazing!

And speaking of farming, this is the field around my parent's house. They are growing wheat this year, and I think it is so beautiful. It blows in the wind and sounds so amazing.

And here is a random side note: Guess who is enjoying the zip line this year....little miss Reilynn. Bailey or Addison can put her up on the tire, pull her up the hill, then jump on and ride down with her. They have had a blast!

Here is the wheat field one more time. I can't get enough; I thought you needed a little more too.

One Happy Horse

2011-08-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mark is a huge fan of my dad's soft serve ice cream machine. Can you tell?!?!

Saddle Mountain

2011-08-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

]

In all the years we've been married, and all the trips home to Royal, Mark has never been on top of Saddle Mountain.

It is a lot more fun to take 4-wheelers up the mountain...but with 11 people wanting to go on the expedition with us, it was not really going to work.

So we loaded up in the cars, stopped on the way to get popsicles and ice cream sandwiches, and headed up the mountain.

There were grasshoppers everywhere!

And with ticks and rattlesnakes everywhere up there,

I was a little paranoid to let our kids go exploring.

I have become a lame mom!

But everyone enjoyed the treats,

we saw the pretty view,

and we loaded back up and headed home.

Next time I definitely want to figure out a way to take 4-wheelers up, that is the whole fun of going up to the Saddle.

But for this time, it was fun!

Who Needs Toys...

2011-07-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

...when you have a huge gravel pile to play in!

The kids have been rolling down, digging in, jumping down, throwing, scooping, running up, and playing king of, this big huge gravel pile.

They are going to be sad when Grandpa spreads the gravel out onto their driveway.

But for now...it is fun, fun, fun!

A New Kid in Town

2011-07-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

Can you see Parker in the background? He was pretty upset, he no longer has sole ownership of the grandpa motorcycle rides. The girls are big enough this summer to want rides too.

I love seeing my kids making memories like the ones I still cherish of my childhood. I can remember hugging my dad really tight and screaming in his ear as he turned a corner and the motorcycle leaned just enough to where you thought you were going to die! Good times. My dad luckily has mellowed out a little, and I don't have to worry about him being quite so daring with my kids.

The Groom

2011-07-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

I think I would be pretty embarrassed if I were Brian. Working 14 hour days is no excuse! I mean, he is about to be married and go to Hawaii on his honeymoon! Would you be seen in public with this farmer's tan!!??!!

Uncle Brian has been lots of fun this summer! The kids can't get enough of him!

Getting Even

2011-07-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

"Grandpa, what do you have here?"

"Oh, look, glasses! I know what you are suppose to do with these!"

"Just hold real still and I'll have these on in a jiffy!"

"Perfection!"

"How do I look Grandpa? Wait, now everything is blurry."

"I think they look much better on you."

"I'll help you...a little to the right...

...a little to the left...

...Voilà, Grandpa you look amazing!"

"What is that you have Grandpa?"

"Candy you say?...Yum, I want some!"

"Yuck...this is definitely NOT candy! Rude Grandpa, rude!"

What it's all about!

2011-07-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma Strawberry is now 85 years old. My kids love to stop in and give her loves. She isn't moving very well these days, it is hard to see her get older. I am so glad that we came this summer. I love that my kids know their great grandma, and I hope that some of them are old enough to remember her forever!

Games

2011-07-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Grandma has been playing lots of board games with my kids. They have discovered Monopoly Jr., Sequence, Aggravation, Ker Plunk, and many more. Grandma is way more fun than mom!!!

Uncle Brian is more fun than mom too!

San Fran

2011-07-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

My parents gave me the best possible gift for my birthday...free babysitting and quality time with my hubby!

After the wedding in Seattle, I flew out and met Mark in San Fransisco.

What a fun city! We went to Ghiradelli Square and had some amazing chocolate, Fisherman's Wharf...yummy fish and chips.

We traveled north to the Muir Woods, thinking we might see a few Redwoods, not so much. It was just a national park with hiking trails and regular trees. I guess for city folk it is a nice retreat, but we didn't spend very long there.

Just enough time for Mark to climb a couple trees.

We were told that we had to go see all the seals at Pier 39...but we hit an off time...there were only 3.

We went south to go to the beach (no pictures included...you are welcome), and stopped along the way to see Apple.

Right by Apple was Winchester House, a house a crazy rich lady built that has over a hundred rooms and stairways that lead no where.

Someone had way too much money and too much time on her hands!

Then the last night we were there, we tried to go to a Giants game, but we didn't realize how popular their game would be. It was a sold out game. They did have standing room only tickets for $40 a person...NO THANKS! I don't even like baseball all that much. So we met up with an old high school friend and her fiance and had dinner.

It was so much fun catching up with Liz and hearing all about San Fran from some locals.

30!!!!!

2011-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

OH KNOW, I AM 30!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so I don't feel any different, and it's not so bad.

For my birthday, me and the kids went with my mom and brother to Snohomish for a family friend's wedding.

The Seattle temple was beautiful, it brought back memories of doing youth baptisms and sitting in the waiting room watching all my little cousins while the older cousins got married....good times!

Now I am old, and it is the little cousins and friends of my little brothers who are getting married.

My family used to live in Snohomish. When I was a freshman in high school, we moved to the other side of the Cascades to where they live now.

I forgot how beautiful it is over there. This is their driveway. My mom took my kids out to pick some flowers for me on my birthday.

Sometimes I have out of body experiences where I am watching myself with my 5 children, and I think...

"Is that really me?"

"Have I really been married for 10 years?"

"Do I really have 5 beautiful children?"

"It can't be, there is no way that I am this blessed! There is no way that I got this lucky!"

It feels great to be 30!!!

Community Days

2011-07-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

I love that small towns are all about "community."

My mom just passed her EMT test...yeah mom!!! One of the perks is driving the ambulance with very excited grandchildren in the community parade!

I had the wrong lense on the camera...but you get the idea.

My very cute, very pregnant, cousin and her husband have a very yummy shaved ice stand.

Here are the kids in the parade...can you see all those little heads peeking out of the front windshield?

You won't find a 12 year old boy driving the tractor down main street in Houston!

I thought this was pretty funny. This is a big chemical sprayer, if you didn't already guess.

Reilynn thinks she is pretty big stuff on the big girl swing. But not too big to be carried around by my cousins cute little daughter Sam...

Or be spoon fed shaved ice by her big sister.

They had pony rides set up...

And not to be outdone....we had bull rides. I won't lie, I was a little nervous to let my kids get up on that massive animal!

And true to form, that stubborn bull decided he was done giving rides and sat down in the middle of Addison's ride. It started to roll on her too, but the man was able to stop it....mini heart attack!!!

Morning Chores

2011-07-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

I love working outside with my hands. I love having dirt under my nails...it makes me feel productive! I wonder if I just went out and rolled around in the dirt if I would feel like I accomplished something?

My kids are each assigned a row of corn to keep weeded. I didn't get any pictures of them weeding because if I stopped long enough to go in and get my camera, they would have stopped too, and it would have been hard to get them going again.

Here is the proof that they were busy though. This is a big Rubbermaid full of weeds.

Hopefully we will be here long enough to enjoy the harvest...last year we missed it.

How Could I Possibly Forget?!?

2011-07-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I missed some pictures from UT...and these definitely couldn't be left out!

Jessi and the kiddos did a lemonade/cookie stand while we were at Aunt Karen's.

They ended up making about $16....what are the child labor laws? Just kidding...he, he, he. They had a really fun time going to the dollar store and spending all their hard earned dollars!

This is my cute friend Monica from our Utah State days. She came up to see me.

I found out I was pregnant with Parker and Kasidee when she was in the hospital having her first cute girl, Brooklyn. I love how good friends can pick up right where they leave off, even when it has been YEARS and YEARS.

I had so much fun visiting my aunt/sister, uncle, and cousins. I hope they didn't get too sick of us because...

I already want to come back! Love y'all!

Rewind to Emi

2011-07-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

When we were in UT, we met up with some of our old neighbors from TX.

Emi was my adopted daughter who babysat for me all the time. We miss Emi and her family a lot!!!

The kids and I met Emi and her mom for dinner at a park. It was fun to catch up.

It didn't take the kids long to remember how to climb on Emi's back, beg for rides, and chase her around pleading for a game of tag or hide-and-seek.

We love you guys and miss you so much...come back to TX!!!

Until we Meet Again

2011-07-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Visiting with all the uncles, aunts, cousins, second cousins....

cousins,

siblings, and soon to be siblings...

and grandma was such a treat!!!

It was so sad to say goodbye and leave!

Reilynn decided we were going to take the baby with us.

But before we left we had to get one big group picture...

It is as hard as you would think to get a herd this size in one place,

sitting still, (Yes, Addison is cupping my bum.)

all looking in the same direction,

for the perfect picture.

We'll see if we got it. My battery of course went dead again. I was having issues with my camera up there.

But I will be getting a picture from Karen soon I hope.

More fun and games in 3 years. Love you all. Thanks for a successful, fabulous, perfect reunion!!! We missed you Dustin, Cory and family, Stephanie, Alan and family, Shalome and other half, and Autumn. Hopefully we can get everyone there next time.

Feeding the Herd

2011-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

We have the system down to a science.

Every family takes a meal, then does the dishes for their meal.

Then you can relax and enjoy everyone else's yummy meals the rest of the time.

We did nachos this time. It was a very easy lunch...good thinking mom!

Family Talent Show

2011-07-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Evolution of Dance

The Snowman Song...Parker, Kas, Bailey and I.

Cinderfella...Dave and Deb's family.

Poor Parker had a fever that night, but he was still a trooper and powered through our talent.

More Cinderfella (the evil step sisters)...

An Ode to Taco Bell by Joan and Rick's Family...

Three Amigos by Jason, Josh, Craig, and Devin...

Some funny stories told by Jared and Sonnet...

And a song for my Grandma, Danny Boy, by all the brothers.

Fun and Games

2011-07-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

One night they planned fun "Minute to Win It" games for everyone to play...stack the bolts using a hanger.

Get an oreo from your forehead into your mouth without using your hands.

Get all the ping pong balls out of the tissue box without by dancing around. Shake it Kas!

Keep all three balloons up in the air for the whole minute...pretty challenging for little ones.

But not a problem for Parker...

He can do anything with muscles like these!

Addison and Parker having their turn shaking their grove thing!

Knock over the water bottles using a tennis ball in nylons. This one was pretty entertaining.

Brian and Ashley were awesome!

We learned some new EFY line dances.

Flash light hide and seek...

Balloon relay races...

And last, but not least, tug of wars...which the adults had to try after the kids. Of course my battery went dead on my camera for the adults...bummer!

Thanks everyone for planning some really fun activities!

Family Reunion 2011...Batters Up!

2011-07-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the first of many family reunion pictures. We all met at a Church Lodge right outside of Cle Elem. It was the perfect place for lots of people to meet, eat tons of yummy food, and share some good times.

Here is my cute little brother and his cute new fiance. They sat and watched while some played a "friendly" game of softball.

What is it that makes people competitive or not?

Why can Mark play a friendly game and not get worked up about winning or losing, but I can get pretty heated about winning. Where did those genes come from?

They came from this side of the family!!! And this little girl inherited a few of these genes too!

There were no free passes on base...

You had to EARN EVERY BASE whether you were 3...

Or 30.

Addison almost was pegged by a fly ball to center field, then almost pegged again by the throw in from the outfield. It was a really fun game, but kind of scary at times to have adults and children playing together.

Luckily, no one was hurt, and the game ended with family ties still in tact.

More memories to come.

Monster Trucks and Mullets

2011-07-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

What could me more cute than cousins playing a fun game of ring-around-the-rosies? Well, I'll tell you...

Cute cousins enjoying monster trucks and mullets together! Ok, not quite as cute, but it was fun.

We finally made it to Cache Valley! It is so beautiful there, and we haven't seen Mike and Jen in a long time. FUN!!!

We went to the Cache Valley Cruise In. We saw some amazing cars and trucks.

The kids did pretty good walking around for the first hour...but they had had it by the second hour.

Jen and I took the little kids home so they could get some R &R, while the dad's got their fill of the cars, then we came back for the parade down main street.

We wish we lived closer to Mike and Jen and their cute kiddos! We had such a fun time visiting!

Reilynn and Loralei were good buddies...

when Reilynn wasn't stealing Loralei's ice or toys!

Parker and Gordon are 2 of 3 boys their age in the family of cousins, and they don't get to see each other often enough. Thanks Mike and Jen for letting us come invade your house in an inopportune time. We had a really fun time!

Can't wait for more "wipe and roll."

Um, Uncle Rob...HELP!!!

2011-07-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

I had everything loaded up, I was half way to the airport to pick up Mark, and we were going to head up to Logan to see his sister when...

I got a flat tire on the freeway!!!

I was so mad! Ok, if I am being completely honest, I cried a little first, then I was really mad.

I had never changed a tire in this vehicle before, I didn't even know how to get the spare down from underneath!

Luckily, there was a "how to" paper for dummies by my jack that was exactly what I needed!

After I called my Uncle Rob, with tears in my eyes and voice, begging him to come rescue me, I got to work. First things first: I threatened my children within an inch of their lives if they unbuckled their seat belts and climbed out of the car. Next, I unloaded the whole platform and back of the expedition, lowered the spare tire, loosened the lug-nuts, and then 2 young boys showed up to rescue the damsel in distress.

When they realized their damsel was not a young hottie, just an old mother of 5, they were quick to retreat back to their car and drive off.

However, an older gentleman pulled over next and saved the day. We had the tire changed and everything almost loaded again when my uncle and the UDOT truck, lights flashing, showed up....it was quite the scene!

Never a dull moment in our lives!

Top Off

2011-06-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Rob and Karen took Mark and I on a jeep ride up the canyon to Sundance. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever been on!

Driving with the top off on the jeep was awesome!!!

This was taking pictures as we were driving...

This was one of my favorite spots. All these trees have hundreds of carvings all over them. Wouldn't this be a cute engagement photo?!?

Sundance was really pretty. Streams, bridges, trees, log cabins...gorgeous!

And that is the "end" of it...he he he!

Some more S'mores Please

2011-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Look at the gorgeous mountains in the background. I have missed mountains!

Lehi Parade

2011-06-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

This was such a cute parade! All the primary kids and their floats, different high school bands, football teams, cheerleaders, dance groups, Jr. Miss floats...the kids were in awe!

Over-Staying Our Welcome

2011-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

We have been having such a good time at my Aunt Karen's house!!! The kids have played and played with their cousins, and I have had the best time shopping, trading foot rubs, talking 'till all hours of the night, watching the Bachelorette together,and drinking more Diet Coke than humanly possible...she is the sister I never had!

We took the kids to Trafalga...a kids wonderland...does it get any better?!?!

Can you tell how excited I am?!?

2011-06-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have been in the car for 3 solid days getting ready to be in the car for 3 solid days...

Utah here we come!

What is this world coming to?

2011-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Both on grandparents iphones, and this picture was taken by Mark's iphone....We don't even need to talk to each other anymore!

Last, but Definitely not Least!

2011-06-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Addison had a PaMpEr Me PrEtTy PaJaMa PaRtY today. My little girl is turning 5 and going to kindergarten next fall. I can't believe it!!!!

Addison is the girliest out of all my girls, so I thought a girlie party would be perfect...and it doesn't get much girlier than mani/pedi's, makeup and up-dos!!

Here are the before and after pics...CUTENESS!!!

I love the silly faces in the mirror!

Happy Birthday Princess Girl!!! We love you!!!

Jerry-Rigged

2011-06-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

My carpet shampooer stopped working. So of course, while my dad was here, I begged and pleaded for him to take a look at it. 10 hours, a couple swear words, and a whole bottle of super glue later, we are back in business! Hurray...or not.

I tried to use it yesterday. If I leave it in one place for more than 2 seconds, there is a puddle on my floor. And it doesn't suction very well, which we found a way around. I decided I take after my dad, I can fix a problem...very ingenuitive if you ask me!

Thanks dad for trying. I think this one was beyond repair.

Birthday Party # thirty eight thousand two hundred and fourty three

2011-06-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

This cute girl is 8...can you believe it, because I can't!!!

She invited a few good friends to join her to the best place on earth, no not Disney Land...

BUILD-A-BEAR!!!

We each chose our favorite new friend, added a bark, kissed their heart, and stuffed them full of love.

Whoever came up with this brilliant way to suck all the money out of parents, and make children happier than they have ever been, is a genius!!!

If you have been around Kasidee for more than 30 seconds, you know that she is a dog lover. Sunny, her new friend, and her are inseparable. Seeing her still carry her puppy with her everywhere she goes makes the money disappearing not so bad. :)

We came home and ate lunch,

and so did our new dogs.

Then we had some cupcakes.

I tried to use a frosting bag to frost them this time, but I didn't get the frosting thick enough...so we had a bit of a mess on our hands.

Luckily, I got a few in the fridge fast enough, so it wasn't a complete disaster.

And staying with the drawstring bag theme, I made drawstring bags for their furry friends to ride around in as party favors. I made them a little too small...but luckily the little 8 year olds didn't notice. It was a fun day.

Ms. Christy

2011-06-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

This was the first time that I have put any of my kids a preschool, I have always done more of a coop preschool.

Addison had such a good time with Ms. Christy! They went on fun field trips, did some very cute crafts, and learned tons along the way.

Addison was able to be in there with her cousin and some other really cute kids.

See...cute kids...I told you!

Thanks Ms. Christy and cute kids, for making this a fabulous year for my little girl!

The Festivities are NEVERENDING!

2011-06-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

We decided it would be fun to let Parker and Kasidee have separate birthday parties this year. We wanted 8 to be a special year!

Parker took a couple friends to see Kung Fu Panda 2. I got this great idea from a friend to make these drawstring bags and fill them with candy and snacks for the movie/party favor. It was the easiest birthday party ever!

Sorry moms, they learned some new moves...watch out little sisters, they are ready to practice!

It is Great to be Eight

2011-06-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Parker and Kasidee are 8 and baptized! Of course I was reflecting on their journey, and how hard they had to fight to make it on this earth.

I shed a few tears as I thought of their special missions here on this earth that they must need to accomplish.

And as I peeked over to glance at Mark, I saw that he was shedding a few tears too.

We invited some friends over after to help us celebrate the amazing day.

And you can't celebrate without an ice cream cake and a little ring-around-the-rosie!

Yes, they all...

...fall down!

My dad hasn't been feeling very good on this whole trip. He has had a bad case of bronchitis, so sad! He has been a trooper to be dragged here and there, and support his grandchildren on their special day.

Do you know how hard it is to stick candles in a frozen solid ice cream cake?!??

I was bending the candles trying to push them in...but we succeeded,

Sang Happy Birthday,

And ended the night visiting with good friends and family. An end to another good day!

The beginning of a great weekend

2011-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend. It started out with Mark's parents coming in town, lunch at Papadeux's and a bridal shower (not for a family member).

Then Mark got home, and I went and picked up my parents from the airport.

On Saturday, we headed out to the beach. It was a windy day and Reilynn wasn't a fan of the sand or the water...

She had a great time! :)

Mark had a really good time too...it is written all over his face. What a good son-in-law he is!

Parker thought he was big enough and cool enough to hang with the big boys. Luckily, they let him hang on to that fantasy for the whole day. They were good sports!

Judy took a turn holding the little one who refused to walk on the sand.

Sand pits anyone??

We had to get creative because the seaweed was so bad.

Remember this one? She still won't get her feet dirty.

Mark couldn't quite get the skim-board to work right.

So Greg thought he should show him how it is done. He actually didn't do much better, I just am an amazing photographer that caught the split second on the board. You are welcome Greg!!

Then Parker wanted his turn. He did pretty good. I'm sure being 15 pounds helps.

Now, on to lunch...mud pie anyone?

Yes, great minds think alike...all three wives bought their husbands the same swim trunks.

It was so fun to have both sets of grandparents there at the same time!

In spite of the wind and gross seaweed, we still had a good time...and everyone had the sunburns to prove it!

A good day!

Argh Matey!

2011-05-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a scarier pirate?!? She is positively....

ADORABLE!!!

Kas had her final play for Drama Kids last weekend.

They did a one act play about a pirate crew who threw their captain overboard for making them work too hard. "Scrub, scrub, scrub. Work, work, work."

I was so impressed with these little kids! They learned their lines, memorized their songs, and knew where to go on stage, with very limited prompting.

Kas has seen her brother earn a couple trophies with his sports, and was very happy to have one of her own.

Parker, in turn, was very excited to give his sister her congratulatory flowers.

I'm so happy that we found something that Kasidee loves and can excel at!

"Mom, who thought to get me these flowers? They are absolutely beautiful." (Yes, she said that as we were walking back out to the car. Cute girl!)

The Continuation of Birthday Month

2011-05-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mark flew home late Friday night, in time for his birthday on Saturday. The little girls woke him up with raspberries on his cheeks...

It doesn't get much better than that!

Oh, and Chips AHoy cookies in bed too. What more could you ask for on your birthday?!?!?

Maybe some birthday songs from a little one year old?

Happy Birthday Markley! We love you so much. We knew how much we loved you before, but now that you are gone a lot, we really know how much we love and adore you!

Mother/Son Game

2011-05-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

The team Parker was on had a standing tradition to end the season with a mother/son baseball game. It was so much fun!

It had been 8 years since I had swung a bat...and it showed. I struck out my first time at bat. Pretty embarrassing! But in my defense, I have never hit from a pitching machine, or at a baseball (only softballs) before. Ok, it was pretty pathetic!

We had some pretty cute little cheerleaders!

Parker had a great first experience with baseball. He loved his coaches and teammates, he can't wait to play again.

Go Yankees!