California/Disneyland

A few weeks ago we were able to spend a fun-filled week in sunny CA. We went with our good friends the Atkinson's and had a great time! We stayed in Newport Beach at our absolute favorite resort the Newport Coast Villas. We have stayed here before and loved it so much and were so excited to go back again! We had a great view of the ocean and love all the amenities that the resort has to offer!! We had absolutely gorgeous weather(68 degrees) which made it hard to come back home. We divided our time there between the beach, swimming and hot tubbing, hanging out at the hotel, and Disneyland.

Taking the ferry over to Balboa Island to play at the beach and eat at Ruby's!!

What is up with Spencer's face?? Always a comedian!
Can't go to the beach and not eat at Ruby's on the pier!

We saw a sea lion while walking along the Balboa Pier

Ethan and Kennedy playing in the sand

Ethan wanted Kena to bury him in the sand.

Cassidy and Madison digging for oysters--hoping to find pearls!!
I guess you are never too old to play in the sand!
Playing in the waves

Playing some b-ball at the hotel!!

More sand!!

DISNEYLAND:

We were beyond excited about going to Disneyland for a number of reasons. First, we were going at an off time so the lines were amazing. We rarely had to wait more than 5-10 minutes for a ride, if that. There were tons of rides that we just walked on to. That was the BEST!! I will never do Disneyland again during their crowded season. Second, I was so excited to take Ethan and watch him experience Disneyland for the first time. He absolutely LOVED it!! He still talks about his favorite ride(Dumbo) and how he was mad that he couldn't go on the upside-down roller coaster with me(California Screamin'). I think he will be my daredevil. He wanted to go on all the rides, however his height didn't allow it. We will definitely have to go back when he is tall enough to ride everything. This time was much more fun also because the older kids were able to go on many more rides than they were 4 years ago the last time we were there. Having great friends with us was an added bonus too!

6 out of the 8 kids we dragged around Disneyland for 3 days. Our biggest accomplishment. . .not losing any of them!!

The carousel is always a favorite

Waiting so patiently for the long-awaited Dumbo ride!
Finally. . .Ethan's turn!!
Spencer was able to fight Darth Vader in the Jedi Training Academy
Just had to throw in a cute pic!
Ethan could have stayed in toon town all 3 days pretending to drive all the different cars

The boys in front of Mickey's fireplace

Finally able to meet Mickey

...and Goofy

Can't leave without giving Goofy a big hug!
Ethan's all time favorites and new obsession. . .Mater and Lightning McQueen!
The dads and big kids after grizzly rapids. If you can notice they all wore their ponchos so they wouldn't be soaked afterwards!
The big kids on the rockets

I just love the castle lit up at night!

Splash Mountain--the twins must be ducking since they are missing in this pic
The three youngest after meeting Pooh, Tigger, and Eeoyre

Sorry for all the pics. Sad thing is there are about 1000 more where those came from! Just looking back at all those pictures makes me want to go back already. We had such a fantastic trip and can't wait to do it again!!

A Special Day

I really do have good intentions of posting more regularly, but it seems as though life always gets busy and my journaling gets moved to the bottom of the list. We had a great holiday season, but it was BUSY. We had a lot of family parties, neighborhood get-togethers, 6 house guests for 2 weeks, projects around the house, and the most important. . .Kaden and Spencer's baptism day. I really can't believe how fast our kids grow up. Eight seemed so far away, yet here we are already!

Kaden and Spencer each chose to baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We were so proud of their decision and know that they made the right choice. They actually could have been baptized in December, but with family coming into town for the holidays we decided to postpone it until January. They were baptized on January 2nd. It was an amazing day for our family. The spirit that was felt at the baptism was so strong. The boys each had a very special experience and I could see a difference in them afterwards. It makes me so happy to see what great individuals they are becoming. They are such kind and respectful boys and I couldn't have asked for better children.

After the baptism I reserved a room in our church building for a luncheon. As always, I made too much food. We had a great time visiting with our family and friends, and celebrating Spencer and Kaden. A big thank you to all of our family and friends that came and supported our family. We really appreciate all of you!!

The invites I had made for the baptism. I was so happy with how they turned out!

Our Fam

Siblings

Celebrating with family and friends!





Did I do good or what?? I wish! Thanks goes to Jerry!!

E.I.G.H.T.

Since I have not been in a blogging mood lately, what better way to get me back blogging than to wish my two favorite eight year olds a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Kaden and Spencer turned eight yesterday, but we started celebrating last Friday. They invited some of their closest friends to a birthday party at Jump On It. They had a great time jumping on all the tramps while playing football at the same time!
Then on their actual birthday they couldn't believe that I would make them go to school, but I did!!! Andy had the day off of work so we picked up a special lunch for them and ate lunch at school with them. This was major progress for them to let us come to lunch with them. They are too embarrassed already to have their mom and dad eat with them, but at the last minute they decided it was okay. Then last night we just had grandparents over to celebrate by opening presents and having cake and ice cream.
Every year when November 16th comes around I somewhat relive alot of the emotions that I experienced when the twins were first born. It is no secret that their first year of their life was one of the hardest years of my life. I look back with such gratitude for the people who helped me and my family. There is a very long list of people from family members, close friends, neighbors, ward members, visiting teachers, and so on. Most of them would probably not consider what they did for me as important and amazing as I consider it. I have no words to describe the love and caring I felt from them through their acts of selfless service!!
In honor of their eighth birthday, here are the eight things I love the most about Kaden and Spencer:

Kaden:

*Kaden is my sensitive, kind, and caring boy. I hope he never grows out of this.
*My sports FANATIC!!! If there is a sport to be played he will play it. His life revolves around sports.
*He is a great big brother. He is very protective and caring of Ethan!
*He is very smart and a good student. His teachers can never say enough good about him.
*Kaden is a great helper. He loves to do jobs for me around the house!! He will make some girl very happy someday!!
*He is a great example and friend to those around him.
*Kaden does what he knows is right. He is a good leader.
*Kaden is very calm and balances out our family.

Spencer:

*My comedian. Spencer loves to get people to laugh.
*Spencer is very compassionate. He genuinely cares about others.
*Spencer has more energy than anyone I know. At times it wears me out, but I wouldn't change it!
*Spencer loves to help me with things that need to be done around the house.
*Spencer is a great friend. He always wants to include everyone in everything!
*Spencer is a great student--especially math and handwriting. His writing is perfect!! It is neater than any adult I know. His teachers always brag about what a good student he is!
*Spencer has a great imagination. He likes to write stories and does a great job.
*Spencer is always happy. Just looking at him smile all the time makes me smile. I am smiling just thinking about it!

Happy Birthday Kaden and Spencer! Thank you for all the wonderful attributes you bring into our family! I love you SO much!!

The boys and their friends at Jump On It

Anxiously waiting for their grandparents to come so they could open presents!

The boys requested a football cake

Make a wish!

She's back!!

My mom returned a few weeks ago after serving an LDS Mission in Philadelphia, PA. The past year went extremely fast and we are excited to have her back with us. The day she was to arrive home the kids and I went over to her house before school and decorated it a little to welcome her home. Ethan and I went to the airport later on to pick her up. It was so great to see her again! Ethan warmed up to her immediately and it was as though she had never left. I had Andy check the kids out of school a little early and they were waiting in her driveway to surprise her as we pulled in. The kids were SO anxious to see her--it was a great surprise!! We are so glad that Grandma is back near us, but so grateful for the wonderful example she set for all of us. She served the people of Philadelphia so selflessly and I am sure she is greatly missed there!

QUIET

That is what my house has been since the kids started school yesterday. As much as I miss them and the noise that constantly accompanies them I am loving my quiet house, the house staying clean for more than 5 minutes, kids not knocking on my door every 3 minutes(no exaggeration!), and some one-on-one time with my buddy E. But by 3:30 I am ready for the noise and excitement that the kids bring home. They do not disappoint!!

My gorgeous kiddos before they left for school

I told them to act like they loved each other. This is what I got. I was satisfied!

Ethan waited patiently but wanted a picture too. Can't leave Ethan out!

12 Years and 1 week ago. . .

I married my best friend. I am a week late in posting, but can't pass up the opportunity to tell Andy(he probably doesn't even know how to get to this blog!) how much I love and appreciate him. Andy is the most supportive and helpful person/husband/father that I know. He would do anything for me and that means so much! We have been through a lot together the past 12 years, lots of good times to look back and laugh about, and even some difficult struggles that have made us stronger and closer. Happy 12 years Andy!! Can't wait to see what the next 12 bring!

The Carolinas

We just got back from a 10 day trip to North and South Carolina. We went with Andy's family and flew into North Carolina. Andy's dad is from North Carolina and all his family still lives here. We were able to spend a day in his hometown and visit with family that we(Andy and I) haven't seen in ten years. They hosted a BBQ in our honor where we got to eat great food and catch up with those we haven't seen for so long.

Then we set off to spend a week at Myrtle Beach. Quite a few of Andy's relatives made the trek also so we were able to spend a lot of time with them!! Our condo was right on the water so we spent a lot of time at the ocean. I forgot how much I hate the sand! It gets into EVERYTHING!!! The kids of course had a blast and especially loved the waves. The water there was great because it was so warm. We also spent a lot of time at the pools. My kids absolutely love to swim. Ethan has always liked the water, but turned into a little fish on this trip. His favorite thing to do was to jump in the water, go all the way under, and then climb out the stairs and do it again. . . and again and again and again!! We definitely had to keep an eye on him because one time he jumped in and we weren't near him to catch him. Luckily Andy moved quick and got him! We were also able to fit in a little shopping, hanging out, and some good ol' R&R.

THE AIRPLANE




THE FAM
Cassie and Stephanie making the best ice cream EVER!

My FIL with his brothers and sisters

Cousins

The older cousins

The younger cousins

Cousins being silly!


FUN IN THE SUN