love

It's Great to be 8!

I know it sounds so cliche, but sometimes I feel like time is just going by too fast. It really doesn't feel like it was that long ago that we were welcoming this little guy into our family. He's not so little anymore. He's grown by leaps and bounds over the last 8 years and we are so proud of him and all he does. He has definitely made our lives more fun and full of laughter. Happy birthday buddy!

I Caught A Lizard!

Western Expedition 2011

I started out thinking, "I must be crazy!". Driving myself and four kids out to California, Utah and back by myself seemed a bit unrealistic. Especially since Wally wouldn't be joining us until the last leg of our trip. But like most things I do, I didn't let the craziness stop me. I packed up the car, loaded the kids, gave Wally a big kiss and then headed out into the unknown. Well, as unknown as I-40 can be to a girl whose never driven on it past Flagstaff, AZ.  

The reason for my sudden fit of insanity? Adventure? Yes. To make memories? Yes. To prove to myself (and those who thought I was completely out of my mind) I could do it? Yes. But the real reason we went was first to visit my parents, whose home we haven't been able to visit for a few years, and second to let my kids swim in their pool to their hearts content for a week and a half. Was it worth it? YES!

We had a great trip and oh, the stories to tell!  I have a lot to share about swimming, the beach, driving, reunions, and even brakes (or lack thereof!). I am glad to be home after being gone for nearly three weeks. The biggest thing I have learned about this jaunt across the Western U.S. is that I can do anything. Even with four kids in tow.

Oh wait. I already knew that.

Dear Mom

YOU ARE THE BEST MOM A KID COULD EVER GET IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!

let us get something straight. there's a good mom, and a great mom. you are the best mom. other moms may be fantastic moms, but not you. you are the BEST!!! if memory serves me after these long, long, years (and mom, i think it does) as the moon sits there in the big dark sky, you are one crafty, fun, exciting, talented mom!!! happy birthday!!!



Happy Birthday to the BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!

Love, your precious little troublemakers!

Lay Off, It's My Birthday!

That is all.

boyz

This summer started us out running full force! We only had a couple of down days before we had a cousin swap with our family in Denver. This is the first time that we've been able to do this since we've always lived far away from family and we were totally pumped!  It was decided that the girls would go north while the boys would stay south.  That meant that I was completely outnumbered by the male species in our home for four days.

We had a great time together, but I learned a few things about boys along the way.  Did you know that 7/8 year old boys are so giggly?  I had no idea.  These boys laugh all the time.  Now, I grew up in a house full of girls and the kind of conversations these boys are having are pretty funny.  One afternoon, for a good solid half hour, the whole conversation was about passing gas. I never knew that there was so much material concerning the subject!  And it all started with Caleb who said, "I know what rhymes with gas! Pass! Get it? Pass Gas?" {Insert giggling and laughing here}.

And the dinner conversations we had each night? Let's just say it was totally different than what I would have expected.  Some new vocabulary was defined and other curious questions answered.

Ahem.

I decided the best thing to do was to keep everyone busy.  Video games were played with restricted times and only on my terms (which surprisingly worked very well!). We spent a lot of time at the skate park while they perfected their mad skillz on the bike, scooter, and skateboard for hours.We hit the dollar movie theatre in town and they played lots of monkey in the middle all the while laughing about gas.  No joke.

We had a great time and all that giggling made me smile. I love how these boys have a special connection and love to hang out together. I think this may be the start of a new tradition. Except maybe next year, we'll have the girls. I'm pretty sure there will be just as much giggling, but perhaps a lot less gas.