Oh "K" Already

Dear Kyle, Remember Last Year On Your Birthday. . .

2012-02-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

When we boarded this ship. . .

(I tried way too many times to get this picture to rotate)

And you had chefs who made you an amazing dinner,

and waiters who served you whatever you wanted?

Well this year wasn't anything like that.

But I tried.

(And your cake was way bigger this year than last year - that's gotta count for something)

And remember what I told you this morning.

That I wanted to go all out on your birthday I really did.

But that I feared that if I went all out I would go into early labor and have this child on your birthday and then you would have no birthdays to yourself for the rest of your life. . .

That was really my way of justifying just plain not having the energy today.

Just know that I love you.

I love that after dinner you told me to go sit down and you actually did dishes on your birthday.

I love that you cleaned up the house a little last night because you knew how much it was bugging me.

I love that you got up with Karalyn last night even though it was your birthday eve, because you know sleep is hard to come by for me lately.

I love how you worried about me today, all day today even though it was your day!

I Just Love You!

Happy Birthday from Me to You!

Happy Birthday Karalyn!

2012-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

When Aunt Sheena was here we had a little photo shoot for Kara's birthday picture. . .

They both capture her personality so well I just can't choose between them.

I think we need to take a vote on which picture sums up her 3rd year. . .

I really can't decide which one to frame in her room all year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARALYN!!

I love you and every ounce of your "personalities" too!!!!

A Year Ago On My Birthday. . .

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was preparing to embark on this Adventure!!!!

This year on my Birthday I'm preparing to embark on this Adventure!!!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Something tells me 35 is gonna be GOOD!

You should come visit. . .

2012-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

We treat our "guests" to the finest amenities available!

This is a spider I found in the dining room a few weeks ago.

I despise the little creatures.

Sorry, but I do.

But, I can't bring myself to dispose of them.

So this spider was treated to fine crystal until the "man of the house" got home and could dispose of him properly!

Thanks Kale!

STORY ABOUT ANOTHER GUEST WE HAD. . . .

About a week ago it was late and everyone had gone to bed.

I was still up. I was sitting on the couch watching TV and browsing Pinterest at the same time (I'm a good multi-tasker like that), and had my feet up on the ottoman!

Out of the corner of my eye I saw something dart from by the fireplace, under my feet and under the couch. It was a mouse. It was a fast mouse, but I knew it was a mouse.

I did the only thing I could think of.

I screamed. I screamed loud and my half asleep husband came darting in from the bedroom (fast, but not as fast as that mouse)!

Here's the funny part. I'm screaming at him that a mouse just ran under the couch, but I am helpless to move.

My feet are up on the ottoman and I am not about to put them down on the floor right in front of the couch and yet I am helpless in my "big belly state" to even move. I'm telling Kyle he has to lift me up. Yeah right. . . all this dead weight. Somehow and I'm sure it wasn't pretty I was able to somewhat "roll???" myself onto the couch where I immediately jumped off and headed to the nearest chair. . .

Kyle wasn't amused.

He got the broom handle and started swiping under the couch. Nothing came out.

There was a little bit of murmuring about

"food in the family room" "I've been telling everyone this would happen" "That's why you've got to enforce the rule that we eat in the kitchen. . . "

I wasn't really listening. I was watching for that little mouse.

Long story,

after lifting the couch up and taking off every last cushion. . .

there was no sign of the little mouse.

Just remnants of pens, pencils, dart gun darts, and wrappers littering my family room floor.

Kyle didn't believe me.

We went to bed and all night I kept thinking about our little house guest.

The next morning all was normal.

No sign of the little one.

Kyle did call me once during the day and asked me how my "day with Mickey" was going. I might have hung up on him.

For 2 days I tried to convince myself that it was just a shadow.

The 3rd day I found myself up alone again. We had had movie night and after everyone had gone to bed, I picked up a little and noticed one piece of popcorn left on the family room carpet. I decided to leave it there. As a trap kinda. If it was still there in the morning I would be convinced that in my pregnant state I had "thought" I had seen a mouse, but if it was gone in the morning I would know we had ourselves a house guest.

Guess what. It was gone.

I KNEW IT!

Kyle was on his way to buy some traps.

The next morning, my middle son, came into our room and announced that the trap said

"CAUGHT!!!"

Sure enough. Though I had no desire to check for myself, my husband informed me that we had indeed caught a little brown mouse.

Though my husband would like to blame our unexpected guest on the carelessness of our children in leaving the doors open and leaving food all around. . . I have a better theory. See the night he showed up at our house happened to be the same night I made the most amazing stir fry. The smell was intriguing especially for a little mouse. He just wanted in on some of our dinner.

Now just so you don't get the wrong idea.

Our house isn't always perfect.

Sometimes we have our bad days. . .

I can prove it.

See.

I forgot. . .

2012-01-23T11:44:00.001-08:00

About a doctors appointment a few weeks ago. . .

(26ish week????)

It's not that I forgot about the appointment exactly, I just forgot what day.

I had in my mind that my appointment was sometime on Friday. . .

so when I called to find out the time imagine my surprise when the appointment was actually the next day.

I made it. But then to make matters worse the nurse asks me right off the bat.

#1 - Did you remember your urine sample?

Nope. Forgot.

#2 - How far along are you?

Here were my exact words. . . "I know I'm more than 20 weeks"

She laughed. But I don't know if she really thought it was funny. Who doesn't know how far along they are?

Don't most mom's mark it on a calendar and circle each day to signify that start of new week?

Not me this time.

I know about the time this little boy will make his entrance into the world, and I've done this I think enough times that I know the signs to tell me it's time.

I looked at Kyle the other day and said. . .

"We are having a baby."

It was a statement. Almost a reminder.

It took me back to October I think it was.

Kyle had taken me out to dinner before the adult session of stake conference.

We were sitting at our table and we were talking calendars. I mentioned something about a stake merit badge day in March that the Stake Young Men were putting on and I said to Kyle I was excited because Kale was actually going to get to attend with me this year. Kyle asked what day it was and I said "sometime near the end of March."

Kyle looked right at me and said. . ."you know you probably won't be able to go to that this year right?"

And my mind instantly went blank. Are we going out of town? Do we already have something planned?

Kyle could obviously see the confusion on my face and said,

"you know you are having a baby at that time."

Oh. yeah. I forgot. . .

On one hand I am cherishing every little movement (OK big movement) and every little kick (OK punch) because I know they will probably be the last little kicks and movements I feel inside me. But life as a mom right now is busy. The kids outside of my womb are keeping me pretty busy these days.

The love I already feel for this little person inside me reminds me that it's ok that dates and milestones can take a back seat this time. I'm sure once he gets here I will be way too focused on the calendar wishing that every week would last a little longer just so he can stay "baby" as long as possible.

And just so you know I have an appointment on Wednesday and there's no way I will forget about this one because at the same time I will be at my doctors appointment my sixth grade son will be watching "the video" that will once again describe to him the exact reason I am at my appointment!

Oakland Temple Lights

2012-01-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

We made our way down to Oakland this year to look at the Temple Lights!

It was a beautiful night.

We actually got there before the sun went down and we decided to watch the lights be turned on from the top of temple, so we started up the stairs, and by the time we got to the top they had already turned the lights on.

We missed it by about 3 seconds.

Oh well!

And we made a whole day out of it by visiting San Francisco earlier that day!

It was the most beautiful day!

Clear as could be!

We stuck to the tradition and ate at Boudins!

And of course got our picture taken by the huge Christmas Tree!

We had grand plans to head over to Union Square, but after seeing how "not" crowded pier 39 was and realizing it was the Friday before Christmas at 5:00 we assumed that it would be so crowded it wouldn't be worth it - so we drove through the city a little and then headed over to the Temple!

It worked out perfect. . .

And it got me thinking about a few other San Francisco trips that I took this year that have not made it to the blog. . .

So here we go!

This summer us two crazy gals took our 6 (and 1/4 kids - I was pregnant and sick) to the Big City for a few days of FUN!

We wanted to do things that we hadn't done yet

so first on the list was to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge!

The best part for me. . .

It was so loud from the cars that no one noticed the screaming daughter!

We made it to the half way point!

The kids loved it!

It was probably their favorite part of the trip. . .

(other than the heated pool at the hotel)

Then we headed over to Pier 39 where we. . .

Ate some lunch. . .

did some crazy shopping. . .

and ended up being convinced to stand in line for an hour and half to ride the TROLLEY!

So worth it to see these faces as they got to stand on the outside as the trolley took us all around the city!

We opted for a cheaper, faster bus ride back!

Where this one was in heaven with a seat all to herself!

The next day we headed to the

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO!

This one loved the Pink Flamingos!

And this one was in awe at the Penguins!

The kids loved the Lions!

And they put on quite the show for us. . .

roaring back and forth at each other. . .

you could hear it through the whole park!

Along the way we found some strange creatures of our own!

This little monkey. . .

This scary spider!

And here's something you don't see everyday. . .

Brotherly Love!

But we saw the strangest thing of all near the end of the day. . .

A creature who sleeps standing up!

We ended our two day little adventure at Ghirardelli Square!

It was such a fun ROAD TRIP!

And then. . .

just a few months later I was back in the city with these fun gals!

My sister in law Sheena had a Doctor's appointment in the city so we decided to make a day out of it!

I was so glad I could go with her to her appointment.

She is one of the bravest people I know.

She has been battling (and by that I mean kicking it in the rear)

Lyme disease for the past few years. . .

and if you know Sheena at all you would never even know she's sick.

But to sit in her doctor's appointment with her and hear her describe her symptoms and what she's been going through

made me love her even more.

She is such an example of strength to me!

And to so many who strive to live their life based on how she lives hers!

We had to get our minds off of

"not so fun doctors appointments"

so we found this little park and had a little photo shoot!

And these two got their KUNG FU moves mastered!

We ended our little adventure at Tartine Bakery

(where a bowl of hot chocolate really is a BOWL of hot chocolate)

Love you Girls. . .

Thanks for the fun day!

And Thank You San Francisco for the great memories of 2011!!!

The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-12-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

Grandma, Mommy and Karalyn

got all dressed up and went to the Nutcracker Ballet this year!

And was this little girl ever excited?

It's all we talked about for days before we went!

We ate at a fancy restaurant before the show!

Here's Grandma explaining all the characters to Karalyn.

She loved the whole thing!

Her favorite were the "hula hoop" girls!

And after the show Grandma gave her a present to open. . .

and inside was her very own Clara Ornament to put on the Christmas Tree!

What an amazing night!

After all the late night baseball games I've been to with the boys this was sure a change of pace!

Our Favorite Cookie Baking Day. . .

2011-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

With our Favorite People. . .

Our Gift Exchange. . .

(Kara's first experience with curlers. . . You'll find out why in the next post)

We Delivered Neighbor Gifts, Looked at Christmas Lights, and had a Ward Party!

2011-12-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

We were a little late in delivering our neighbor gifts this year. . .

but it got done!

We took a few nights this year and spent time looking at Christmas lights as a family!

The best find of the year!

We tried to go back and get a family picture taken out front. . .

maybe next year. . .

(would have been perfect with our ugly sweater theme this year huh?)

And we attended our ward party. . .

A Night In Zarahemla!

Gotta Love December!

Gingerbread Houses . . . Graham Cracker Style!

2011-12-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

We somehow found a day to get together with our fun friends the Price's and make Gingerbread Houses!

Here's Kale hard at work!

Kris was bound and determined to do it all by himself this year!

Kara stayed at it the longest this year!

I love these two!

FINAL PROJECTS:

Kara made a tangled tower,

complete with Rapunzel's hair coming down from the top of the tower!

Kris made a . . .

well he did it all by himself!

And Kale's finished project. . .

(he ate a lot along the way)

SO FUN!

Before School Got Out For Christmas Break. . .

2011-12-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

Kris had to give an Oral Report in class on

A FAMILY TRADITION!

He chose our Beach House Theme Nights

and took to class pictures of us all dressed up each year!

And later that day. . .

Karalyn had her preschool performance. . .

Cute little elves put on a mighty fun show for all us parents!

And she sat on Santa's lap!

It's a Christmas Miracle!

She must really have wanted that "Hello Kitty Phone" she asked him for!

Glee Club!

2011-12-28T15:46:00.001-08:00

Kristopher got us all in the "Christmas Spirit" this year because he joined the

GLEE CLUB

at school this year and they put on about a million performances through the Christmas Season.

OK - maybe only 5, but that's a lot!

Here they are at the Town Christmas Tree Lighting. . .

They sang at the mall,

2 retirement centers,

and gave an amazing concert right before school got out!

They sang everything from "Frosty the Snowman" to "Oh Tanenbam".

Kris's favorite was "I'm Getting Nothing for Christmas!"

**We were driving in the car one day and "Oh Tanenbam" by Nat King Cole comes on and Kris from the back seat starts belting it out and informed us that Mr. Cole sings it wrong.

A Weekend and a Wedding. . .

2011-12-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

My Sister got Married.

In December. . .

It was great to be with the family (minus my brother. . . curse you dental school finals)!

And the "whole" family with my step-mom's kids too!

My sisters. . .

Kyle did a great job taking care of everything while I embarked on this whirlwind weekend!

Christmas Came!

2011-12-28T12:02:00.001-08:00

For Christmas Eve we ate an amazing meal and acted out the Nativity together.

Then we drove home and found that Santa had left us a book and a note telling us he had already been by but that we weren't home. He told us to hurry and get to bed so that when he came back next time he could leave all the presents!

We read our new Christmas Book with record speed and then we headed to bed!

And in the morning. . .

CHRISTMAS CAME!

We opened stockings. . .

And enjoyed the best Christmas Gift Santa could have left for breakfast . . .

SUGAR CEREALS!

And then the kids put on their new suits and new Christmas Dress. . .

And we headed off to church!

It was so fun to have Christmas on Sunday!

The Christmas Program at church was the perfect way to start off the day!

And when we got home we changed back into jammies and opened the rest of our Christmas gifts!

(and I guess I didn't get a picture of Kale actually opening a gift - he must have done it too quick each time. . . He must have received something good. . . cause that's a BIG hug being given to dad in the background!)

Hope your Christmas was as MERRY as ours!

I will get the month of December blogged by Sunday. . . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T11:09:00.001-08:00

We've had a "crazy" fun Christmas season!

Merry Christmas!

The Temple and a Tea Party

2011-12-18T22:03:00.001-08:00

While Kyle's family was all in town,

we were all able to go to the temple and do work for some of Kyle's family.

(thank you to the babysitters who watched all 13 kids!)

It was amazing!

So neat to be there all together!

We also threw a

"tea party"

for Nana and Papa

and

all the girls!

We're still working on the proper pinky form for a tea party!

I have a feeling there will be many more tea parties to come in her future!

THANKSGIVING!!!!

2011-12-18T21:51:00.001-08:00

The Perfect Thanksgiving Day . . .

You know it's gonna be perfect when you get this smile to start the day off!

You know it's gonna be perfect when you realize the kids are old enough to have their own table!

Which means it's gotta be perfect if the adults get to eat at their own table!

You know it's absolutely perfect when the guys do all the dishes after dinner!

And you know it's been perfect when leftovers consist of . . .

chips and salsa and mashed potatoes!

It really was the Perfect Thanksgiving Day!

The DAY BEFORE Thanksgiving!

2011-12-18T21:41:00.001-08:00

Here's our group at the

DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING PARADE!

There was plenty to be seen in the parade. . .

(as much as a small town can produce)

We had animals. . .

We had people dressed up. . .

We had a lot of tractors this year. . .

Even a pink one. . .

But you have to admit it's seems a little desperate when the sewer truck comes rolling through the parade all decked out Christmas. . .

But everybody threw candy out the window so the kids were happy!

And after the dust had settled this one was quite content with her "loot"!

I'd say the parade was yet again a success!

20 Weeks and IT'S A . . .

2011-12-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

BOY!!!!

I know I'm so far behind. . . I'm now actually 24 weeks, but here we are at 20!

This will explain why it's one week before Christmas and I haven't even blogged Thanksgiving yet. . .

I love this little guy growing inside of me even if he is stealing every ounce of energy I once had!

Kara's Naps

2011-11-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

Kyle and I drove with Karalyn to Saramento last night

to look at a "big girl bed" for her off of craig's list.

On the way Kara threw a little fit. . .

and then as quickly as it began she politely asked if she could lay her head down and go to sleep.

Kyle and I both just laughed.

If there is one thing about Karalyn she loves (needs) her sleep.

She's my napper.

If she had the luxury she would still take at least a 2 hour nap in the afternoons if we were ever home for a 2 hour stretch.

So she has learned to adapt.

Kyle said to me, "you could probably do an entire blog post on just her naps. . . "

So here we go in no particular order. . .

Kara's Naps

Maybe one of my favorites. . .

When she put herself to sleep as I was packing for our Disneyland trip.

In the stroller. . . at Disneyland!

On the couch. . .

In a chair. . .

In the carseat. . . I have way too many pictures of this!

On the floor. . .

Luckily she found enough floor space!

Oh look. . .

Different Floor.

On the bed. . .

Mine not hers.

In the Dirt!

Yes.

Even at restaurants while we are out to eat.

When she's tired. She's tired.

In Daddy's arms. . .

On Mommy's lap. . .

Even if she is still standing up.

And who can forget. . .

the back of the car!!!

This post made me very tired.

I'm gonna go take a nap!

Apple Hill . . . and a whole bunch of other happenings crammed into one post!

2011-11-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

We took our annual trip up the foothills to

APPLE HILL

last weekend!

We ate yummy "walking pies"!

(next year we will have to start buying 3 to feed our family. . . two just didn't cut it this year. . . I was left wanting more!)

And picked out our favorite apples. . .

It's really funny how one picture can really sum up all my children's personalities. . .

And as I started snapping photos of each of my kids,

it got me thinking of what they've each been up to. . .

So here goes!

KALE

Kale has been incredibly busy this year.

Starting middle school has been a big adjustment.

More homework, more freedom, more responsibility, more FUN!

Here he is at the Stake 11 Year Old Campout

(that his mom may have been in charge of planning)

He had a great time with all the boys in the ward!

And of course,

FALL BASEBALL!

Practices, Games, more Practices and more Games!

(I took a lot of video this year of him, but captured a few photos)

Not only did he continue to work on and play his heart out at 2nd base this year. . .

He got to try pitching this season.

I was a nervous wreck, but he actually did pretty good.

And catching. . .

It's funny, because next to these big hitters he looks so small, but as catcher he really took control of the field. . . It was awesome to see him really grow into a baseball player!

KRIS

This kid just cracks me up!

He is so independent and resourceful.

He came down the stairs a few weeks ago all ready for church. . .

It honestly felt like one of those puzzles where you have to find everything wrong with the picture.

Shirt buttoned wrong,

Pants on backwards,

Belt on with just a few missed loops,

The shoes were on the right feet so I gotta give him credit there. . .

And then there was this. . .

What to do when you can't find your soccer socks?

Throw a fit?

Blame your mother for not washing them?

Nope.

Just wear your dad's church socks and don't say a word until mom notices right before the soccer game starts!

And speaking of SOCCER!

Kris played his first season of soccer this year and loved it!

At the beginning of the season I asked him how he liked soccer and he said, "I like it except for the running!" I laughed out loud, since that's all soccer is.

He did great!

Scored goals, attacked the ball, got very tired very quickly and absolutely loved it!

KARALYN

This girl and I are having so much fun being home by ourselves for a little while each day!

One day after church, Kyle had to stay after for a few minutes so this creative girl and I sat in the foyer and she decorated my face with her stickers from nursery!

And she started PRESCHOOL. . .

And what could be better than preschool with your best friend?

Nothing!

Halloween . . . and Before

2011-11-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had a "spooky" Halloween. . .

and we went TRICK OR TREATING with our best friends!

My kiddo's all ready for the big night!

This one threw me for a loop when his month long plans for being a vampire came to a halt on Halloween night and he decided to be Indiana Jones. . .

not bad on 10 minutes notice if I do say so myself.

And I dressed up as a Disco Ball

(you can't see my earings but they are disco balls)

*I actually put this shirt on last Sunday to wear to church with a black skirt and I walked out of our room and Kyle started laughing. Laughing. He told me I looked liked a disco ball. I changed, but knew I had my halloween costume all lined up!

BUT,

Before we could go TRICK OR TREATING. . .

we had to go TRUNK OR TREATING at the ward party!

BUT,

Before we could go TRUNK OR TREATING. . .

we had to CARVE PUMPKINS!

BUT,

Before we could CARVE PUMPKINS . . .

we had to take our annual trip to the PUMPKIN PATCH to

PICK OUR PUMPKINS!

(I think Kyle might drop that pumpkin on my head????)

The famous tractor.

I might be sad that my kids are slightly outgrowing it.

The sunflower maze!

The train ride!

The funny turkeys!

And of course the petting zoo!

What a difference a year makes. . .

Remember this????

Goodbye October!

We blinked and you were GONE!

Beach House Memories. . .

2011-10-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

We made a decision as we were leaving the beach house that we would no longer be visiting the beach house in September. It was just too hard to take the kids out of school now that they are getting older. So we made the decision to be put on the waiting list for a week in the summer. The advantage to the summer is you get 3 extra days . . . the disadvantage is you only get to come every other year. . . but we made the decision and it paid off.

We made the cut and will now be visiting the beach house in JUNE!

So here's our last year at the beach house in September,

and like most things this summer we did it but it wasn't as well documented as in years past. See I was still sick at this point. Although the cool ocean breezes does wonder for morning sickness. They should just make the beach a doctors order for women suffering from pregnancy induced sickness!

Here's a recap of all the things we did!

The girls still made the "first day Costco run" to feed the whole crew for a week!

The kids still spent most of their days running to the beach and running back to the comfort of the Hot Tub!

Look at all those boys. . . and my one little girl with the pink floatie!

We still played some mean games of 13 card draw. . .

(I won this game!!!)

These two put on another fantastic year of "Christmas in September"!

The girls still went to town for their day of "thrift shopping" and found the best little cupcake shop!

Pretty sure my husband wouldn't mind watching the kids more often if this is how it could be every time!

The kids sure found time for the annual

SAND WAR with the Uncles!

This might be my favorite picture of the entire trip.

While all four dads are shoving seaweed down my oldest son's wetsuit

little Lucy is the only one of the 13 cousins to defend him!

Go Lucy!

And then the dad's got this crazy idea. . .

to emerge out of the ocean as sea monsters and scare everyone!

These two were inseparable!

Whether they were building sand castles. . .

Or playing frisbee with Aunt Sheena. . .

Or spending time with Grandma. . .

and Grandpa. . .

They were pretty much together everywhere they went!

(except the ocean for the first half of the week, it took Kara a good three days to get brave enough to get her feet wet)

He tried and mastered surfing again this year!

This one was bound and determined to do it too!

Next year buddy - bring on the big board!

Above everything,

the kids just lived in the ocean!

Grandpa even organized some boogie board races this year!

And the kids loved it when grandma would call for them to meet her on the wall to watch the sunset!

And. . .

because it was circus year!

It wouldn't be complete without a picture on the wall of all 13 little clowns!

Here's my boys saying goodbye to the beach one last time before we headed home!

See ya in 2 years Ventura!

Ahhh. . . I miss it already!

Since it is October. . . and almost Halloween. . .

2011-10-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post about our

CIRCUS THEME NIGHT

at the Beach House this year!

Here you have the

Fierce Lion

and

Lion Tamer. . .

(you can't even begin to comprehend how much convincing went into putting on that lion costume)

My boys:

A Juggler

(please know how bad I wanted to put a monkey hat on Kris and give him some symbols with this jacket. . . but a juggler is what he wanted to be)

and

A Human Cannonball

Kale refused and I mean refused to be a clown this year like most of his cousins

and almost refused to dress up entirely this year. . .

So I was excited when he collaborated with Grandma and came up with this fun and easy idea!

And then there's the Husband. . .

Are there even words?

Clowns freak me out.

Here's the inlaws!

Gotta Love Em!

And in this family just because you're 90 doesn't give you a free pass to not dress up!

Here's the family!

And the evening couldn't have ended more perfectly. . .

Whacking a clown with a bat until his head broke open!

Doesn't this get you excited for HALLOWEEN??????

Once again we say goodbye to Summer. . .

2011-09-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

I was reminded/told/informed, however you want to put it, that yesterday was the last day of summer. . . so I thought it fitting that the next few posts will be focusing on what exactly we did this summer.

First of all most of this summer was spent just trying to survive.

I was sick. Really sick trying to grow this little one inside of me.

12 weeks along. . .

(I know. I know. I must have done a good job growing, cause it sure looks big for 12 weeks)

So while I did my best to give my kids some sort of summer they would remember or at least not hate. . .

We spent a lot of time at the pool.

It's not as well documented as in past summers, but we went.

At least I have these pictures to prove to my kids that for brief moments in the summer they actually had fun or did a really good job faking it!!!!!

It's the day after school started. . .

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

The backpacks were packed. . .

The "night before school starts feast" was eaten. . .

New shoes were purchased. . .

Hair was cut. . .

Blessings were given. . .

and just like that it was time to send this kid off to 2nd grade. . .

and this kid off to 6th grade - at the MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!

Kale's school starts much later than Kris's so Kris and I walked to school together.

A fun way to start out the new year, just me and him.

And then the bell rang, and he was off.

He was a little sad this year, which is an emotion I don't see from Kris very often.

He gets angry, but not sad.

He didn't think he had any friends in his class this year and was worried that he got the "strict" teacher. . .

but when he came home he informed me his teacher wasn't as mean as he thought and she plays the guitar so as far as he's concerned she's perfect. And as far as the friends go he now loves recess even more than last year!

Then I walked home.

By myself.

Realizing that when I got home I would have to send my first child to MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Middle School, where everyone tries to act older than they are, cooler than they are, and smarter than they are. . . uggghhh middle school.

But my son was excited.

My son who's always nervous about everything was excited.

So I tried to be excited for him.

He had everything he needed including a handwritten note on a napkin inside his lunch that may have had a few tear stains on it. . .

So off he went, with the biggest group of friends ever to make the little trek to the

MIDDLE SCHOOL!

And after spending all morning walking around the entire house calling for her "boys",

this one finally realized she had some major freedom and this is how she spent her day!

And so begins another year!!!!!

It's the day before school starts. . .

2011-08-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

These are Kris's favorite shoes.

He wears them everyday.

He thinks he is wearing them to school tomorrow. . .

Guess it's time to stop pretending summer is never going to end and do some back to school shopping. . .

Check back tomorrow to see how the shopping went.

Kyle and I Are Having. . .

2011-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

A FOURTEENTH Wedding Anniversary Today. . .

Not much has changed. . .

FOUR is kinda a crazy number to us.

We've been married "FOUR"teen years.

(obvious)

We've always referred to our FOURTH anniversary as our "lucky" anniversary.

We had just moved to California. We were living with Kyle's parents.

We decided to go to Tahoe for our anniversary.

We had no money so we camped instead of paying for a hotel room.

We went into the city the first night we were there and had a "buy one get one" dinner coupon for a restaurant inside one of the casinos. Since we didn't want to drive back to the campsite in the dark we decided to eat an early dinner.

We got to the restaurant to find that it didn't open for another hour.

We had an hour to kill in a casino.

We gave each other five dollars and for the first time in my life I pulled a slot machine.

Kyle burned through his five dollars pretty quick, but I was more patient (I had no idea what I was doing. . .) I won a few here, only to lose them back, but on my last quarter I won $95 dollars! You would have thought I just hit the million dollar jackpot, but to me at that time $95 was the jackpot!

We ate dinner and then headed back to our tent. I've never pulled a slot machine since.

We have owned FOUR cars since we've been married. . .

We've moved FOUR times. . .

We've lived in this house for FOUR years. . .

All of our kids are FOUR years apart. . . .

Kyle went to FOUR years of college and then FOUR years of Law School . . .

We've been to Disneyland FOUR times since we've been married . . .

(ok now I'm reaching a little)

Our phone number has the number FOUR in it . . .

(ok now I'm totally reaching)

In all seriousness, I can't believe it's been FOURteen Years!

FOURteen Years and

FOUR kids later. . .

I wouldn't change a thing!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KYLE!

What makes a Good Camping Trip?

2011-08-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

We've spent a lot of time in the Great Outdoors this Summer and loved every minute of it!

So What Does Make A Really Good Camping Trip????

First you need a beautiful spot with a beautiful lake (and a kayak). . .

Then you need some good friends!

Thanks Lencioni's for putting up with us for another year. . .

and thanks to the Danielson's who stepped up and came at the last minute too!

And after that all you need is:

Water Fights. . .

And when water just doesn't cut it. . .

throw in some sand fights!

Brotherly Love?

Kayak Rides. . .

Yummy Food. . .

Naps. . .

(anywhere you can get them)

Dirty Feet. . .

No Rules. . .

(no seatbelt in this case)

Quirky, Crazy Moms!

Me in this case. . .

A little laughter. . .

Fun on the Dock. . .

Neighbors putting up tents in speedos!

And yes I do have a picture. . . and yes I thought about it posting it. . . but then refrained. It was bad enough to see it in person. I don't need to relive it here on the blog.

I don't suggest ever watching a grown man in a speedo put up a tent.

(and then maybe he put on a pair of gloves and starting cutting wood for the fire)

I can't make this stuff up I promise!

Giant Slingshots. . .

(for rocks. . . I'm not still talking about our neighbor)

Sugar Cereals. . .

Awesome Campfires. . .

Smores. . .

Ghost Stories by the Campfire. . .

And what camping trip wouldn't be complete without loading up your kids with sugar compliments of giant pixie sticks right before heading home?

Only when you're CAMPING!!!!

Hike to find "Hidden Falls"

2011-08-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

We took a "little" hike the other day. . .

with just a "few" kids. . .

To find these "hidden" waterfalls. . .

And we ended up having the best time ever.

We started off dry, just getting our feet wet. . .

But before the day was over we were completely soaked!

Ahhh. . . . summer!

Family Reunion Camping Style

2011-07-21T16:03:00.001-07:00

To Celebrate Papa Kennan's 90th Birthday

We all got together at Donner Lake in Truckee

to spend some time in the

Great Outdoors!

Here's the family. . .

We're probably crazier than your family. . .

I'm just saying. . .

The kids climbed monster rocks

(and surprisingly no one broke any limbs)

They spent the day "noodle fighting" their BIG cousins!!!

But mostly, we hung out at the lake. . .

and loved it!

Well, these four guys did take a bike ride so we didn't see them for awhile. . .

But we kept ourselves busy by letting our children out on the lake by themselves in kayaks.

Totally kidding. . . kinda.

There was some adult supervision. . . if you call Uncle Phil an adult.

They can handle it. . . Kris is in charge.

See.

No life jackets or anything.

Kris was in charge.

(disclaimer. . . Aunt Laura is totally holding on to the boat so Kris only thinks he's giving a ride at this point.)

He had to prove himself before we would really let him out there on his own.

And then somehow I thought I could take 4 kids on a ride at once.

Not so much. I'm actually surprised we did not tip over.

And then we tried the paddle boat.

I'm trying to encourage my son that he CAN do this, while Uncle John is assuring him that he CANNOT!

No problem from this one.

This one got tired and decided the dirt was as good as place as any to take a nap!

These three were plotting their revenge on the "older cousins" for all the noodle fights!

Here's the end result of all their planning. . .

All that planning got them all thrown back in the lake!

Overall it was a great weekend, spent with great people, who still like each other after all the tormenting that went on all weekend!

I can't get over these two!

Here is Kyle with his brothers and sister.

And ALL their kids!!!!

All their CRAZY KIDS!!!!

And here's my cute family. . . who when we get all dressed up for a family picture no one can smile or look at the camera for that matter, but when we all haven't showered for three days and look like death we can all look right at the camera and have the best smiles.

I might just frame this one and put it above the mantel!

And finally, who dresses their child in white to go camping?

That's me.

She didn't mind.

And one thing about this girl, she can relax anywhere!

It's Summertime. . .

2011-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of the things my kids have been up to . . .

Kale has a great summer "working out" with his dad.

They've been the gym a few times and Kale loves joining Kyle on his runs at night!

Kris has kept his dad busy this summer replacing fence boards in the backyard.

A little game of "pitcher - catcher" always seems to get past the glove and right into the fence!

And if this isn't pure summertime happiness. . .

I don't know what is!!!!

Happy Summer. . . We're not through yet!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Once again we woke up bright and early to get "our spot" on the parade route!

We're always the first ones to claim a spot!

(This year one other family came surprisingly early, but it was because they thought the parade started at 9:00 not 10:00)

We had to pass the time somehow. . .

Until DAD came back with the doughnuts!!!!

That was my attempt at a group shot of eating the delicious doughnuts. . .

So I opted to try to get individual shots!

This kid was toooo cooool to even look at me for a picture!

This kid's doughnut was gone before I could even get a picture!

But this kid came through with great pictures!

The Family. . .

(Kale what's so interesting to the side that you couldn't look at the camera for 2 seconds?)

The Parade. . .

As you can see, the parade was full of all the "normal" parade things. . .

And then . . .

You have horses with pedicures. . .

This man . . .

And this Grandma!

Then after a Fun Filled Barbeque/Swim Party we packed up and headed out to watch the

FIREWORKS!!!!

Here's how we each passed the time waiting and waiting for it to get dark. . .

And then it was time!

(I was so excited! I love Big Fireworks!)

It was however this gals first time experiencing the booming of big fireworks.

I loved it because she had her ears plugged but her eyes were WIDE open!!!

Happy Birthday America!!!!!

Because Two Posts Cannot Fully Sum Up An Entire Baseball Season. . .

2011-06-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here's what the rest of us were doing all season long. . .

HIM. . .

ME. . .

US. . .

and HER. . .

How long until next season????

Go Giants! Go Giants! Go Giants!

2011-06-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

Kris couldn't have been more excited at the beginning of the season!

#1 - He got the same coach he had last year!

#2 - He was on the GIANTS!!!!

I did my team mom duty again this year. . .

And my favorite part happened at the beginning of the season.

One of the dads on our team came to me with a proposal.

He had said that his son played on a t-ball team with a little boy named Matthew. Matthew had since been diagnosed with cancer and had the bones replaced in his legs with metal tubes. He could no longer play baseball but had told his mom that he missed playing baseball.

That got the "ball" rolling and the next thing you knew, the league had donated a jersey and a hat and he was now an honorary member of the A Giants!!!!

After each game the coach and players would help him walk around the bases with the team!

Kris had a great season.

I was so worried about moving him up to A Minor team. He was the youngest on his team, but played his little heart out!

He was always watching the game.

Even when he wasn't in it!

I wonder where he gets that from?

Here's his older brother. . . basically his second coach!

But the highlight of Kris's season!

Being able to finally pitch!

He actually did pretty good. He needs to work on his speed but for the most part his accuracy is pretty good.

There was one game in the season where he pitched 4 straight strikes. So I turned on the video camera and what does he do? Hits the batter. Hard. Whoops. And then the next batter gets up and BANG - hits him too. Whoops. I turned the camera off thinking the coach might pull him, but he doesn't and what does Kris do? Throws another 3 straight strikes! I put the video camera away!

This girl made herself right at home among all those boys!

GO GIANTS!!!!

This kid hung pretty good with the BIG BOYS. . . but there was one moment at the beginning of the season that reminded me that although Kris seems a little older than he really is. . . he really was my little 6 year old ball player. . .

This year the boys had actual Umpires at their games, dressed in blue and everything.

After the first game I asked Kris what his favorite part about the game was and he said,

"That we have EMPIRES now!"

I love this KID!

What I missed while I was away. . .

2011-06-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

I missed this kid's championship baseball game!

It just happened to fall on the same weekend of my "girl's getaway"!

AND HIS TEAM WON!

They are Roseville West's AAA Champions. . .

and they came back from being down 0-6 to winning by 2 in the last inning!!!

And I missed it. . .

(But I had an amazing husband who was giving me updates and taking great video and pictures)

Here's a few pictures to sum up an entire season!

These pre-game pep talks must have worked because the team went 17-1 before winning their semi-final game and then went on to become Champions!

Kale really got stronger at 2nd base this season!

His team nicknamed him "the vacuume"! It really was rare that anything got by him!

This red helmet was the teams "mo jo" helmet!

After each game the coach would award it to a player to wear at the next practices and game!

More and more games got played under the lights this season and Kale loved it!

This might be my favorite picture of the season!

Kristopher was his brother's biggest fan!

About half way through the season,

Kale's coach did a fundraiser for WEAVE (women escaping a violent environment)!

He's a local DJ for a radio station here in Sacramento and WEAVE contacted him to participate in the "walk a mile in her shoes" fun run where men wore ladies high heel shoes and walked a mile to earn money for the organization.

Kale's coach couldn't participate in the walk, because he had a little league game to coach so he came up with the idea that he would coach the game in heels and earn money that way!

It worked. He raised almost $3,000 and Roseville West Little League also donated all proceeds from the snack bar during our game as well!

I was impressed at his heels too!

Those aren't sissy heels! Those are the real deal!

(our 3rd base coach even got in on the action and wore a pair of bright red high heels - there's no place like "home" in baseball you know)

It was a great season!

Kale can't wait for Fall Ball!

A few things about this season!

One of my favorite memories about this season were Kale's pants.

About midway through the season Kale's pants got a big hole in the knee. Now if you know baseball pants they have two layers. So only the first layer had a hole. You couldn't see skin, but it was absolutely a noticeable hole in his knee.

I bought him a new pair of pants and tried to get him to wear them.

Every game and practice he told me he was fine.

(I thought it was because he didn't want to change the belt out - those baseball belts are pains)

But finally, one day I had had it.

I asked him to please wear his new pants.

He looked at me and said,

"Mom, these pants are my BEARD. I'm not gonna ruin our perfect season by wearing another pair of pants"

It was so cute.

He even made the radio with that one.

I told his coach about what he had said and the next morning his coach told the story on his radio show!

Another memory I had from the season. . .

although I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. . .

I dropped Kale off at practice one day at the local middle school and the middle school cheerleaders are out on the grass not far from the baseball field practicing. Kale mentions as he gets out of the car that he's not going to be able to concentrate on baseball today. . .

I took it as a joke and went home.

Later I find out that he really was distracted. My boy who is so baseball focused nothing can tear him away from the game found a distraction!

One of the other dads said he couldn't stop laughing because Kale's team had to call his name several times during practice that day just to get his attention!

But my favorite thing about this season. . .

Was watching Kale really develop as a player, but more importantly as a leader on his team!

Here is Kale with his coaches this year at the end of the year party!

They gave Kale the Most Inspirational Player Award!

There couldn't have been a better award for him.

Kale's coach as he was giving him his trophy told about the championship game and how when the team was down 6-0 and they were all feeling defeated it was Kale who went around getting the boys pumped up and back in the game.

It was his single it that last game that started the rally to allow the team to come back and win!

He really is a leader and it sure is starting to come out on the ball field!

We Had "THE TIME OF OUR LIFE". . .

2011-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

These fun gals from the graduating class of

1995. . .

(ok disclaimer our room really was 1996 but it was way too much of a coincidence that we were directly across the hall from 1995 so of course it was a picture moment)

Had the Absolute

"TIME OF OUR LIVES". . .

As we all met up for a little reunion in the

BIG CITY of SAN FRANCISCO for a few days!

The highlight being meeting up with Selina and

Rockin' out to. . .

MAMA MIA together!

Honestly by the end of the show everyone in the theatre was on their feet!!!

The weekend started out with a slumber party at my house!

Then it was off to the real vacation. . .

a fancy San Fran Hotel in Union Square!

Then we spent the day

Shopping on Pier 39. . .

Eating at Boudins. . .

Getting pampered. . .

Dressing up. . .

Taking a late night trolley ride. . .

Just so we could enjoy a San Francisco tradition!

Then we all drove back to Selina's house for another slumber party!

It was so fun.

I am so thankful for these amazing friends who got me through high school!

I will forever be grateful to them for welcoming me into their circle of friends when I moved to Boise!

Look at us now!!!!

When are we doing this again girls?

Better Late Than Never. . .

2011-06-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

WHAT A DAD!

(please pretend that my oldest son's eyes are open, that my middle child's blazer actually fits him and that my youngest daughter has had a haircut)

But doesn't my Husband Look Great!!!!

I am so blessed to have this guy as a husband. . . and my kids are beyond blessed to have this guy as a dad!!!!!

I mean come on. . . Not all dads would put on a fake "stache" and pose in public!

And speaking of just how amazing he is. . .

My next post will be all about the little getaway he let me go on while he stayed home with not only our three children but two additional children as well!

I told you he's amazing. . .

AND HE'S ALL MINE!!!

School's Out!

2011-06-17T12:44:00.001-07:00

Kale graduated from 5th grade this year. . .

(insert sadness, nervousness, and a little excitement)

The graduating class sang "I'm Proud To Be An American" to a bunch of blubbering parents.

Kale made the Honor Roll all three semesters of 5th Grade!

And the last week of school was jam packed full of activities for these 5th graders!

A SUNSPLASH FIELDTRIP . . .

(no pictures)

A THREE WEEK SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

(Kale coached one of the teams and had a great time. . . He was born to be a coach. . . He took his duty very seriously)

And Then He Was Chosen To Be A Part Of. . .

THE TEACHER vs. STUDENT SOFTBALL GAME!

Kale taking his turn at bat. . .

He had a base hit!

Kale's teacher Mr. Downs taking his turn at bat.

Kale's Principal Mr. Buljan scoring a run for the teachers!

The teachers crushed them 6-1. They were out for blood. This was the first year in history that the 5th grade class got even 1 run against the teachers!

HISTORY WAS MADE!

KRISTOPHER HAD AN END OF THE YEAR 1st GRADE PICNIC AT THE PARK!

I love his buddies!

And

KARALYN. . .

didn't graduate anything this year. . .

BUT. . .

We did have fun at our little music class each Wednesday Morning!

These two gals and I had so much fun!

(Addies mom volunteered at the elementary school so I would bring Addie with us and then she would meet us there. . . it was half way through the year and one of the moms finally realized I didn't have twins!)

We sang songs with puppets!

We marched with Instruments!

We listened to stories!

We danced, and sang, and twirled!

And the very last day we got the play with the giant parachute!

SO MUCH FUN!

NOW BRING ON SUMMER FUN!!!!!

Scouting Overload . . .

2011-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

I don't have a cub scout anymore.

I have an 11 year old scout.

WHAT???

And with the help of his amazing Webelo's leaders. . .

The Webeloes built this BRIDGE. . .

That they each help to assemble. . .

So that a CUB SCOUT can Cross Over to Become an 11 YEAR OLD SCOUT!

But Before He Could Become An 11 Year Old Scout. . .

He needed to Participate in One Last PineWood Derby. . .

Where he might have learned the hard way that more weights does not equal a faster car!

But who cares when you are hanging out with such great buddies!

And Before He Could Become An 11 Year Old Scout. . .

He had to earn his WEBELO AWARD!

And Finally. . .

Before He Could Become An 11 Year Old Scout. . .

He had to earn his ARROW OF LIGHT AWARD!

And finally get to shoot his arrow at the Pack Target!

And if you didn't notice he did it all with his buddy Jackson!

From their FIRST pack meeting together. . .

To earning every award together!

And now they are 11 YEAR OLD SCOUTS!

I can't believe it!

And speaking of things I can't believe!

MY HUSBAND not only went with me to a District Scout Dinner. . .

BUT. . .

He WORE A SCOUT SHIRT!

HAPPY SCOUTING!

14th Inning Stretch

2011-05-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the "Little League Rivercats Game" last weekend. . .

and the game went 16 innings!

I've done plenty of 7th inning stretches, but I'd never done a 14th inning stretch until that night!

The boys wanted to stay for fireworks and we tried we really did. . .

but at 12:30 we gave in during the 15th and went home.

(we had 9:00 am church for heaven's sakes)

We did listen to the end of the game on the drive home and the Rivercats ended up winning!

This year was different in so many ways. .

First:

This is where we usually sit. . . on the 1st base line on the grass. . .

but this year something happened with the tickets and the grass was sold out so they gave us SEATS on the 3rd base line. . .

Second:

We didn't take Karalyn.

It's one thing to entertain her on the lawn where she can run and play. . . but in seats. . . I wasn't up for it this year.

Third:

The weather was perfect. I mean perfect. Not too hot like two years ago where we were dripping with sweat. And not too cold like last year where we watched the entire game huddled under blankets in the rain!

Fourth:

We didn't get to sit by our little league buddy family!

We have been doing little league together since Kale started like 7 seasons ago!

My buddy and me texted through the whole game so it kinda felt like I was sitting right next to her just like usual!

Some things however stayed just the same. . .

We still participated in the parade of little leaguers!

Kris's whole team practically showed up. . .

but Kale was the only one from his team that came so he walked with us!

And he wasn't too happy when I tried to get a picture with just him. . .

We still ate hot dogs!

And somehow

whether we are sitting on the grass or sitting in seats. . .

Baseball

still produces smiles from these two!

Until next year RIVERCATS!!!

IDAHO STATE REPORT

2011-05-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Kale came home right before Spring Break and informed me that he had a state report due "at the end of May" and that he had chosen Idaho.

Since it was due "at the end of May" I decided to not make him work on it during spring break. I mean after all it has the word "break" in it for heaven's sake.

BIG MISTAKE. . .

The "end of May" really was May 16!!!!

And with Baseball and Life. . . it crept up on us pretty quick. We (HE) got it done and he did a great job on it!

First let me share his introduction on why he chose Idaho.

I loved it.

I chose Idaho for my state report because I have family that lives there. Idaho is special to me because my parents met in Idaho and I have been to Idaho many times. After I was born my mom and I had to make many trips from California to Idaho to visit my very sick Grandma. I also chose Idaho because my favorite college football team is the Boise State Broncos. I have enjoyed learning more about Idaho.

Here's the FUN part of the story. . .

So Kale mentions to Kyle's parents that he is doing his state report on Idaho and Kyle's dad tells Kale he did his state report on Idaho. And the next day, Grandpa brings his Idaho State Report from 1962 over for Kale to look at!

It was so neat. And Kale couldn't believe that his Grandpa had to "write" his whole report and that it was all in cursive!

But the story gets even better than that!

We had the family over for Mother's Day and Kale is talking about his State Report.

Kyle's older brother Ryan then says,

"I did my State Report on Idaho too, and I probably used Dad's to write mine!"

And the next day, Grandma brings over a copy of Uncle Ryan's Idaho State Report over for Kale to look at!

(and he was right. . . he did kinda copy his dads! He even stole the postcard pictures from the end of Grandpa's report and used them in his - Genious!)

So to write Kale's state report in 2011,

he used his Uncle's state report from 1982,

and his Grandpa's state report from 1962!

(and a few other sources of course)

And there you have it!

THREE GENERATIONS of

IDAHO

STATE REPORTS!

The Last Birthday Post Until 2012

2011-05-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

For Kale's Birthday he took us all to CHICAGO FIRE!!!

What a way to celebrate not having to eat off the kids menu's

(at most places - I'll still try to find the 12 and under restaurants)

But the real fun came almost 2 weeks later

when he had 11 friends over for a night of Air Hockey, Play Station, Nerf Gun Wars,

and . . .

FOOD!

A "Build Your Own Burger Bar"!

And ICE CREAM SUNDAES as a birthday cake!

He looks so serious!

I wanna know what he wished for with that serious face!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALE!