Santa Monica Pier... 7.26.2013

Since Bekka was getting married in CA, I was determined to go to the beach, no matter how short my trip was.  Since we were driving there Friday, the wedding was Saturday and driving home Sunday, that meant leaving at 3am Friday morning!  Lucky for me, the rest of the group that was making their trip as quick wanted to hit the beach too, so they didn't mind.  It was Madi's first time at the beach.  I loved it and had a blast but it really made me miss the calmness and serenity of the Oregon coast that I grew up with.  Someday I hope to take my family there.  :D 

More family fun... 7.12.2013

After Jodi and the kids left, I was able to spend some time with Tara and her kids and her mom, Shamaya. We crafted and chatted and took the kids to the splash pad.  Tara's youngest is 6 months younger then Madi, so they had so much fun together.  It was nice to catch up with her and see Shamaya (who I haven't seen for a long time). 

 

 

Brynlee...

Madi...

Alex...

My cute girl under the mushroom...

Easton...

My camera died minutes after we got there so I didn't get a picture of Braden.  I'll have to get the ones Tara took. :D

Never thought she would... 7.9.2013

Madi has been growing her hair for a long time.  She LOVES long hair and told me regularly that she was growing long, like Rapunzel's.  Whenever I gave the boys a haircut she would make it clear she did NOT want hers cut.  So, I was a little surprised when she told me she cut a chunk out of her hair.  It actually wasn't that bad but I didn't ever want her to do it again so I told her she had to get it cut short.  She cried for an hour! Hopefully the lesson has been learned.

My super amazing friend came to my rescue and was able to give her a darling bob.  Thank you Stacie! 

Madi tilts her head in pictures which makes her hair look longer on one side, but it is even.  When anyone tells her they like her hair she says "It's ok.  It will grow back."  She is so funny.  I love this kid! 

While Madi was getting her hair done, Easton was splashing with his friends in their pool.  We love the Wiese family and are so grateful they are our friends and neighbors.

Madi joined in when she was done...  L to R: Easton W, Easton, and Madi 

Happy Birthday Dad & Olivia... 7.8.2013

We were lucky enough to spend Olivia's birthday with her this year.  She shares her birthday with dad so it was an extra special day!  We started the day with a quick trip to Wheeler Farm.  The kids played and explored. 

Eason and Miles playing in the chicken coop....

My princess at the farm... 

Easton, Madi & Abby...   They were looking at cows or sheep.   

Checkin' out the chickens...  L to R: Easton, Owen, Olivia, Abby, Miles and Madi

Madi, Olivia and Owen waiting for our wagon ride to start... 

It was a super bright day!  Owen had to hold his eyes open.  The kids had no desire to look for pictures. :D 

Easton was excited to take a wagon ride.  We will be going back so he can have a little more fun! 

The Birthday Girl, Olivia... 

We lined the kids up on the steps of the old house with the hopes of a fabulous picture.  They all looked for this one but Abby is missing... 

I love Easton's grin in this one... 

L to R: Madi, Easton, Olivia, Abby, Miles and Owen...  

After a quick stop at Wendy's we were off to meet Derrick for the Crood's.  It was a cute movie.  A lot of the best parts were in the trailers though.  Then we stopped at Toys'R'Us so Olivia could spend her birthday money.  We met up with the folks at Red Robin for a yummy birthday dinner!   

After we were too full to eat anymore we went back to mom and dad's to watch Olivia open her presents.  Madi was excited to give her what we got her. 

It's a Tinkerbell bubble set!  I also snagged a couple Rapunzel crowns for Olivia and Abby that I was making for Madi's birthday.

Four Rapunzel's... 

When we got home the sprinklers were on. What does that mean? We should play in them of course! 

It was a great day!  We love spending time with family.  Madi has missed seeing her cousins around and asks about them often.  Happy Birthday Dad & Olivia!!!

Owen... 7.8.2013

At the beginning of July we were able to spend some time with Jodi and the kids.  Since Owen is turning eight this month Jodi wanted some baptism pictures for him.  She asked me to come and take some too.  I was super excited since I love taking pictures.  Owen was great, especially since it was SOOO hot that day.  These are a few I took.  Doesn't he look handsome...

This kid is amazing!  He is pretty much he smartest kid I know.  He was spelling words like butterfly when he was 2 and has continued to thrive as he has gone o school.  He has read the Book of Mormon on his own multiple times and has set a goal to read the Old Testament.  He is wise beyond his years! He is so fun to be with and has a smile that will melt a girls heart.  Derrick and I are so proud of Owen and the choices he has made.  Wish we could be at his baptism.  We will be there in spirit.   

Grateful. ..

I am so grateful for my sweet family. I was reading back on our past blogs and reminiscing about my two littles and the things they do and say and it just makes me happy.  My family is my world! I love Derrick, Madi and Easton so much and am forever thankful for them.

West Point Days... 7.4.2013

One of our annual traditions is to attend West Point Day's.  It is on the 4th of July and they make it a fabulous day!  We let our family know that they are always welcome to come and love when they are able to share it with us.  Our day begins with the parade...

This year, Nicholas and his family, Daniel and his family and Andrew and Holly came to spend the day with us.  Here's Whitney, Caitlin, Ava and Madi in the back.

Waiting for the parade to start...

Easton, Whitney, Brenton, Ava, Colson, Sawyer, Erin & Madi...

How stinking cute is he?  Love my little man!

...and my little lady

Watching for the parade to start, ready to fill their bags with lots of candy!

Easton was loving it!  He would pick them up and put them in everyone's bag.

Andrew and Holly hanging out...

Loving the candy...

After the parade is over we all go to Loy Blake Park for a day of games, family, food and fireworks.  The kids went straight to the blow up toys.  Here's Whitney and Madi racing...

 

At the duck pond...

There are lots of other games and booths from 10-2.  We all took turns playing Bingo.  None of us won anything!  It was still fun though.  We went home for a break.  The men went to help Daniel set up their new trampoline and us ladies went shopping fr some fun little things to entertain the kiddos until the sun went down.  At six it was back to the park for dinner and then games, balloons and bubbles in the field.

I got a balloon animal kit and we designated Andrew as the artist.  By the time he was done he had people coming and asking him if they could buy one from him. :D

Kids around us were getting balloons and popping bubbles.  The kids made lots of new friends.

Christina and Easton playing catch...

Brenton and Madi playing Frisbee...

Easton LOVED this!  He played I with anyone that would play with him...

Derrick went golfing with dad during the parade and had a great time.  Love this man! 

Caitlin lovin' her snow cone...

The balloon dude...

Madi's glow thing was a tiara and both he and Easton got flashing rings...

I love this picture of Madi and Brenton...

 

Caitlin got a princess wand that glows...

We had a great night and made lots of fun memories.  So glad to have family around to celebrate with!  Happy Independence Day!