The heat is beginning...

...Time to turn on the sprinklers!

Hangin' Around

Life has gotten the best of me. It is so hard to keep up on journaling. But I woke up extra early today so I could get started on the many months I have neglected. We have been one busy family, with plenty of hangin' around, enjoying the weather with family and friends.

These kids adore their uncle Dale. Look at their faces.Tate's new found obsession: Skateboarding.

Family bike rides are a fav. especially when Aunt Claire tote's around the babes.


Random #1. I found these shells strategically places on my bath pillow in my tub.

Lilly enjoying the snow on our trip to UT in March.

Taking a walk with Grandma K

Lilly lovin' G-K's jewelry. I love her hands.

Tate enjoying the dress up action

Lilly with her Great Grandma Carson -- "gg"

Playing Play-Dough

Whenever Lilly gets on the phone, no matter WHO she is talking too, the first thing out of her mouth will be, "You wanna come play play-dough wis me at my house?"

Their play-dough masterpieces

Random #2: I found one of the kids fake stawberries sitting on the shelf in my fridge one day when I opened it. Silly little rascals.

Enjoying that pudding!

Lilly is so stylish. Off the shoulder. Reading a magazine. Sitting on the counter.

Lovin' that yogurt. What can I say? the kid loves to eat.

... and so does this one!

I'm sure lil man will hate me one day for these photos. But it was too cute to pass up. He loves the high heels as much as we girls do! I really have committed to playing football with Taters atleast once a day. He needs a little bit of "man-hood" throughout his day.

Lilly loves to learn. I love this quality about her. I'm dreading teaching her piano, and am so hoping I can convince her Nana to teach her! But I know she will pick up on it fast.

Lovin' on Tio.

... and her Aunt Can!

I love these cute kids!

what does green and marriage have in common?

Pretty much NOTHING!

Except that St. Patrick shares his holiday with our anniversary.

# 4. (should be 7...you get the picture).

We are celebrating this weekend.

My wonderful friend is coming to watch our kids for us so we can relax.

This is my new red hair.. what do you think? Kinda hard to tell i know.

Today was fun.

I asked Lilly if she wanted green eggs for breakfast. She said, "No, not geen, lellow eggs please."

I asked her if she wanted green milk. She said, "No, thats yucky."

So maybe in a few years she will be into it.

As for this guy, we made a green shamrock cake, and corned beef and cabbage for dinner.

Hoping dad makes it home to celebrate with us.

Its been a long week. AGAIN.

Sure love this little monkey.

These two....

Melt my heart.

I am so blessed.

They are so good to each other.

I hope it always stays that way.

They learn and grow so fast, don't they? It really is within a blink of an eye that they grow out of sight. I only have a few precious years left where they think I am the best thing besides these fruit snacks. I am really trying to cherish every moment.

SNOW

First trip to the snow was a complete success.

Snow was in Payson. A lovely hour drive from my house. The best part is, I came home to 70 degrees. Thank you Arizona.

Christmas Eve/Day 2010

Does anyone else feel like Christmas time is getting busier and busier? It feels like with all the hustle and bustle and making everything just perfect that it flies by within the blink of an eye. I guess that is all the more reason to STOP, take time, and really remember and teach your children about the reason for the season. It is incredible to me how commercialized Christmas has become. And I fall victim to it just as much as everyone else. However, another wonderful and beautiful Christmas has come and gone, and it was so fabulous to celebrate and remember the birth of our Savior. It was wonderful to spend time with family and build stronger bonds and lasting relationships and friendships. It was wonderful for me to watch my siblings (one in particular) go out of his way to make sure everyone felt special by doing little things that could have gone by the wayside, but still, in the quietness of his character, he did a little more. I was touched this year by the twinkling of lights and how truly it FELT Merry and Bright. I enjoyed seeing the temple lights a couple of times, once with my mother in law, and another with a dear friend. It was special. It was magical to see my kids light up as they saw Santa. Lilly told me almost every hour of everyday that she had been a good girl this year and so Santa was bringing her presents, and to this very morning both of my kids sang Jingle Bells at the top of their lungs. Everyone tells me how cute it is, and usually my reply is "ya, in November it was cute!" But it really is cute. I have caught myself more than once in the past couple of weeks gazing at my kids thinking this is what the Savior meant when He told us to be like little children. Their innocence and simpleness is truly something to emmulate. They are pure and sweet and I am extremely blessed to be their mommy. As I have looked at everyone's blogs about their Christmas celebrations I am so happy to know everyone had such a wonderful time. We are all so blessed to be in this country to be surrounded by friends and family who love us so much! I love all of your traditions!

We started a new one this year. I wish the camara would have captured the magic this little girl had in her eyes when she saw the REAL Santa!

Ho Ho Ho, my dad was such a good sport! Dale found this santa suit and it is legit! Lilly questioned once "papa?" but I think she really believed!

Of course our reserved and hesitant little man was terrified

Christmas Eve: We act out a play my dad wrote 20 years ago, I feel like i have the same pictures of the same things every year, so I didn't take any. My family members all took random pics of things as we celebrated. These are those pictures.

Beatles Rock Band was a favorite.

Nate and Daisy, so long little pup! We told Lilly she had to go back with her mommy. She was totally ok with it. I was so relieved. I thought it was going to be one of the hardest things ever.

Our cute little house this year! Didn't Josh do such a good job?

Can't wait until next year!

P.S. I totally forgot to take pics of opening Christmas presents on Christmas morning! Can you believe it? However, Kathi, we have it all on video!!!! :)