One fantastic day

On Tuesday, Allyson, Amanda & Mallori were given quite a treat. My mom surprised them with a trip to San Francisco to see the Nutcracker ballet. I got to tag along. The girls all had matching jackets (that my mom made) and they got dressed up for the occasion. The performance was magical and the girls were in awe. What a fun day!

He eats leaves!

9 months already

Yep - still growing. I went in for a massage last week and the lady said "What have you been doing on your left side?" Lugging around 27 pounds every day! But what a cute 27 pounds he is. Still happy as can be and making us smile.

What do you think?

Halloween

My computer died. Yes, just died. Must be buried. Reloading programs and restoring data were not on my to do list for the week but my brain could not function without a computer so everything else had to wait. I'm up and running again. I now know where I'm supposed to be, what I'm supposed to be doing and at what time. Whew! It was scary there for a few days. So, here are some pictures of the kids in their Halloween outfits. Are you freaking out with how BIG Max is? At 8 months old he's wearing 18 month clothing. Unbelievable. Natalie and Allyson made their costumes from scratch. Amanda is Princess Leia and Camille is Snow White. We were able to attend quite a few Halloween festivities this year and had a great time.

Eight Months Old

Max is still one happy little guy. He's crawling all over and pulling himself up on anything that's semi-solid (rocking chairs and mommy's hair included). He adores his sisters and the feeling is mutual. The time is just flying by way too quickly. At 25+ pounds he really isn't a baby anymore.

Human Bubbles

I love going to the fair when it's in town - mainly to see the animals and the fresh produce. This year we played with one of the new exhibits called "Human Bubbles". These are like giant beach balls that you climb into and are blown up fully. Then they push you out in a wading pool full of water. The kids had a great time.

I can play now

Grandma Guymon said "Do your work first, then you can play."

* Bathroom fully sanitized because the toilet overflowed - CHECK

* Kitchen floor mopped because someone spilled pear juice and then tracked it everywhere. CHECK

* 3rd load of laundry running - CHECK

* Dishwasher going. - CHECK

* Clutter cleaned up - CHECK (ok, almost)

So, I've pulled out the pictures from when we lived in Ohio to scrap. Yes, I am that behind..... because my work is usually never done in order for me to play.

Musicians in the Making

This is Allyson's first year in band and she is playing the clarinet. As she walked around the house practicing, Camille was determined to get in the act. The two of them were quite a hoot - but I'll spare you the video with sound and just share these cute photos.

What's so important to you in this drawer, Mom?

Max is crawling now and with his new found freedom, he is exploring all areas of our house. He wants so badly to pull up on everything but he's not great at getting all the way up. I left him in my room for a moment, thinking he was "safe" only to return to this scene. He opened the drawer himself and had pulled out several pieces of paper (one of his favorite things to chew on). I was so surprised to see him actually standing, and we just had to document the experience. We're all having to be a little careful about what is left on the floor since he puts everything in his mouth.... a paperclip, a burr, a hair rubberband, paper of any sort, a dice, a door stopper. AH!

Vrmmm Vrmmm

We have some friends with a Harley & a boat so one night they invited us to come enjoy both! We took the kids for a boat ride on the lake first while it was still light. Each of the kids loved steering the wheel. Camille didn't want ANY help. Then afterwards we were invited to take a look at the motorcycle. How fun! Even if we were just sitting on it.

Disney!

Chuck, Lara & the gang came out to California for a little vacation and since they were in the same time zone we just HAD to connect up with them. What a fun day - 3 adults and 10 children! Yes, 10 children!!!! We had a blast. Everytime Camille got off a ride, she would say "Let's go have some more fun!"

Where are the smiles?

It's just sad that vacations end so abruptly. We're back to alarm clocks, homework, 95 degree weather, packing lunches, to do lists, assignments, solicitors, junk e-mail, bills, grocery shopping, and bedtimes. I know 6 of us who wish we were still in Hawaii. Then there's that one little boy who is just happy anywhere. Good thing he's around to make sure we all keep on smiling!

Paradise Found

We just returned from an amazing vacation in Hawaii. 22 members of my family joined together to relax, swim and enjoy 7 days without any responsibilities or schedules. No stress. No pressures. The kids were in heaven, which made life for the parents so easy. We would sleep in, hit the pools or the beach, take naps, go back to the pools or beach, eat dinner as a family, play cards until midnight, watch movies....... just pure fun!

Max's 6 months old update

25 pounds, scooting (mostly backwards), sitting on his own, solid foods, sleeping through the night (50% of the time), content (100% of the time), SPOILED !!!!!!

7 Year Old Videographer

Warning: Do NOT watch if you have motion sickness.

Happy Birthday to Me

I've been telling people for the past 3 years that I'm 40 years old. I wasn't phased by this number until my actual birthday arrived then I found myself in tears just at the thought. So I felt so blessed when I was greeted by this sign from my kids reminding me that I'm in a good spot at the age of 40.

My cute boys!

OOOOOOOOOOH! Just love 'em!!

Pioneer Day Celebration

In 1847 the Latter-Day Saints started heading west from Illinois into the wilderness. On July 24 they reached the Salt Lake valley and called it home finally free from persecution and able to worship as they pleased. So it is tradition for us to celebrate and this Saturday our Stake put on a party with bounce houses, a pancake breakfast, a children's parade and such.