Mother's Day

I had a really nice Mother's Day. Scott let me sleep in and made me breakfast. The younger kids gave me gifts they had made at various places: church, music class, art class. They were all very creative and special to me.

Scott and the older kids got me a Kindle. I've been wanting one for awhile and was so surprised and pleased.

My parents have been in town, but left to go back to the mountains today. I really wanted to get a picture of me and my mom as I realize we don't have any recent ones of us just her and I.

I got to spend the afternoon relaxing and then Scott made a delicious steak dinner. I feel so blessed. One amazing husband and 6 3/4 amazing kids. =)

Halloween '10

The traditional pumpkin carving:

Zane wanted nothing whatsoever to do with touching the pumpkin guts. Declan dove right in, though:

Our church has a fall fest every year and we always take the kids. This year it was on Friday and there was a record turnout: and estimated 8,000-10,000 kids. Inside the church they have inflatables, a cake walk, and many games. Outside they have a trunk-or-treat. Anyone who wants to can decorate their car and hand out candy. The youth groups always have several cars, too. This year Brenna and Chase were with the same group and their theme was snowboarding/skiing:

Conner's group did a Christmas theme. His elf hat danced and played Jingle Bell Rock:

The three younger ones got to walk around and collect all the loot.

It was a very fun night with friends:

On Halloween, we went to my brother-in-law's house for a BBQ, then went out trick-or-treating. My kids have WAY too much candy. We'll give them a few days to enjoy and then let Scott take it to work.

It was fun, but I'm very happy Halloween is over and we can move on to planning for Thanksgiving.

Easter

Egg hunt (It was very) windy that day

Coloring eggs

My great kids

Thanksgiving 09

My parents were in town for Thanksgiving again this year. We had our big meal around 1pm and then had all my in-laws over for dessert in the evening. It was a wonderful day; I love taking the time out from our busy lives to just slow down and enjoy family.

It was especially sweet since Scott had been out of town the 10 days leading up to Thanksgiving. I was extremely thankful to have him back home again!!

My mom and dad with their grandkids

Fun on the Fourth

We spent the holiday with my brother-in-law and his family. Lots of good food and family = great time.

My nieces:

Declan always gets lot of attention from Annie:





The grillers:

Sparklers:





Watching the fun with my 2 little rascals:

Sunday

Fathers Day...

...and Declan turned 8 months.

Valentine's party

Yesterday our homeschool group held a Valentine's Day party. My friend came up with some great crafts. Here is Brenna making a necklace:

Aiden showing off his candy Ipod:

Then they passed out Valentine's cards:


Finally, they decorated and ate cookies:

Happy New Year

We had our traditional takeout Chinese food on New Years Eve,
then we watched "Space Chimps". We finished the night with sparkling grape juice and a viewing of our home videos. It was a nice night.

Welcome 2009!!

Thanksgiving 08

So I'm a little late posting about Thanksgiving. =)

My parents came down Wednesday and stayed until Saturday. It was so nice having them here.

My mom helped make a great meal. I had her do the mashed potatoes and gravy -- she gets them perfect every time. Me -- not so much. LOL One of the things the older boys asked me to make was a dip we first had at my friend Gretchen's house. It's called buffalo chicken dip and sooo yummy.

I'm thankful this year for a healthy baby boy and lots of family and good friends.