And She's Off

It's hard to believe that little Missy was off to her first day of school today. Look at that backpack, it's as big as she is! What did she want to wear? "Pink, pink, pink!" When we got to the school she just ran right in and started playing with her new friends. She didn't really look back and didn't even feel compelled to tell me goodbye. Her teacher was very impressed and asked if she had been to preschool before. Nope, she's just a pretty confident girl. It's all the love she gets over here. Of course she knows she's cute and fun to play with, there's really nothing to be shy about. I was so glad that she liked it.

She tells everyone, "it's a playschool." She's right, they mostly play. Away from their moms. Their moms that miss them. It was weird being without my little friend today. I didn't really love it. When you are a youngER mom (hey, I'm still young) you kinda dream about the day all the kids will be in school and you will have some time to do whatever you can think up. I guess now I just can't think up anything better than being with these wonderful kids of mine. Homeschooling anyone?

We see the sun!

What is that bright yellow ball in the sky? Hello shadow..it's been awhile.

Welcome home little boy!

You look happy to see me. What is that...could it be...lens flare? It is! Amazing! I haven't seen it for so long!

Doesn't that sun feel good against your back buddy? So warm!

That's right! Skateboard in the alley to your heart's content. At least until the rain starts up again tomorrow.

Top 10 of 2010

2010 is officially behind us and it has been a great year! A good friend of mine made herself a top ten list of her favorite photos from the year and I loved it so much I decided to do the same. These aren't the best, most perfect photos I've taken this year, but these are some of the moments I loved the best!
Number 10: In spite of the occasional fighting this last year has really brought my boys together and there is nothing sweeter than hearing their laughter and seeing them side-by-side as close friends and brothers.

Number 9: The sun, spray, and frolicking of the children in the waves with daddy makes this photo one of my faves, I love how Katie and Daney are both hanging on Jason's arms while he lifts them out of the waves.

Number 8: Katie is my little constant companion. While the boys are at school or off doing things with Daddy we are together. She is a true Mommy's girl and I have never felt more loved or admired than I have by this little girl, whether I deserve it or not.

Number 7: What's to say-- I just really love these ladies! The only thing that would make this picture more perfect is if my mom was in it, but she's there in spirit. They are all so sweet, talented, loving, and wonderful. I just love it when we all get to be together.

Number 6: This picture always makes me sigh. He is growing up so fast. It is the most bittersweet feeling I have ever experienced. I want him to go confidently in his own direction and find his way. But wait, don't grow up, stay my little baby- I'm not ready. I just love him.

Number 5: In nice weather Sunday dinner at mom's is often followed by a walk down to the beach. This swing is something we pass on the way. I love my parents. I love living by them. They are so so sweet and wonderful with their grand kids! Seeing their joy in the kids makes me excited to be a grandma someday.

Number 4: My kids love the beach, we could hang out there all day every day in the summer. The look on Addie's face in this picture kills me. This photo says long & lazy warm summer days.

Number 3: Best vacation ever! We really did feel like we were at the happiest place on earth and maybe because we were together, just us. Now if only we could go every year!

Number 2: The light is just in the right spot and the looks on every one's faces shows true laughter--over a silly geocaching video clue! Sometimes it's the little things. I just love when we are laughing together.

Number 1: The little loves of my life. My whole world. What more can I say?

I can't wait to make more great memories in 2011!

Christmas Morning

Best Christmas yet! We had a great day. The kids were happy, Jason and I were happy (although tired), and the house looked like Christmas had exploded in it. I think that's the sign of a good Christmas. Kids favorite presents this year:
Katie: Princess nursery and Cinderella baby doll
Noah: Plan B skateboard and donkeykong dsi game
Addie: electric razor and sonic colors game
Christmas is so much fun watching the kids excitement over their presents. I am convinced not many things are better than being "Santa" for a day.

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve pizza, bowling, and christmas program at Grammy and Papa's; what could be better? We had a great time, the kids really loved the bowling and Noah even beat me (which really isn't that hard!) We had a great time playing pictionary, bingo, and acting out the Nativity. Missy makes a very cute Mary. Grammy and Papa gave the kids little "stockings" with toys and treats and they of course loved that part. We are so lucky to get to be so close to our family and share our holidays together.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from us! We have had a wonderful year and hope that all of you have too! The goodness of our families and friends continues to bless our lives more than we can say. We are so thankful for our Savior and celebrate his birth, his life, and his sacrifice for us. We pray for peace and joy in 2011 for all! Merry Christmas.

Gingerbread House Party

We had a great time at our Gingerbread house party this year! We had six houses when we were finished:
Michelle, Aaron, & Junie
Dave, Jen, Lizzy & Julie
Mikey & Jessica
Katie & Dad
Noah & Grammy
Addie & Papa
They looked great! Grammy always has tons of great colorful candy to use! Noah's strategy was to pack the most candy onto his house for eating later, Addie made his complete with a vampire face, and Katie's was just cute and colorful! We ate lots of pizza and watched Elf, one of our favorite holiday movies. It is so fun to be with the whole family around the holidays!