The Von Forell's

Christmas Afternoon 2011

2012-01-04T23:34:00.001-08:00

After a great morning at church and heading over to my parents we came home (since my mother was sick with the flu yuck!) so the kids got some great stuff Taylor got her very first pair of heels and she was so excited. She got them from her Auntie Kim!!! she is quite excited since they have the same shoe size!

Aren't they so cute!! I sure think so!!

She totally loves them and they look so cute on her. She sure is growing up!! I can't believe that she will be 13 so soon!!!

Lilyanne and Daddy just hanging out!!

Alex and his Nerf gun!! He totally love his Nerf guns!!! s much fun!! The kids love having all the Nerf gun fights!!!

All in all is was a great Christmas!!! I am totally thankful to have my family all around me at this wonderful time of year t remember our Savior and everything he has done for us! I love seeing how happy my family can be just being together. I love them all so very much!!

Christmas Morning 2011

2012-01-04T23:24:00.001-08:00

Oh Christmas here we are at last!! Christmas was great this year! The kids had tons of fun. We started out with the kids in the morning before church. We woke up early and headed out to the tree to open up our presents!

Taylor loves crafts so of course we got her some crafty things. Brianne was so excited(as were her siblings) that she got an mp3 player. That means she wont be steeling anyone elses. So funny she was quite excited.

Alex was very excited that he got some new baseball hats, I know what you all are thinking why is Alex getting a Jets hat, well yes as much as a Bronco fan as my wonderful husband is Alex likes the Jets! He says he takes after his uncle Cameron. Its all good he still roots for the Broncos as well.

My cut hubby was in need of a new suit so thanks to wonderful cyber Monday deals I got him a great new suit!! I am quite excited about how good he will look in it!!

The big gift of the year for all 3 kids is that we are headed off to Disneyland in February we are so super excited!!! Dan has to go down on business and we are heading down to play!! Yea!!!! I am so super excited I think maybe even more than the kids!! I can hardly wait!

I was also very excited that my wonderful husband got me a new camera that is a little bit smaller and will fit in the diaper bag! That way I don't have to carry the big one around all the time. So excited!! It's so cute!

This was Lilyanne's first Christmas and it was so much fun she tried to help with her wrapping but we just let the kids so it for her.

Some of the other fun we had was going to my parents after church for their gifts and Brianne finally go her dog!! Thank goodness it was a huge pillow pet! She sleeps with it all the time!!

How cute are the 3 of them so cute and excited!

Now here is Lilyanne in her Super cute outfit I totally love it!!!!! Here is the front,

Now check out the back!!! I know so super cute!!

Love her she is such a doll and a really good baby!! We love having her in our family!

Later on that day Dan and the kids put together her toy! she loves it so much fun, Brianne loves her too!! And as you can see if you look close Brianne lost one of her front teeth on Christmas eve so she was quite excited to have a visit from the tooth fairy as well as Santa!!

Lilyanne in December

2011-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well I just couldn't wait to put up some pictures of Lilyanne these are just from December she is a cutie and on her tummy so she can get stronger and she is holing up her head so well!! Love it!!

Such a cutie in her cute new dress I love it I couldn't decide at first which hair bow she should wear but we went with the pink one!! I love taking pictures of her!

Decorating the Christmas Tree!

2011-12-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

So now that Thanksgiving is over its time for setting up our Christmas tree. I told Brianne that we could set it up only after thanksgiving. She wanted to do it right away but we waited until Monday for our Family home evening. It is always so much fun. The kids have a blast!

So much fun! I think one of the best parts is that every year I get the kids a new ornament for the tree. Its usually something that they are into that year and totally love. This year we were looking through all the ones from years past and we were cracking up at some of them (well just the Dora one that is Taylor's she couldn't believe that she used to like it that much!) Too cute I just love my kids they are great!!

The finished product!! I love the tree this year now Brianne can hardly wait till the presents are under it!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was here in Salinas. All the Von Forell's came and it was a great time!! The kids always love to get to see their cousins who live in Washington, and Andrew was so cut he wanted to hold Lily and she wasn't exactly being happy but he was still so cute. He was holding her and said real quietly to Jeff "can someone else hold her she's heavy" I thought that as the cutest thing she is actually only about 11 to 12 pounds but that is heavy at times!

All but Lilyanne in this picture as everyone else headed to a Hartnell basketball game to enjoy with the family.

Lilyanne and I just hanging out as I was on Dr.'s orders to not do anything over this thanksgiving holiday.(due to me recovering from my hysterectomy)

Our service project this year was rice crispy treats that the kids all got to decorate and then they got taken to Dorothy's Kitchen for the homeless. The kids all had a great time with their decorating and got quite creative with it all. So much fun I am glad that Ken took the time to have the kids do something to give back.

Uncle Jeffy and Lilyanne she had finally gotten used to him and not cry when he had her it was cute!!

This was our great family picture this year. I think we all look pretty good if you ask me!!

Since this is the only time we get together we did Christmas from Grandma and Big Papa as well, with Jeff playing Santa and passing out all the gifts the kids had a great time!!!

They were all so good and excited for everyone and their gifts! So much fun for them!!!

One of the best things for the kids was a sleepover we had the boys at our house while the girls were all with grandma and Big Papa. The boys had tons of fun just playing games and wii!! They had a great time with each other and surprisingly they all slept great!!! It was another great year with the Von Forell family so until next year when we do it all over again!!

Lilyanne pictures November

2011-12-05T22:11:00.001-08:00

These are just some really cute pictures of Lilyanne in November!! How cute is she with her daddy sleeping so peacefully in his arms!!! I love it!!

I love the sun glasses!!!

She has such a great smile!!!

Ok I couldn't resist look at how long her eyelashes are!!! She totally gets them from her daddy!!! Love the lashes!!

Halloween 2011

2011-12-05T22:01:00.001-08:00

Halloween this year was pretty fun! The kids decided to either make their costumes or come up with something that we pretty much already had!! Taylor decided to be the Ace of clubs from Alice in Wonderland as did Dan and Taylor made both of their costumes! It was great. Brianne was a Girl Scout and Alex was a Jedi Nerf warrior! He was a crack up!

Lilyanne was cute as can be in her little cat outfit if you look close you can see the cat on her shirt:)

Dan and I actually matched this year for Laurie's annual party and we had a great time.

The kids had a great time carving their pumpkins!

Brianne's is the one on the end with the down teeth.

Alex wanted to be a bit more integrate in his design, so that meant more detailed work..

He did a good job hard to see in the light but its a pirate.

Taylor on the other hand decided to paint her pumpkin instead ( I love this idea no mess!!!)

Hers is the Pascal one and she actually one in that division at school for her pumpkin!!

Brianne & Lilyanne

2011-12-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

These are just some great pictures that I took of the two little ones Brianne loves her little sister and is suck a great help! These are just some of the pictures taken in October! They are so cute!

I love this little smile and she is such a cutie in her little princess dress!! so so cute!!

Love it!! She is such a blessing to us and a wonderful little one!!

Air Show 2011

2011-12-05T21:51:00.001-08:00

Wow so much going on the past couple of months I am finally getting around to catching up on all the Von Forell happenings. In September was the air show and Taylor had won 2 tickets from being in the spelling bee. She went last year with Cameron, so she really didn't want to go this year so she gave the tickets to Alex and daddy. They had a great time. Now the weather was bad and there weren't any planes plying when they were there but they got to look at everything and enjoy being together.

Alex looks so small next to these huge planes!!

Having a good time going inside the planes and checking everything out!

Since they couldn't fly due to weather they brought out Robosaures and Alex thought it was pretty cool, then again what boy wouldn't think it was cool! I am glad they got to have some father son time together. It was a lot of fun for the both of them.

Lilyanne's Blessing Day

2011-10-30T19:38:00.001-07:00

Sunday September 25th we blessed Lilyanne at church. She is such a cutie!! At 1 month old. Ken & MarGene came in for the wonderful event! It was a wonderful day. Since we have sacrament last I didn't want to dress her in her blessing dress just yet so it was a super cute pink outfit to start the day off!! So cute she was just adorable!

After she ate and pooped and spit up on me, then I changed her into her blessing dress. This is the same dress that Taylor was blessed in as well as my 2 sisters April and Kim. We added to headband thanks to auntie Laurie, too cute it looked great with it!!

I know such a cute little girl! I love how the dress looks on her and what a wonderful beautiful day outside as well.

April wanted a picture of just the two of them since it was her dress too.

A great picture of all the Von Forell's that could be here, we missed Jeff and Shannon and the kids but totally understand when you live a few states away its not always easy to make it out!! Love them anyway!!

I really like this picture of all who were able to make it from both sides of our family!!

Another great family picture of my side of the family. I love being able to have all them here to help with Lilyanne and the rest of the kids!!

And last but not least a wonderful family picture of all of us our wonderful little family!! I love all of our children and what a cute bunch we all are! The day was wonderful she had a wonderful blessing the only thing that was a bit weird was that Dan was in a lot of pain all day long and it was not going away, so after a great day at church we headed over to my parents house for a family dinner with everyone, as the burgers were on the grill his pain was just not getting any better. So needless to say it was a good thing that his parents were here and so Ken was wonderful and took him to the emergency room. Well its a good thing since that pain well it was his appendix, and he ended up having surgery that night. I guess its one thing that we will be able to tell Lilyanne when she is older that we will never forget the day she was blessed. We can look back on it and laugh. I love having the opportunity to have to gospel in our lives to have a wonderful event such as a blessing and be able to see the priesthood in action to bless the lives of our family! I love knowing that our Savior loves us and had given us his gospel to live by. We are so blessed.

Lilyanne's 2 week check up

2011-09-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Lilyanne had her 2 week check-up and she is doing great!! She is gaining weight at is now 7lb. 10oz. which is 2 oz bigger than her birth weight. Yea!! so she is doing really good. She also grea a 1/4 of an inch so things are going well in the feeding department. I am so happy about that!! She is a great baby, we feel so blessed! I had Dan take a couple of pictures of her in her cute outfit on her 2 week check up so here she is! I love the one where she is streching out! What a doll!

Lilyanne is finally here!!

2011-08-29T15:46:00.001-07:00

Well Lilyanne Rose has finally arrived to our home!! We finally got it all started last Wednesday around 5ish. Since she really didn't want to come out we had to induce. For me that seems to be the norm for the last 2 kids as well. So after getting to the hospital and getting all hooked up with an IV and all it was time to get started. So we have the photos to document all of our lovely time there at the hospital.

Ok so this is me having contractions that are pretty much doing nothing...

ok and this would be after my water broke and the contractions went up from no pain to a thousand times worse and I was asking for some drugs, however I was only able to get one shot of pain killers and 36 minutes after my water broke we had a wonderful little girl!!

Lilyanne Rose was born August 24th at 9:06 pm weighing in at 7lb 8oz and was 20.5 inches long.

One last picture of us in the hospital with Dr. Walker since this is our last child. I never want to go through that much pain again in my life.

As you can see I look pretty happy to have had the baby and if you look at her face she wasn't really happy to be out.

However once they got her all nice and warm again she was content and happy. She loves being warm and toasty.

On Thursday Dan picked up the kids from school so they could come and see their new little sister. Brianne was thinking she was so cute!

Taylor couldn't wait to hold her!

I think she was loving every minute of it!

but of all the kids I was surprised about was Alex he up till this point wasn't so excited about her but as soon as he saw her he was all about being the big brother and loving holding her. He still wants to hold her all the time. Actually all the kids almost fight over who is going to hold her first. Its really cute!!

One big happy family picture from the hospital, too cute!!!!!

See what I mean they can hardly wait to hold her again and again! I am so happy that they totally love her.

Ok so here we go we are on our way home, this is going to be fun!

Once at home she was just a happy little girl she is just happy and content! She loves being warm and snugly!!

Taylor is all about picking out her clothes everyday so this was day one where she and Brianne were changing her clothes with help from daddy after he took the picture!! Too cute they crack me up! We are loving having her as part of our family she is a bright ray of sunshine and such a cutie!! We cant wait to see how much fun we will have with her.

The First Day of School!!

2011-08-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

The first day of school is finally here!!!!! Yea!! The kids have been so excited for school to start it is a crack up. This month we really focused on getting everything ready just in case I had he baby before school started. However no it didn't happen and I will be having it today, so we were able to go with them to school this morning. As they got up I told them all ok here is the plan I want you to eat first, then bush your teeth then get dressed and finally we will do hair and take the first day of school pictures that I have to have every year. Well it was kinda funny as none of them were really very hungry they were so excited for school to actually start that it was cute. So we compromised by making smoothies and that seemed to satisfy them. Then it was ok lets get ready and take pictures and get off to school.

We had to take a group shot which cracked me up they were being a little cheesy and all and Brianne is a little ham. I couldn't decide which one to post so I did both of them. Now for the individual shots.

Taylor was very excited about her picture this year only because of her outfit. She made the top and was very excited to wear it for the first day. She did a really good job on it and she totally loves it. Wow I can hardly believe that Taylor is going into 8th grade I can not believe how fast the time has actually gone by. Dan and I were just talking about how we will be taking her to seminary next year and wow that makes you stop and think.

Brianne like I said our little ham is so funny she has had her outfit picked out for a while now her peach shirt wick is actually a scratch and sniff shirt. I know too funny she loves it. I am so glad Brianne will be in 1st grade this year, I know she is so excited since she will get to be in school all day. (I am really excited about that as well) I am hoping that it will make her a bit more tired when it comes time for her to go to bed at night! Lets hope.

Alex Picked his outfit out last night and had to wear the Diary of a wimpy kid shirt which he thinks is so funny, I think he laughs about it a lot. I am glad we finally got one of him actually smiling, he told us he wanted to be serious, I thought that was kinda funny. He is actually so excited to go into 5th grade. I can hardly believe that he is that old. I think he will do great.

Taylor all lined up listening to announcements for the first day of school. She is so good at paying attention to what is going on and being very attentive and polite to those who are speaking.

Brianne on the there had just cracks me up so is so funny, she is in a new line this year with her new class and I know she was so excited!

Then it was off to class and there goes Alex with his new back pack which he thinks i just so awesome, his last backpack lasted him for 5 years so I guess it does have something to say about who makes it. We would go shopping and he was ready to just grab the first thing off the shelf and I kept telling him that I wanted to get him another Jansport one since they last a ling time, so finally we got one and he couldn't be happier. Oh the things that they worry about sometimes just cracks me up.

Well this is Taylor's class she sits in the back of the room since she and one other student will be taking math this year online from BYU since they will be going into Geometry, and all the rest of the 7th & 8th graders will only be doing pre-algebra and algebra, which they had last year and passed with flying colors. She sure is a smarty!!

Alex Also sits in the back and he looks a bit relaxed and excited at the same time, we had gone out to the school on Monday to help my mom with a few things and he ended up helping his new teacher Mr. Wood, so I think that got him even more excited to be in his class. So much fun I know he will do great!

Ok so here is Brianne in class, now when I first went in to the classroom I was in shock because there was my child sitting in her seat and being totally quiet and listening and not talking to her neighbor or anything like that, I think she has actually grown up a bit because in Kindergarten she was a talker. Now I know I shouldn't get my hopes up this is just the first day and all, but I think its a good start. I guess I will have to see how it went when I pick them all up today. I am excited that they are so happy to start school and have a love of learning that they want to succeed in it. So here is to a happy new school year and one full of adventures with our little family.

Mini-golf with Big Papa

2011-08-20T05:42:00.001-07:00

So not much has been going on for us this summer, aside from camping and Brianne's birthday we have just kinda stayed around Salinas and not done much, granted being pregnant and all it tends to put a damper on things. However this past week Big Papa was her in good old California on business and over the weekend we were able to spend some time with him. We decided to go mini-golfing at the black light mini golf in The Tin Cannery. It was quite the fun experience, I had a hard time getting pictures on the front 9 since the lighting was so bad, but the back 9 was good. Dan and Jared had things going so it was just Laurie, Big Papa and I with all the kids. Fun times!!

This was my attempt at a group shot I wasn't able to get the one with Papa in it due again to lighting but at least I got the kids.

We were the only ones there so that was kinda nice since sometimes the kids like to play ahead a little faster than the rest. I think between these 4 it was hard to keep up at times, but Kendra and Taylor held up the rear so we were all good.

Brianne was a crack up as usual, she is not one to take her time with a lot of things, so she was I think the ring leader of quick golf.

I don't know exactly how much time we spent there but I do know it wasn't a huge amount of time with our little group of quick golfers, but they had a ton of fun and that's what is really important. After our little golf excursion we headed to McDonald's to get a little bite to eat for the kids and then it was off to home before Laurie and I had to go to stake conference. Big Papa agreed to watch all the kids for us so we could go. From the report I got they had a great time with Papa and cousins making for a great day here in California.

Brianne turns "6"

2011-06-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well its hard to believe that it was just 6 years ago that Brianne came to join our little family!! Wow the time has really gone by fast. She has always had her own little personality and has been a wonderful joy to have in our lives. She came into this world weighing just 7lbs but as she has grown she sure has become a spitfire. She has a wonderful personality and sometimes I think she is 6 going on 26.

She was the only one of my children so far to have any hair when she was born and it never fell out. Yes it might have changed colors but she was always a little cutie pie!

I have to say she has always been a ham from the beginning and still continues to be till this day!!

I loved that I could actually put pigtails in her hair and do some stuff with it!

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday and she was loving Ariel!!

4th Birthday and still loving Ariel!!

After she turned 5 and this was her first day of school!!

This was at the beginning of June the last day of school right before she turned 6, and as you can see from her expression still a ham as usual!! We love having her in our family!! She has a great amount of love in her to go around. I really think she is going to make a great big sister and have a ton of fun being mom's little helper. What a cutie!! Oh how fast the years go!!

Big Sur Camping 2011

2011-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Camping in Big Sur with friends this year was a ton of fun!!! We decided to leave on Wednesday and come back Saturday morning. Well considering that I am pregnant 7 months along and I am quite large I got a lot of questions from others as to why would I even consider it at all. Well with great friends and family to help I didn't have to do much if anything at all the whole trip. The kids helped with all the packing of the bags and stuff. Then Dan and Ricky loaded the car right up. So after all that was done there wasn't really much of anything for me to do. My girlfriends told me when they first learned I was pregnant that I was not getting out of our annual camping trip. So I was going. It was tons of fun!! We love going to Big Sur every year and pretty much try to get the same camping sites close to the river and just enjoy our time away from work and all the stresses of normal life. Its a good break! Well this year we had a few little extra fun things as well. Candy saw a camping oven that runs on propane and decided it was a must have for our trip. It came in the day before.

We had a great time trying it out! The first night it was cookies, then the next morning it was biscuits and we also made Cinnamon rolls in it!! Yum Yum!!! the kids and adults alike loved all the yummy treats that we tried out. We are already making plans for what we will cook in it next year. Aside from the great food that we always have camping we had a ton of fun in the river this year.

Our three wonderful husbands as they do every year make a great run down the river by moving the rocks into better places so the inner tubes and rafts can go down a bit better. They are almost always a bit sore the next day but for the kids its well worth the effort! The kids always have so much fun going down. This year as the dad's were busy making a big run the kids decided to make a tiny one that was mild and Brianne pretty much stayed in the whole time we were there. Well it wasn't just Bri the other kids liked it too.

The river was flowing a bit faster this year and with all the rain we had it was a tiny bit deeper, but everyone loved it. I however decided that I was not going in the water this year and sat on the sidelines with the towels and snacks. Which was good for me it was just relaxing to hang out and watch how much fun all the kids had.

We were able to finally convince Brianne to go down the river on the big run however she had to go with someone. I was cracking up last year we couldn't get her off of the big run and this year she pretty much wanted nothing to do with it at all!

Now what is a camping trip if there isn't smores to go around to all!!! As you can plainly see they totally loved them Brianne I think just a bit much. She is a total crack up if you ask me, a ham of sorts! The kids had a ton of fun roasting marshmallows and eating them all up. I did have to say enough was enough I didn't need them too hopped up on sugar before bed. Usually when we camp we like to do some things we either go to the beach that is just up the road or take a little walk/hike through the forest and trees. Well this year Carolyn said she found a great hike that wasn't very long it was to the waterfall in Big Sur. So I was like ok (I was a little hesitant) but I was assured by the rangers that it was ok and that for sure a pregnant woman could do it no problem. Don't even worry about it. Its a very mild hike the whole thing is no more than a 200 ft elevation so I thought ok I can do that...

Well this picture pretty much sums up what the hike was really like. This was actually the before picture and we were just having fun I said if it got too bad the kids could always just push me the whole way.

It was a very pretty hike and we were in the shade most of the way, however as for it being a mild hike that anyone could do....well that was not the case at all!! My wonderful husband walked behind me the whole way and helped push me up the hills. And as for that 200ft elevation well I am not quite sure which ranger came up with that bunch of garbage but it was quite a bit more. Needless to say Candy and I took several breaks along the way!

The kids did make it their a lot faster than we did of course, and by the time I finally made it to the falls, they were ready to head back. Go figure I simply told them they would have to wait a little longer and take some pictures since I needed a rest!! Too funny we have learned our lesson not to really trust the rangers when they tell you its going to be easy!! We had a great time camping this year and are excited to go again next year. However we will have a baby then so that ought to be interesting as well. We already have our sites booked for July and the kids are already excited to go again. I am so glad we have great friends to do things with its always fun when you camp with others. It was a great time. Now for the rest of the summer it will be lets rest and relax and get the house and everything ready for the baby to come in August!!

End of school 2011

2011-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well I know its been a few weeks since we got out of school but i have a few minutes to catch everyone up on the end of the school year happenings... We started our last week of school with the annual skating party and the kids had a blast as did some of our teachers. Taylor is skating next to her teacher and look at that getup she is wearing. I was cracking up the whole time.

Alex and Brianne had a blast as well skating and doing the hokie pokie and lets not forget the limbo. Its always a fun time for the kids. I am hoping that we will still be able to go next school year as the skating ring might be closing. We are not happy about that. It's not like there is a ton of things to do here. So we will see.

Then we had field day and that was another fun filled day with games outside kickball for the lower grades and softball for the upper grades. Our schools parent teacher club had a BBQ for everyone and it was a fun filled day with parents and teachers and kids alike. No sooner had we had a great week that it was promotions and graduations for all. Along with the announcements for principles honor role and perfect attendance.

Taylor and Alex both received principles honor role which means you have to have a GPA of 3.6 or higher. We were very happy with both of them. Alex with a 3.98 and Taylor with a 4.08 for the year.

Brianne had her Kinder graduation and it was very cute I had a hard time trying to figure out what pictures to share since there were so many good ones. The class did some songs and skits that they had practiced and it was really cute. In the picture above Brianne and her classmate were the leaders and they were doing a little rap it was cute a repeat after me song and this verse was what they called Lagunita style and it was a crack up all sassy and loud, one of the other parents got it on video so I will have to get a copy I was cracking up the whole time.

They also read a story which all the kids read two pages and it was really cute. Its fun to see how far they have come in just one year.

Then it was certificate time that said she graduated from kindergarten and is moving on to first grade. She was very excited!! Alex also had his certificate given to him as well during the school day. They really don't make a big deal out of some of the other grades I think the 1-4th graders are really more concerned about the party and food that they get to eat.

As for the 5-7th graders they get their certificates the night of the 8th grade graduation and are called up one by one by the school board president and have to shake every ones hand. It was a fun filled year and I am glad that it is over. However next year Taylor will be in 8th grade and will be one of those who will have to give a speech (they make all the 8th graders give a speech their isn't more than 10 of them) I am sure she will do fine. All of the kids are looking forward to summer and then going into a new class. Brianne to 1st grade which will be all day long. ( I am looking forward to that one. It will give me time for the baby.) Alex going into 5th grade, I can hardly believe that he is that old. And yes Taylor into 8th grade. Oh how the time goes by so quickly I remember so well the years when they were just so little. Its fun to see them grow and mature even if that does mean that puberty is on its way. So now we are off for a great summer filled with camping and fun, and a new little bundle of joy at the end.

History Day 2011

2011-05-23T19:41:00.001-07:00

Once again i was that time of the year for our annual history day at school for the kids. Every year the whole school puts on a history day centered around what the kids are learning, especially the 7th & 8th graders since they do a ton of the work and put on the plays. So this year was early California the gold rush time and all. So the kids got all dressed up as it is part of their grade. They looked so cute.

I think they all looked great Alex maybe needed a hat but that's ok its all good.

Taylor was the lead in one of the plays this year and she did great!!! She had all of her lines memorized. The whole class did really well and I was very proud of her!! I could even hear her from the back of the chairs.

This picture I had to include this is Brianne and her little best friend Tanner, they are too cute together and have a play date twice a week!! The two of them just crack me up!!

So one thing that the school does is that each class has to decorate and turn their room into a room from that time period. The 7th and 8th graders was the town hall, and they hand made all their stuff even down to the quills on the tables it was great.

The 5th and 6th graders turned theirs into the General store and if you could see this in person its even more amazing they did such a great job. I think the kids learn a lot about what they are actually studing as they have to really get into it.

The 3rd and 4th graders did their classroom as a California mission, since they studied them this year. I love all the work that they put into making it look as real as they could the windows looked great!!

As for the 1st and 2nd graders they were a old farmhouse and it was cute they made they quilt squares on the bed as well as the pillows they used paper to make the tops then they stuffed them it was cute I love how they look like beds too cute!!

The kinder classroom was an old school house and it was cute the kinders had a lot of help from parents and from their 7th and 8th grade buddies it was really cute and the kids all had a great time.

The board room was turned into the jail and their was actually a few people put in jail and had to be bailed out. The kids loved it. I think Alex tried several times to get put in jail. He was cracking me up. We had a great deal of parental support as the they had activities outside as well as a whole school lunch of cornbread, chili, watermelon and corn on the cob. It was a lot of fun. I am glad hat it is over since it is a lot of work but the kids have a great time and isn't that what its all about. So until next year when we will have history day in January since they are studying China and it will be centered around Chinese new year. That should be a lot if fun!!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time to reflect on being a mom and a great time to have your husband and children spoil you!! This year was great although I didn't take any pictures its ok. The kids all made something for me at school, which was very cute for Brianne it was these cute magnets with pictures on them, and who can't use more magnets on their fridge to hang up all their work. Taylor made a cute picture frame, now I just need to find what picture I want to put in it. Alex gave me a really cute card that was in the shape of a watering can and when you opened it up it held a packet of flower seeds to plant in the front yard, so that might be an activity that we tackle this coming weekend. As for all of them together they were so cute and gave me a new robe and earrings that I always need more of, however I think that Taylor has already worn two of the pair and I have only had them now for two days. Its quite funny. I think if she could she would raid my earrings everyday. At least Brianne doesn't have pierced ears yet, she is still a little young for that. I was very happy to be able to sleep in on a Sunday and Dan didn't have to go off to any church meetings so they all made me breakfast in bed, I always love that part, especially since we don't start church till 12:20. This year I asked for waffles, bacon and orange juice, I have to say it was quite yummy and the kids had a great time helping to make it for me. It was a wonderful day at church as well, all the lessons and talks were great and we received a great DVD with some Mormon messages and talks about mothers on it. So all in all it was a great mother's day. I am very thankful to have wonderful children and a wonderful husband that make my life so special. They really are the best!!

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well what a great Easter we had this year I know that it was last Sunday but it took me a while to go through all these great pictures and as you can see I had a hard time deciding which ones I wanted to add to the blog.

We started out going over to my parents house on Saturday night so we could die eggs for the bunny to hide, and I told the kids especially Taylor that I had a little surprise for them she thought it was just dying the eggs and wasn't really that happy with me, but it really wasn't. The great surprise was that both my sisters came home for Easter this year and the kids were all quite excited, I think Taylor forgave me for what she thought was the surprise and was happy that it was actually something good. We had a great time dying eggs and hanging out for a little while.

Then it was Easter morning at our house and the "Bunny" left some very cute baskets (if I do say so myself) for the kids they were quite excited for them and had a great time before we went to my parents house for an Easter brunch of sorts.

Of course Nana and Papa had to get them a little something so that was first on the agenda when we got there another bag of goodies for them to open. They loved every minute of it. After that as mom was cooking away in the kitchen the "bunny" had his the eggs that we had colored the night before. Brianne was a crack up and asked me if the bunny had the magic to change the hard boiled eggs into plastic ones with candy inside. After a great laugh between Dan and I we told her no and she was still happy to hunt for the eggs we had died.

So out we went to the back yard and the hunt began it was quite fun the kids had a great time. It's always fun to go and hunt for eggs even Taylor got into it and she is 12 so lets be real big kids like it too.

I have to say there was a time towards the end when we thought that we still needed to find one last egg and the "bunnies helpers" couldn't remember where he had put it. Well that took me back to every year growing up as we would always go to my grandmothers house for Easter and every year there would be one egg that we never could find. I was cracking up. And every year at some point during the year my grandma would find it and get a good laugh about it. I think there was even one year that we found it the next year and that was not a pretty sight. She would try to remind the bunny helpers not to hide them in such hard places or to make sure they remembered exactly where they were all hidden.

Well good thing for us after counting and double checking with the "bunny helpers" this year we were able to find all the eggs and it was a lot of fun. The kids enjoyed it and isn't that all that really matters. So after the fun of the morning it was time to eat a yummy bunch of food. We had some wonderful french toast with whip cream and strawberries on top of them or other berries for that matter but as you can see from Brianne's cute little face hers was all whip cream and strawberries. Too cute and too fun.

We enjoyed a wonderful brunch with my family and a great time to hang out with my sisters before they had to go back to San Diego and Idaho. Then it was off to church since ours doesn't start till 12:20 we were good. It made for a great day and a wonderful time to remember the Savior and what a wonderful sacrifice he made for each and every one of us. I think its so good to have the spirit of Easter in our hearts all year round as well as the spirit of Christmas, it helps us to remember what a great thing our Father in Heaven did for all of us to let us be able to return again to him. I am very grateful to have the gospel in our lives and to know how much we are loved by God and His Son Jesus Christ. We are so lucky and so blessed. It was a great year this Easter and lets hope it continues that way.

Ward Easter Party!!

2011-04-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ward activity here we come... Saturday we headed out to the Barlocker ranch and had a great time. It was a great turn out and I think that everyone had a great time. It was a bunch of fun all around!!

After the YW talked about the symbols of Easter we had a great pot luck and then it was time for the egg hunt. The kids could hardly wait, look at Brianne below she was all about being in the front and letting everyone know what they needed to do. She is a crack up!!

The kids were divided into the 5 and under and the 6 and older...watch out cuz here they come.

We did need to give out some general rules for the older kids as well as the younger ones they all had a great time.

I think all the kids had fun even the grown ups it was fun for all of us. It was a great time to go and have a wonderful activity with the rest of our ward family for Easter!

Brianne was so excited just to get her dozen eggs filled with candy!

Then after we were done Margaret was so fun and got out the gaters and took the kids for rides they all had a great time she actually had all 3 of them out the kids loved it!! As you can see I am looking pretty pregnant in that picture from the side so its funny!

Alex goes up up and away!!!

2011-04-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say its been a little bit of a crazy month, something going on just about every weekend, so as I was getting the Easter pictures off the camera I came across all the other things that have happened this month. So a couple of weekends ago Alex had the opportunity to go up in an airplane the small one below for a free flight. The group that offers this they do it 3 times and year and as long as you are between the ages of 8-17 you can go. So Alex was all for it. I thought if would be fun as well for him.

Alex was able to sit in the front seat he was quite excited. He was actually the first one to show up. As its a first come first serve basis we wanted to make sure he got there on time. Dan took him a little early and it payed off.

So after getting in and settled he was up in the air. He did go up with one of his friends but Alex was in the front seat, so he told me when I got home that day that it was so awesome, while they were up flying he got to take over the controls and fly the plane. Pretty cool if you ask me.

He had a great time out at the airport and I think it was a good experience for him. Several kids after flying wanted to become pilots but as I asked Alex if he would want to he told me probably not mom I still want to be an Imagineer (am engineer for Disney). So at least he has his mind kind of made up, but it can always change as the years go by I mean he is still only 9. But I have to say I am good with an Imagineer.

After it was all said and done he got a certificate and had an awesome time. I am so glad that we can find these kinds of things to do in our community. What a great experience for kids.

A dress from the past...

2011-04-24T20:18:00.001-07:00

So here is Taylor at age 12 in a dress that belonged to my sister Kim. Kim wore the dress 13 1/2 years ago when Dan and I got married she was one of my bridesmaids. So as we were going through closets Kim found it and decided to get it cleaned and give it to Taylor. So cute it fits her perfect. Kim was the same age as Taylor when she was in our wedding so I am guessing they are going to be about the same size. Its always fun to have something you can pass on and get some use out of. Taylor loves the dress and has already worn it to church a few times. Its always good to find those little treasures hidden away in the back of a closet. So I guess I should maybe go clean out some more closets to find out what else we can find.

Alex gets his cast off!!

2011-04-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

So 3 weeks ago I took Alex back to the Dr. so he could get his cast off... at first he actually wanted to keep his cast and we decided that it might not be such a great idea so I would take pictures and he could have that. I did not need something that stinky in my house!! He was quite excited.

So as you can see this is the before...

She is cutting away he said it tickled a bit but that was all!!

Then she pried it open and took it off. Then it was more x-rays and all to see if it was all healed and it was healing good however he was still out of PE and all physical activities for 3 weeks, he was not very happy about that. So tomorrow is the big day we go back to the Dr. to see if all is good and he can resume all of his normal activities. I am pretty sure he's great and tomorrow we will get a clean bill of health!! He will be so excited to play basketball and all the other PE activities that he likes once again. I have to say the cast thing is not very fun so I don't wish it on anyone!!

Brianne looses her first tooth!

2011-04-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well here is our little ham... She is a cutie about 2 weeks ago(I know like I said I have been behind in blogging) Brianne lost her first tooth she was so cute about it. It had been loose for a while and she finally got it out!! I think she was more excited that the tooth fairy was going to come and give her some money.

As you can see she is all about the pose I think she just wanted her picture taken. She now has another one loose so I am sure we will be taking some more pictures soon.

Spelling Bee here we come again!!!

2011-04-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

So if you can all remember to last year about this time, (well actually about 3 weeks ago) it was time for the Spelling Bee and Taylor won the school spelling bee and went onto the county bee. Well here we are again this year and yes she did it again!!! I know she is a great speller. She won her school bee again and she was off to the county bee, all we asked her to do was study a bit more and we really wanted her to get further than she did last year. We were just looking for improvement. Well she sure did improve! This year she came in tied for 5th place, she was quite happy with herself as well! Dan did record her with his phone so we have those clips as well I will have to have him download them so I can post one or two.

Before it started. She was number 44 this year.

All the spellers taking the stage.

After it was over they handed out certificates for all the participants as well as a goodie bag full of things. She was quite happy she won a raffle for 2 tickets to the aquarium, she also got 4 tickets to the Rodeo and 2 tickets to the Air show, as well as other little prizes. It was a fun year and she actually still has a chance to do it again next year since you can win in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. So we will have to wait and see.

The Symphony field trip

2011-04-04T19:02:00.001-07:00

Each year the school does a few school wide field trips and one is always to the symphony. And it so happens that this is the one that Dan pretty much always goes on. His love of music and instruments and all and the kids really enjoy that he takes off half the day to go with them.

As you can tell Brianne is quite happy to be right in the thick of things waiting or trying to wait to go inside, Alex on the other hand is keeping his distance I think that he really doesn't want anyone bumping into his cast still.

I think that look on Brianne's face is are we going in yet or what???

Inside it is quite a bit crazy before everything gets started but once it does they all had a great time Taylor and Alex said they enjoyed it much better than the previous year and Brianne said that she just loved it and had a great time. I am so glad that the kids have these opportunities to enjoy events like this.

Alex broke his arm?!?!?

2011-04-04T18:41:00.001-07:00

Yes so on Feb 23rd after school Alex decided he was going to go and play on the play structure in stead of going into his Nana's classroom to do his homework... Well now we know what happens when you are not doing what you are supposed to be doing. So as he was hanging from a chin up bar (not the short one but the one that is like 6ft off the ground) he lost his grip and landed wrong on his arm. Needless to say I quickly got a phone call that he most likely broke his arm and I would need to come and get him and take him to the Dr. So I did, now none of my children have really broken a bone that would need to be put in a cast, (Alex when he was almost 4 broke his collar bone and that is one that can not be put in a cast.) so anyhow I took him right in now mind you its like 3:45 by the time I get to the Dr.'s office and then he sends us over for x-rays and we all know how long that takes. So needless to say after we got out of there and back to the Dr.'s for a reading of the x-rays well the orthopedists office was closed for the night. We would have to go the next day. Which we did and yes not only did he break his arm close to the elbow but he had a hairline fracture in his wrist, so it was a half cast for a week with a sling. That was not fun, he was in pain and we did feel sorry for him, I think sleeping was the worst thing it was hard for him not to sleep on his arm. So after a week in the half cast so all the swelling could go down it was back to the orthopedist for a full on cast.

He looks happy but he really wasn't all that happy I mean who is when you know you will have to wear a cast for 4 weeks.

I actually had to help a bit by holding his thumb and such so I didn't get too many pictures but he wanted a green cast. He said it was warm and it did hurt a tiny bit.

So here he is all done just need to go and take some more x-rays before we go. I would not want to be him not being able to move your arm for 4 weeks not a very fun thing at all. I will do a follow up once I have all the other pictures of his cast coming off.

Taylor's Birthday Trip To Disneyland!!!

2011-04-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

Taylor went to Disneyland for her birthday this year with my sisters and my mom, I have to say I was so jealous I would have totally gone had I not been pregnant but seeing as I would not be able to go on all the exciting rides what was the point to spend the money, so I guess I will have to wait till after the baby. So here are some of the great pictures that they took while she was there!!

All ready to go out to dinner her first night at the yummy Rain Forest Cafe!!

She said it was the best food she has ever had!! I guess that means I am no chef!!

The first day in the park and look at that nice weather it was raining like crazy in Salinas, although it did rain on them a tiny bit but hey that just means not as many people in line.

Wow Goofy is really tall!!

No driving for her for a while:)

Inside the Ferris wheel with April, lets just say I think Taylor was a little bit happier than April was. However I have to give April credit for going on it at all.

Now that's a little better Minnie isn't so tall. As you can see this was one of the colder days since she is wearing not only her jacket but a sweatshirt under it.

All in all she had an awesome time and would do it again in a heartbeat, I cant say I would blame her I would too.

Alex's Space Derby

2011-04-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

So I know I have been slacking on the blog so much goin gon sometimes I just need to sit down and do it. Well about a month or so agao the cub scouts in our ward did a Space Derby, its like the pinewwod derby but they do it with rockets and they race them accross wires. Lots of fun. Alex had a great time and he worked really hard on his rocket. I think it had like 8 to 10 coats of paint on it. He wanted it really shiney. This was the boys getting ready and listening for the instructions. Alex actually did really good his rocket was super fast as soon as I get Dan to download the pictures on video clips off of his phone I will have to post them with this.

He Actually got 1st place and he was a great sport about it. I was very happy that he showed good sportsmanship. I am glad that he really enjoys cub scouts. Good Job Alex!!

Taylor turns 12

2011-02-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

Oh I know what you all are thinking wow Roxanne is really not on the ball with blogging, and yes that is the truth, but lets turn to Taylor's 12th birthday....

I can hardley believe that it has been that long the time does go by fast but she is becoming a great young women. We had a wonderful time for her birthday she wanted to hang out with a couple of her friends and do a few things so I said ok. I figure this is much better than a huge party, but then if you know Taylor I don't think she is a huge party kind of girl. So off we went with her two friends from church Ashley and Madeline. First it was off to lunch at Chevy's, always the fun place.

This was in the car before we went in. They were all quite excited.

They sat at a table right next to Kim and I so they could have a little space and it was a crack up, so excited to order for themselves and just have a good time.

of course one of the other great things about having your birthday at Chevy's is the hat and free dessert, Taylor loved it and they all had fun swaping the hat the rest of the day!!

Then it was off to Monterey where we went to the mirror maze it was actually really fun, its a maze made of mirrors and you have to try and find your way out, then as a challenge the workers there said why dont you try going backwards from the exit to the entrance and lets jsut say that took quite a while for them to figure it out. They also have a lazer maze that you can do and you have to be like a spy and try and go over and under and try not to hit any of the beems they had a really good time with it.

One last stop was to the yogart place down the street for some yummy goodness where you get to make your own with what ever toppings you want. I hae to say I think they came up with some very interesting combinations. It was a fun filled day with friends and I am so glad she had a great time. Later that evening we had family over for her cake and presents and she loved it!

The cake was just the right size and I think she got all the candles out in one try!

She can really blow!! Then it was present time and since I had already taken her out all day the only one she had to open was from Nana, Papa, auntie Kim and April and she was so excited I was cracking up the whole time.

And as the saying goes Taylor you just turned 12 what are you going to do now???????

I'm going to Disneyland!!!!! She was so excited! it was a weekend with Nana, Kim and April and they were off the Disneyland how much fun is that!! She had a great time I will have to get some of the pictures and have her blog about it!! It was a great birthday for Taylor I am so happy for her it was a big year she is now in Young Womens with me and is loving being a beehive and going to mutual. She had even got a few things done in personal progress!! she is truely a great girl and we love her very much!!

It's been a while

2011-02-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Well I know I haven't blogged anything since Christmas but I have to say the time has gone by fast. Everytime I would think oh I need to do that I wasn't feeling very good, so now that I actually am I think I better get caught up. Not a whole lot happened in January at least nothing that was earth shattering or anything like that. So I will have to blog all about February and then hopefully I can keep up with what is happening with the Von Forell's.

Christmas Day 2010!

2010-12-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2010 is finally here and after a very long night of driving and getting home at 3:30am we actually convinced the kids to sleep for a few more hours before we opened up presents. (I think it was really Dan and I that really needed the sleep) So we all got up about 8:00 am and Taylor was the first awake so we told her that she needed to wait for her brother and sister to wake up...well Alex soon followed by a few minutes and Taylor tells him that we need to wait for Brianne so needless to say he went and woke her up. Too funny!!

As you can plainly see they are very very excited!! and can hardly wait to see what Santa has brought for them.

Brianne opening her pillow pet that Santa got her she was so very excited I think she loved it!! She still says that is her favorite present! It's always good to know that Santa got it right!

Alex was a crack up next as he opened up his present from Santa he decided that he needed to close his eyes which is funny since the gift is wrapped anyway. I was totally laughing it was funny!!

Taylor was funny hers was the biggest in size and she had a fun time opening it even though it was upside down! She has been asking for this desk for a while! She was also very excited about what Santa got her!!

Even Daddy got into it Taylor found him the perfect gift of saved by the bell seasons 1 and 2, the kids love to watch it with him!

I was having a great time getting gifts from the kids they are so cute, I love all the thought that they put into their gifts for us this year! They are really cute! After a great morning at home we headed over to Nana's and little Papa's to have Christmas with them and Kim, April and Cameron. So much fun the kids had a blast opening more presents and had even more fun playing with them afterwards!

I love to see the happy smiles on their faces when they get really excited with the things that they got. With all the fun and the presents its still good to always remember the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! We are so blessed to live in a time and country that allows us to have religious freedom! It is a great thing to remember what the season is all about and good to know that we can help others who might be in need of some kind of service. Lets all try to remember what its all about! What a great year so far!

Christmas Eve with Grandma & Big Papa and the gang!

2010-12-27T19:16:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve is here and after a good nights sleep after a super time at the Great Wolf Lodge and the kids having so much fun the big day had finally come. The kids were so excited we had a super breakfast that Ken made for all of us that was super yummy, then as you can see the kids were sitting so patiently waiting for presents.

After staking out a spot on the carpet so we could all get pictures of the event it was a blast.

Uncle's Jeff and Jared were to official passer outers and the kids could hardly wait, we thought we might take turns but that wasn't going to happen. The kids had so much fun opening their gifts and it was great to see the excitement on their faces for the presents that they got.

I especially loved the look on Brady's face when he opened his ninja zuzu pet he was so excited it was great! I think he actually said finally I get one of my own!

As adults we all got a few common presents one of which we all really liked was a statue of Christ which I know have on my piano and its in a great spot! Love it! Dan, Laurie and Jeff were also very excited for the classic Disney movies which Ken found for them which included Snow ball express, Toby Tyler, Blackbeards Ghost and a few others, lets just say a few of them entertained us on the way home.

All in all it was a great time to be able to spend a week with our family in Washington. We always enjoy being able to go and see them. Now we will just have to wait till next year its a good thing we have phones and computers to always keep in touch.

Great Wolf Lodge here we come!

2010-12-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

So this year the Von Forell's once again decided to go to the Great Wolf Lodge a hotel that has a lot of fun things to do the main thing being an indoor water park, which is a great thing! Especially if you are living in Washington and its so so cold and its winter to boot!! So we were there and having a great time!

This is a pretty good shot of all the kids as we waited for Santa and Mrs. Clause, oh Alex and Brianne were so very excited!! Taylor not so much...(I wonder why?!?!) I think all the others were excited as well.

Brianne was so cute this was her first time going to see Santa and she loved it. He was really good, asked her some questions of course one being had she been good and what she wanted. She told him that she really wanted a pillow pet. I really liked his answer it was ok maybe, which is a good thing!!

Then it was Alex's turn can you tell by the smile he was quite excited as well it was cute he told Santa he wanted a DS yea i am glad he said maybe to that one...

Alex and Brianne this trip were getting along really well actually all the kids were getting along really well. It was great to see them enjoying each other.

Waiting for the elevator was sometimes a long wait lots of guests at the lodge. But the rest of the time we spent in the water park as you can see from all the pictures they were having a great time.

Taylor loved the wave pool and you could frequently find her there. We all spent time watching a group of children depending on which area they were in.

Brianne liked to go between the wave pool and the little kiddie area where she loved the purple water slide and between her and Raylee they could have spent the whole time in that area.

more wave pool fun!

A few of the boys just kicking back in the water!

I loved this shot of Brianne they had this mushroom like thing and the water would just come out over the top of it and it fell in a continuous sheet Brianne loved it and liked going under it. Too cute!

Another fun spot for the kids was the lilly pads where you would have to hang on to a rope and try and get across the pads without falling off, I think all the kids had fun with that.

Taylor trying to climb onto the snake in the water she was funny...

Oh good she made it! We had a great time this year it was a lot of fun. The kids spent hours in the park and had a great time!

Family pics and Decorating cookies!!

2010-12-26T20:42:00.001-08:00

Now that is a good looking bunch!! We took a family picture for our annual gathering and I think we look pretty great! That was the start of the day, then it time to decorate the cookies that we made the night before so that we could take them to the homeless shelter. It was a lot of fun as you can see below.

Ken had gotten all of the stuff to make and decorate the cookies and the kids had a great time, we made about 9 dozen sugar cookies and lets just say the kids loved all the stuff they got to use, we let them just go for it.

I loved the creations that they all came up with. Taylor had a lot of fun doing a bunch of different designs an the trees, bells, and stars.

Alex had fun as well!

Even Daddy got in on all the fun, and I think we all looked real cute in our aprons.

I think the 3 girls love to be creative together, they have a lot of fun!

Its a great way for the kids to help others. As we got to the shelter this year,( last year we went to the same place and gave out sack lunches and gloves, socks, scarfs etc.) I was surprised to see how many people were at the shelter and the line to the food bank next door. It really makes you thankful for what you have. They were very grateful to see us with all the cookies as the kids all brought them in, they were so happy to see us and to thank us for the cookies. I hope that the kids remember why we do it and help us to remember all that we have to be thankful for. I am glad that Ken tries to help us all to remember what service is all about.

Zoo Lights

2010-12-26T19:31:00.001-08:00

Zoo Lights here we come... We went with Jeff and Shan and the kids as well as Ken and MarGene, fun times it was great. Something totally different. One of the Zoo's there decorates the whole zoo with Christmas lights at night. You can see a very few animals the ones that are small and they had a little petting zoo but for the most part they decorate the zoo with lights that depict all the animals and it was really cool. We did get a couple of group shots with the kids they are all so cute!

I loved this tree all covered in lights with the trunk in the green and the leaves with the purple it was really cool. As we walked around the whole zoo and saw everything and all the work that went into it, all I could think was wow that must have taken a long long time to put it all together.

This one cracked me up inside the mouth of a shark, they are too cute!

And who could pass up this picture they are so cute holding hands being buddies so that they didn't get separated and they loved every minute of it! Alex and Andrew are becoming great friends!

These are just a few of the lights we saw I know that the pictures don't do it justice it was so neat! So don't get me wrong I like candy cane lane here, but I have to say this was worth going to. The whole zoo was like this and each of the area's had its animal depicted there were even some that were moving and we did get some video if it. It was quite impressive and the kids had a great time!! And isn't that what its all about the kids having a great time! Good times with family and fun!

Sleepover with the cousins!!!

2010-12-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

My kids love it when they get to see their cousins that live so far away, 14 hours is a long drive..but at last we arrived and had a great time. Jeff and Shan and the kids came over to Ken and MarGene's for dinner on Sunday night and it was decided that the boys would stay there with Dan and I and the girls would head back to Jeff and Shan's for a sleepover there. Oh what fun they had, Alex and Andrew first started with the DS and playing all sorts of stuff that night and then we made up the beds they finished watching a Christmas movie with us The Santa Clause 3 and then they went to sleep.

As you can see they hung out in jammie's and played wii after they woke up and after breakfast they were having so much fun. Then it was off to McDonald's with Big Papa and Grandma and fun times. I am glad that they have so much fun together they really enjoyed being together! Its too bad they live in another state but we have to take advantage of the time when we have it.

As for the girls they look like they are having a blast! I heard all about it, they played that night in Meg's room and had fun watching movies and enjoying being together! They all slept real good and had a great time playing wii together the next day as well, then it was off to lunch and a short trip to the mall with Auntie Shannie! Too cute for words love the pictures!

Christmas trip to Washington

2010-12-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

This year we had our Von Forell Family trip at Christmas instead of Thanksgiving, it was a great time with family. We did a ton of things so I think i will have to break it down by day and do separate posts for each one and each activity. Enjoy the pictures and fun!

Snow Day 2010

2010-12-26T18:12:00.001-08:00

The Thursday before Christmas break we had the annual school's snow day, the kids love it!! The dads and moms all get together and help build the hill first out of hay bails and then the ice company comes and sprays it into snow. This year it was a great event not only did they have the snow but they had a fire pit that the kids could make smores and do crafts. They also basically do a school wide party! Its a great day to have fun and enjoy our Salinas weather and only have snow once a year! I loved these pictures Alex loved going down the hill I think that is what he did all day long.

Then Brianne was going down and she had gone several times before but this one we actually got pictures of. I love the look on her face as she is going down first all happy and excited and then....

look out face plant, she was so funny it did hurt her a little bit, a few tears but not too bad all in all it was a great day and the kids loved it!

Decorating the Tree!!

2010-12-02T20:44:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go... Oh I just love this time of year its so nice to remember the Savior and have the spirit of Christmas not only in your home but everywhere you go. I couldn't wait to put up the tree. I told the kids that we would do it as a family on Sunday after church and it would be fun. So we put on the Christmas music, (love it) and got started. I did the lights with some help from Dan and my brother and then the kids pretty much get free reign. I let them put ornaments pretty much anywhere except for the top part, since that is where the new ornaments go that we get each year. I still have to go and pick out just the right ones for this year. It's been a tradition of mine that each year I would buy the kids a new ornament for the tree. Now not all the ornaments fit on the tree but I figured that by the time they grow up they will have a collection to share with their kids so see what they liked each year. I got this idea from Shannon after we got married and I have been buying an ornament for Dan and I every year as well!

They were all smiles and I think that they all had a great time!! I know I am glad that its up and its just great. I love it!! It's a great way to start off the season now we just need to go to Streets of Bethleham!

Gingerbread House Mania!!

2010-12-02T20:00:00.001-08:00

So one of our fun activities that Kim decided that would be fun as a family was to have a gingerbread house decorating contest per say (with no real winner or loser). It was a lot of fun we divided the family into teams of 4, with children and adults on each one. So we started with what you see below a house already put together (much easier than trying to do that as well) the kit we got them at costco and they come with the house, a tree, two gingerbread people and candy to decorate as well as premade icing (much easier than making it yourself). However I would suggest getting a little bit more candy.

Then we all had a different part of the house, one was at the kitchen table one at the coffee table, another group at a table on the side and the last group (mine of course) was in the other room. We all started at the same time with everyone trying to warm up their icing to get it pliable and usable, then it was time to decorate.

You were supposed to break the tree at the perforation however Scott thought he would cut it, lets just say that didn't work too well. It pays to follow the directions...

Baby Joseph was just chillin while he was waiting for his team to get their act together.

Now remember don't cut the icing bag too much or you will get it coming out much faster than you want.

Time to decorate Brianne was on my team and she was having a great time, so were we, I would put the icing on and then the rest of the team would decorate.

Lets just say I am not the greatest but it was fun and we had a good time.

Scott, Taylor, and Joseph had fun however I think Joseph tried to eat most of his teams candy.

Alex and Rebecca were having fun with daddy and uncle Cameron, I think they had the best door it was very well done.

Tricia and April's team on the other hand I think had the best roof, just look at how well those scallops look on that roof, mine were not that thin and pretty.

Randy on the other hand looks a bit crazy as he is going crazy with the green icing.

It was fun to work as a team and have a good time. I think that everyone enjoyed themselves.

And here is the final product 4 great houses and tree's, I think it looks like a little village so cute!! We all had a great time. Thanks to Kim for thinking of a fun activity to do with the whole family while we were all together!

Family pictures!!

2010-12-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

So i don't know if all of you noticed that the day after Thanksgiving was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was actually warm I could actually go out without my jacket, I know kinda crazy, but hey this is California after all! Well since we all all the siblings here and our parents of course we decided it would be a good idea if we took some family pictures since it had been a while since the last ones. To be honest I cant really remember when that was I think I might have been pregnant with Alex. So that would make it about 10 years ago. So off we went to Pacific Grove for some great shots. Just look at that view.....

It was a clear day!

So I tried to pick the best ones of each to put up! So here is all the girls.

And all the boys, I guess it never goes out of style to have the boys climb a tree, go figure somethings never change.

Then all 6 of us.

I liked these ones of all of us on the rocks, we might not all be close together but I think they look pretty cool. So now lets hope that we don't have to wait another 10 years to take a family picture when we are all together.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was great we were here in Salinas with all of my brothers and sisters for once. I cant remember when the last time we were all together was. It all started a few months back when Randy called and said he would be coming this year for thanksgiving and so it was going to be fun. We had a great day full of food and games of all varieties. We actually made a whole week of different things that we were doing. April came in on Saturday and then it was Randy on Tuesday, and Scott and Trish didn't end up here until thanksgiving morning due to the roads being closed they couldn't get out of Idaho. So we went on Wednesday and saw the new Disney movie Tangled and we all loved it!!! So good I always love it when Disney goes back to the good old classics!!! So good!! Then it was thanksgiving, we all decided to make something to go with dinner, so there was a bit of everything from the turkey and roast to the stuffing and mashed potatoes (2 kinds) glazed carrots and green beans with bacon, etc. etc. you get the idea! Lots of good food and fun. I was quite happy to report that Brianne was a good cousin and didn't get into any fights so I am always happy about that. I think she is really getting better I love it. She is a cutie! We did go and get all the black Friday ads and that is always fun to see are we or aren't we going to brave the middle of the night and go shopping, well i didn't think I was going to go but yes there were a few deals that I just couldn't pass up. However I did do some shopping Thursday night after we ate and got some great deals as well. But yes I was up at 3am to go out and we were home a little after 4 and I went back to bed. I did get up and go back out once costco opened but it wasn't bad at all. I even went to walmart and got right in and out. So all and all it was a great holiday and I am truly grateful to have wonderful family to share the time with. It really makes you realize how blessed we really are!!

The great pillow fight!!

2010-12-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

So last week before Thanksgiving April was coming home first the Saturday before, all Brianne could talk about all week was that she couldn't wait for her to get here. Everyday she would count down the days that she had to wait. Well Saturday finally came and April got here however after talking and tickling she went to my parents to get settled in. Then it was Sunday and we had church. Well now that she was home all that Brianne could talk about was the pillow fight that we were going to have that she had talked to April about. So that is what we heard about all day Sunday. We did have to keep reminding her that it was Sunday and we didn't think that a pillow fight would be a good Sunday activity and that it would have to wait till Monday. So Monday finally came and after school and dinner April and Kim came over for the great pillow fight it was a lot of fun.(especially since i was the one behind the camera) It was all out war as you can see.

I loved the look of sheer fun that Brianne had on her face as she went after April with the pillow.

Then it was the hitting frenzy. It's a good thing I have an action speed on the camera or I might not have gotten those shots!

Taylor loved it just as much as Brianne and Alex did, I think that April and Kim had a great time as well.

Well the last thing was everyone going after April and then it was a dog pile it was so fun, the kids had a great time and there were a lot of laughs to go around. It was a fun way to start off the week of excitement!

A conversation with Brianne

2010-11-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Last night it was so funny I have to say. Brianne is only five but she wants to be so much older, I often hear her talking about driving and when is it her turn to learn. When is it time to get baptized and when does she get to be in charge. Well you get the point she just wants to be older. Well last night after reading scriptures she was a bit mad and was upset cuz i wouldn't let her do something like stay up past her bed time, anyway it was so funny this was our conversation. me "Brianne when you get older you will be able to do all the things you want. when you grow up and live on your own you get to be the boss. right now just enjoy being 5." Brianne, "but mom why can't I do that now why do I have to wait its not fair." me "it's ok we have all had to wait and when you are all grown up and have a house of your own and a family of your own you can do all the things you want to do and be in charge." (she always wants to be in charge and tell everyone what to do.) Brianne " but mom (now the tears have started) i don't even know how to get the baby out of my tummy." oh my gosh I was trying so hard not to laugh it was so funny I never would have thought about the whole baby thing it was so funny. I did simply tell her that she didn't need to worry about that yet. Oh what funny things come out of that girls mind. She makes me laugh, sometimes i think her spirit is very old for her little 5 yr old body. oh the joys of being a mom!

November is Here!!

2010-11-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well I thought it was time to change my blog background with Halloween done and all it was time. I can hardly believe that November is here. It seems like just yesterday that it was new years and we were celebrating and then it was off to Hawaii and Dan's birthday. But then before I knew it we were on to Taylor's birthday and so on and on. When June came and we got out of school and went on our trip to Washington and Brianne had her birthday time was seeming to fly by. I stop and think wow were did the summer go. Before we knew it we were back in school and in the swing of things. With Brianne in Kinder and Alex in 4 th grade and oh my gosh Taylor in 7th we have been a bit busy. Well then August rolled into September and September into October and we were at Alex's birthday, and I have to say since then it has all been a snowball of things happening. Between church callings, school Dan's work schedule and going out of town every so often the time seems to simply fly by and now that leaves us to where we are now, November. I am excited for the fall, (not that Salinas really has one its still warm) but it means getting ready for Thanksgiving and the joy of being with family. I have to admit that I have already been out Christmas shopping so that I can really try and get it all done. Since we are going to Washington this year at Christmas it should be a great time! So here is to a wonderful holiday season where we try to really remember first what we are thankful for and how we got here to begin with and how we live in this great country! Not to mention all the wonderful blessings that God gives us on a daily basis. I am glad that we have this time to reflect in November on all the good that is in our lives. Then its onto December when we celebrate the birth of our Savior and all that he has done for us, I am glad that we have thanksgiving first I think it sets the tone for Christ. I hope that we all can remember through the hustle and bustle of the season that we stop and think and take a minute or two to ponder and think of everything that we have, and remember who gave it all to us.

Happy Halloween!!

2010-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well Happy Halloween to all!!! If you can tell on Brianne's face it was a fun one. We started out with pumpkin carving on Thursday(already blogged about that) and then it was Friday and school time for parties and dress up. The kids school lets them be in their costumes the whole day. It's not that long since its actually a minimum day and they get out at 12:45 so not too bad. But the kids have a great time. This year our costumes were what ever the kids really wanted to be.

Brianne this year changed her mind a few times at first she was going to be Buzz Lightyear she loves dressing up in the costume all year long, but when she saw this costume in the closet that Taylor had worn years earlier that was it she loved it and wanted to be the angel. So I found some wings and a halo for her and she was so happy. If you all know Brianne sometimes she is far from an angel.

Alex this year really wanted to be a Jedi so we found a friend who had part of the costume and they were not using it and I got him the robe and he was super excited, I mean we have only had the light saber's for years now and he always enjoys playing with them. With anyone who will battle with him. I thought he made a great Jedi!!

Taylor was a fairy of sorts she wasn't really Tinker Bell she said she was a tinker fairy I guess so being that she is 11 going on 12 I just went with it and let her do her thing. She was cute and had sparkle make-up on so she would shine and sparkle in the sun. Yes we did have sun.

Then is was off to school for parties and play time. Most of the kids had their parties at noon, however since the kinder's get out at noon they started a little earlier since they were also reading the spooky story winners papers at 11:00. (every year all the grades 1st - 8th have to write a spooky story and then they are submitted and the teachers read them all and a winner is chosen from each grade. the only teacher who knows who the story is, is that child's teacher so the rest of them don't know who wrote what. That way it can be a bit more fair.) So the Kinder's took a group shot and then it was off to do some work before we had the party. They had a great time as you can see from the pictures below they wanted to scare us parents with what they had to eat so it was mummy dogs(hot dogs and crescent rolls), blood punch(red fruit juice), and dirt with worms and eyeballs(pudding with gummy worms cherries and Oreo crumbs) it was so funny they loved it all.

Then it was Alex's class picture and party time they had a tone of good foods to eat which was good they also had the goodies as well.

I was happy to see that Alex took pizza and mini corn dogs it could have been worse he could have just gone for the sweets!!

You can tell that Taylor is in 7th grade since some of the kids didn't dress up. I think sometimes those 7th & 8th graders think they might just be too cool to dress up. But come on its the one time a year when you can pretty much dress however you like and nobody is going to care.

They also had tons of goodies as you can see Taylor started off with ice cream, thanks to one of the parents who works for Dryer's (let's just say he is a school favorite when you see him coming with his blue insulated bag. He really is the ice cream man:)

All the food was good and the kids had a great time at their parties. It was a fun day that didn't end there. That night for the 5th - 8th graders they had activity night and watched a movie and hung out with friends. All the kids had fun eating popcorn, burritos, nachos etc. They watched Young Sherlock Holmes I want to say it was from the early 90's but oh a great movie!!

Then came Saturday and it was the tri-ward annual trunk or treat at the church once again the kids had a great time dressing up again and playing games and just hanging out with all of their friends.

I did get a kick out of the missionaries this year loved their costumes!!

After a few games inside it was everyone outside for the trunk or treating where the kids go from car to car and get candy they love it. I really like it you know everyone that your kids are getting candy from and its a way for the adults to socialize and have fun together in a safe environment. So all in all it was a really good Halloween this year and I have to say I am glad that it is over till next year. Now comes the rest of the season.....Good times!!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Well a Happy Halloween season to us all.... We started out this year with pumpkin carving, usually we do it with a couple of other families but with schedules the way that they are we were not able to fit it all in this year. However we still had a great time. Cameron came over (he is a Halloween lover) and we carved with him the kids had fun and I think he did too.

I started by helping the kids get started by cutting the hole in the top, Brianne needed some help getting the cutting tool started, but then it was off to the races. With cleaning them out.

Let's just say that Brianne didn't mind it one bit but Taylor on the other hand well she doesn't like it all that much.

Alex's comment was simply oh come on Taylor its a chance to get all messy. She didn't think that way at all, but she cleaned it out and was excited about the carving part.

Brianne was really good this year I was actually surprised at how well she cleaned hers out I didn't have to help all that much. Aside from the hard scraping on the inside it was all her.

Then it was design time and they all figured out what they wanted to do, Alex wanted the pirate, while Taylor, Brianne and Cameron all chose to design their own.

I was quite impressed how well they all turned out, and how detailed Alex got, Brianne did all of her cutting by herself. She had Taylor help her draw the face and then she was off and running with it cutting like a pro.

Cameron was slightly intense figuring out just how to get his right.

I love the little tools that they use it makes it so easy, I have to say what did we use when we were kids???

Here is Brianne's finished product super cute for a 5 yr old and I was so happy she did it by herself. She was happy too it was something she could do.

I was very impressed that Alex was able to cut his out so detailed I loved it and he really loved it too. All the kids took them to school the next day for the annual pumpkin carving contest.

Taylor cracked me up, hers was inspired by a food network competition that we watched this year on extreme pumpkin carving and one of the contestants did peter peter pumpkin eater and had his pumpkin eating other little carved pumpkins, so Taylor modified it a bit and used Easter eggs. She thought about having candy coming out of the eggs but she couldn't get it to work. So cute!! We had a great time I do always seem to forget however how messy pumpkin carving can be its a good thing we only do it once a year. We did however enjoy the great pumpkin seeds, after a good washing and separating I put them in the oven and added some salt and baked them right up. The kids and everyone loved it. So here's to Halloween!

Brianne's fieldtrip to The Farm!

2010-10-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today was Brianne's field trip to The Farm in Speckle's, so much fun. It's a cute farm, they have pumpkins of course as well as a farmers store with all organic fruits and vegie's. We started off with a class picture all the kids were quite excited to be there.

One great thing that they do here at The Farm is aside from the tour they talk to the kids about fruits and vegie's. The question is... How do you know if its a fruit or a vegetable? The kids were all so cute since they have figured it out that if it has seeds its a fruit!! Our wonderful guide cut open many fruits and vegie's and let the kids look at them all and figure out what was what. I think it will stick with them, which is good.

Then is was outside for some more learning he taught them about how they have starter plants and then they picked a few vegies and he would cut them open again and show them to the kids. He talked about what vegies you eat the root of and what you eat the leaves of etc. The kids loved being involved.

After the lessons they got to go over to the animal part of the farm and learn about animals and they even got to pet the bunnies. I think that was a huge hit as well, as you can see a few of them almost went over the wall trying to get the bunnies.

Then it was off for a hay ride to the pumpkin area of the farm where the kids were all told that they could pick out any pumpkin they wanted they just had to be able to carry it themselves. So here is a few pictures of Brianne deciding what pumpkin she wanted.

She was super cute picking them up and trying to walk with it. I thought she picked a good one.

She even seemed happy with it, however its not the one she ended up with. I think we went thru like 4 different pumpkins, I was cracking up every time she would pick it up and put it down again.

So this is the one she came home with. She liked it and that is all that mattered to me, that and she could carry it herself.

we took a picture at the end of the two of us. It was a great day out having fun. It was even cold and windy so fall is in the air. She had a ton of fun, and I know they are already talking about the next field trip they are going on... My Museum here we come.

Alex's turns "9"

2010-10-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Oh how time just flies by... This last weekend was Ale's 9th Birthday!! Oh my gosh I can hardly believe it. I thought that I would take a look back at the years so I went to the computer and looked at the pictures that we have on there. Well lets just say there was a ton. We started taking digital pictures at the very end of 2003, right around Christmas time. Alex was 2 then so this is where we are going to start his little journey. I am thinking I should probably get the others put onto disc so I have them all digital. Alex sure has changed from the little chubby blue eyed kid to what he is today super cute and he still have those beautiful blue eyes!!

Alex just chilling I think at this time he just loved to have his picture taken.

I know this was taken at Ken and MarGene's house when there were still here in California and MarGene's parents were here visiting. Great Papa (as Taylor called him) was having a blast with the two rambunctious kids, it was very cute to see them having so much fun.

I have to say this was typical Alex back in the day when he was just 2, Pj's his blanket and his pacifier. He did also love those yellow rain boots. They are in several pictures!!

Here her is at 3 getting his pumpkin for Halloween very proud that he could carry it himself.

This was his 4th Birthday and he was sure into football so we have fun with this cake, if you look close the candles are footballs. love it!!

Another year and all of the sudden we are 5, I remember doing a fun little family party at home and then we had his big party at chuckie cheese. He had started Kinder and was so excited to have his friends from school come to a party!!

Oh to be 6! I love to see how he is changing, his face has been thinning and he is finally getting a little bit taller but the one thing that is always the same is his beautiful blue eyes!!

This was taken a few weeks before Alex turned 7, we had gone apple picking in September and it was so much fun!

This was Alex's 8th birthday we had a ton of fun celebrating it with him. With family around and kind of quiet. However this year was when he got baptized a member of the church!! We are so happy with his decision to be baptized, everyone was here for it that could be Grandma and Big Papa came down from Washington and so did Auntie Shannie!! What a great experience that we will all never forget.

And now here we are at age 9!! goodness so as you can see the time has really flown by, I can still remember holing him in the hospital right after he was born. To look at him know I see a wonderful little boy with great ambitions and goals.

Still a kid which is great since I don't want him to grow up too fast its still ok to watch cartoons and play with Lego's.

I loved seeing the sheer joy on his face as he opened his presents the smiles were great I am glad that we were able to catch them on camera!! So Happy Birthday to Alex!!!!

Beach Boardwalk with the Garner's

2010-09-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

I think this must have been the hottest day of the year so far and we went to the boardwalk with Ricky, Candy and the kids. We were celebrating Josh's birthday and my kids wouldn't wait!! All Brianne could say all week was is today the day we are going to the boardwalk??? I think I got that question every day. So here they are waiting for their friends to show up.

Well here we all are and it was so cute Taylor and Sammi hugged right away and then we were off after we took a group shot. Although looking back we should have had someone else take the picture so that Dan could be in it.

The first ride was the fliers and Dan said sure I will go on it, well he did ok at first then not so great as it went on, the kids and Ricky on the other hand loved every minute of it. Just look at those smiles.

Then it was off to the bumper cars, Brianne was so excited she could hardly stand it, loved every minute of it and I think we actully went on them like 3 times she loved it that much.

I think all the kids jsut loved going on all the rides they could there was some that Brianne is still to short for but the kids were good enough to go on som little kids ones with her. I was cracking up at this one and the little pepsi semi's Taylor and Sammi were funny.

Although the look an Alex's face was a crack up.

So we decided that I would take Brianne on a few little rides while the rest of them went on a more grown up ride, as you will see from the pictures there were smiles all around.

I loved the smiles on Ricky and Candy's face.

In this one I think Josh might have been saying to himself what have I gotten myself into.

Although it was nothing but smiles for Ricky and Candy!

Taylor and Sammi were having a ton of fun as well!

I was cracking up at this one Alex was squishing Josh but I think he was finally having fun again.

We did have to take a few pictures along the way at the beach which was crowded and it looked like they were all having a great time as well. Like I said it was the hottest day of the year, I am pretty sure.

So while Candy and I decided to go to the haunted house with the girls (Taylor and Sammi), the guys took the 3 other kids to some more rides and it was cute. Just look at that smile on Josh's face!! Priceless!!

This is a shot from up above while they were on the people mover up high and I think Dan got some really great photo's from up there.

If you look close there we are on the ground.

Just look at the view.....

Then it was a few more rides before ice cream, Brianne loved this ride I was creackin up the whole time she was loving every minute of if. She actually made me go on it twice in a row.

I love the smile on her face in this one, sheer joy!!

Taylor and Sammi having a great time! We had a wonderful day with friends. It's so glad to get together and have a great time with friends and family!! Even though it was super hot it was great and I know the kids are asking when are we going back!! Tons of fun!!!

Let's go ride a bike...

2010-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Monday Brianne and Alex decided that while Taylor was at a friends house swimming they would ride bikes in the front yard. Brianne got on Taylor's old bike with training wheels and wanted to give it a try. She was a crack up as she went up and down the sidewalk riding back and forth. It was too cute and every time she passed me or saw me outside watching she asked or rather told me to take more pictures. She had a great time.

At one point she wanted to try out Alex's bike that did not have training wheels on it, she was very cute trying to keep her balance while dad was helping her to stay up. She said that the bike with the training wheels was a little bit easier, so she went back to that one.

Then it was Alex's turn, he has finally asked me to take the training wheels off of his bike and I was very excited that he finally was ready to take hat step. At first he was all over the place and I started to think that he was not going to get it, however after Dan ran up and down the sidewalk with him, we thought maybe there was a chance. He took a short break so that Brianne could try and I think that is when it finally clicked that he was not going to let his little sister do something that he couldn't do. So he was back on the bike.

He started gaining some more confidence as they were going. I especially like how he would stick out his tongue sticking out I was cracking up as I looked at the pictures!

And there you have it you can see him sticking it out as Dan let go, it was funny but he was finally starting to get it!!! YEA!!!

With a little more practice he got it was Dan didn't have to help him at all, now he still ran behind him just in case he fell, but I was pretty sure that he was going to be fine.

I love this final picture that I took from the side and you can get a great look at his face he was so happy that he finally got it! Afterwards he was excited and ready to keep practicing for as long s we would let him or until he got tired, then he was happy to put the bike up and throw the football around with daddy, papa and uncle Cameron.

It was a great day I am so proud of my kids finally taking some steps, it took them a while but I knew they would finally get it. He did have to go out and practice a bit more before it got dark and before he had to get ready for bed. What fun!

Brianne's fieldtrip to the fair!

2010-09-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

This last Friday Brianne had her first kinder field trip, she was so cute and excited all at the same time. They were headed to the county fair in Monterey. So much fun, we started out in the classroom getting instructions about what they needed to remember when we were at the fair, then it was off to the bathroom before we got on the bus. All of the kids were quite excited since for most of them it was their first time on the bus.

Once we were at the fair they took us to the learning section as I will call it, where the kids learned all about a variety of things, first it was fruits and veggies and how much we need to be eating a day. They also gave each of the kids a cookbook which has a lot of good recipe's in it.

Next it was off to the germ section, and how long we should be washing their hands and so forth, I thought it was cute when they asked the kids as a recap Brianne chimed in as said that you need to sing the ABC's while washing your hands and then she proceeded to demonstrate singing the song I was cracking up.

After that and a few other spots about seeds and how plants grow and what bugs are good for plants and which ones are not so good, it was off to have a short break for a snack/lunch and the kids were loving it. I thought it was cute they were all funny and one of the mom's bought some kettle corn and all the kids were going wild after it. Too cute!

From there it was off to the animals to check out the cows, and pigs, and some sheep and goats. I was so glad that we found a friend there who had some pigs there and let the kids pet them and it was so fun and the kids loved it.

We also were able to pet some sheep and the kids loved it! All in all it was a great day at the fair after the animals we had to wash our hand take another potty break and head back to the bus so that we could get back to school on time. The kids loved every minute of it and I was glad that I was able to go and take pictures and enjoy the time with Brianne.

Makeover's anyone?

2010-09-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Auntie Kim and April came over and had a great time while I was at the youth beach party, they wanted to do makeover's with the girls. So I said ok just as long as the girls don't leave that house... Brianne is a bit young to wear make-up and all. They had a ton of fun and looked so cute doing it.

These were a few of the before shots, I really think that Brianne is a huge ham.

Some of the after's...

I love Brianne's reactions and smiles in these...

Taylor I think has the serious look down to a tee..

But she does know how to smile, so cute!

Well at least we know which one can be serious, I am not so sure about Bri.

Last but not least Alex got into the picture and I thought this one was great, I really liked all of their smiles in this one. The girls had a great time with Kim and April, and I am sure that they will want them to come over and do it again soon.

First Day of School 2010!!

2010-08-25T16:54:00.001-07:00

The first day of school has finally arrived, after a great summer of fun I think the kids were finally ready to start. They were all excited. As we sat down to take a family picture yesterday for the first day Brianne said "the new one gets to sit in the middle" she was a crack up I was totally laughing so as you can see in the picture she is in the middle. So we are finally all in school. Brianne is in Kindergarten, Alex is now in fourth grade and Taylor is in Seventh. WOW!! I can hardly believe that they are growing up so so fast. I remember Taylor's first day of kinder years ago, as well as Alex's first day. It does seem like yesterday that it all happened. So many times I hear enjoy it now because they grow up so fast, well it is true they do grow up so fast.

Brianne looks like she can hardly wait and Alex I am thinking was probably thinking in his head are we done yet, and I think so was Taylor. However this year she is sporting her look for 2 years with braces to fix her bite.

Brianne telling me she loved me and how excited she is to start.

Alex just kicking back and enjoying life.

Taylor thinking to herself are we done taking pictures yet.

Brianne and me waiting for the bell to ring so she can line up with her class.

There are some of them, everyday the whole school lines up for flag, all of the kids at some point will get to help in the flag raising.

So I tried to get a picture of Taylor in her line of the 7th and 8th graders as you can see she looked away and and was laughing about it. She is a cutie.

As they were doing morning announcements they celebrate the birthdays of the kids from the summer. So Brianne and several other kinders (and some of the other grades as well) all got called up to get a certificate and get sung happy birthday.

They are so cute lined up waiting.

Brianne in class on the rug getting instructions for the first day. I have to laugh because Brianne has my mom as a teacher so I think it might be a bit interesting I have a feeling she will be calling her Nana which is ok. My mom did tell me that yes in fact she does do that but if in class it doesn't get her attention she does call her Mrs. Theis, I was cracking up. When I picked her up after school she told me that she had a great time, that it was really fun and was excited about being able to go every day. After I picked up Taylor and Alex they also told me how much fun they had and were excited to be back in school. Taylor has a new teacher this year Ms. Schultz and she is totally loving it, she had her for math last year and was excited to have her full time as am I. Alex has the same teacher as last year Mrs. Suess and he is looking forward for new and exciting things for the 4th grade.I am looking forward to this year and what it will be like to have them all in school every day of the week. But I have to say I have a list of projects that will need to be done so I hope that will be some good time to get it all done. Good times are to come I will have to keep everyone posted on how things go.

The Boardwalk

2010-08-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

Hello Santa Cruz here we come!! Yes you know that school is finally here when we do the annual boardwalk trip the Monday night before school starts, granted we still have a week but everyone else started school today. So this last Monday night we headed to the boardwalk, Dan was out of town so it was me April, Cameron and the kids. So we had our tickets and were ready to have some fun!! I was totally cracking up as they went on some of the rides and you can see the expression on Brianne's face she was quite happy.

We headed over to the carousel to try and get an outside horse and of course they were all taken but it was fun just the same. At the boardwalk its fun to get an outside horse so you can try and get a ring and throw it into the clowns mouth.

It was a beautiful day outside just look at the beach, you can actually see quite a ways out there.

We met up with friends and that was the end of it of Taylor her and Ashley were linked the rest of the time. Real friends are hard to come by at times so its good to see that they have one another.

Alex really wanted to go on this ride and so I was the only willing partisapant so it was fun he was laughing the whole way.

We of course had to try the gliders and Cameron, Alex and I had fun as we were fling high. Alex was loving it and Cameron would yell at April as we went by her.

Fun times for all!

This last picture was of the crazy one's who actually went on the log ride and got wet, now I know I said it was a nice day but when the sun goes down and you get wet that can not be that fun. But for them it was a ton of fun and they went on it a couple of times, I was cracking up. We had a great time with friends this year at the boardwalk and still have tickets left over so its a good thingk that the tickets never expire, we will have enough for next year as well. So much fun and now its time to get all the last minute stuff done before school starts next week.

Girls camp 2010

2010-08-03T16:33:00.001-07:00

Girls camp, what a great experience. I was asked to go to girls camp after I got called as our new young women's president in our ward, so of course it was a yes for me. I was a tiny bit nervous since truth be told I had not been to girls camp since I was a teenager myself. But none the less I was excited to see what the week would hold. There had been a few changes to the program since that time so I was also looking forward to it. So they asked me to be with the second year girls and I was excited to have several of the girls in my ward in my unit. It was great fun. We started off all meeting at my house early Monday morning and it was lets load up and get on the road.

And of course have a little bit of laughs as we were waiting for all the girls to get there and to get all of our stuff loaded into the trucks.

Once we got there it was time to set up tents and get settled before we got started putting up the tents at one point was kinda funny, but in the end we figured it out.

I had to take some snap shots when I had the chance since we were going and going and going. The girls had a great time being together and having fun, between crafts and destiny and meals and oh the hikes of course it was so much fun.

I love how just like my kids sometimes they try to cover their faces but I always get the picture in the end.

We all enjoyed going to campfire every night for the various activities our original song and skit were a crack up, and I think everyone got a bunch of laughs. I know that I did. I have to say since it was my first time going and all my wonderful girls in the ward had to try their best to catch me, so needless to say I did have to run around the table since I was caught with my elbows on the table. Only once I was very mindful of it afterward, that happened on the first day and I have to say it was a bit embarrassing. But it was all in good fun. At least I never had to go and sing for anything that was left in the lost and found. (that's only because I saw my coat in the lost and found and got it out before it went to campfire that night. Whew!!!)

I loved the yl's the first night trying to start the fire and I have to say it got going it was a bit chilly the first 3 days, and it was so nice cuz there were no bugs that would bite us. However that was short lived since on Thursday and Friday I think we all got eaten quite a bit. Even with the bug spray I think they were trying to make up for lost time.

Campfire shots of the different girls and groups. The stake staff was a crack up with all their cute songs done up before hand and typed up so that they were ready for anything.

Our lovely YL's leading us all in song.

This was Sister Gifford and she was a crack up with her head lights, they had two different modes on them, you could either have regular white lights or there was this great one that was red for night vision, and we were cracking up, she said she could go around to tents of girls and give them a tiny scare if they needed some help to be a little quieter. We laughed all the time with it and one of our tents full of girls actually said they wanted to see her coming with them on so they could get a good laugh as well.

Skit Night..... was so much fun I tried to get some pictures of all the skits this was the priesthood and cooks and they were a crack up. Its always fun to get to see the lighter side of things.

1st years

Our skit was a crack up we were the Funkee Monkee's so we used the tune to the ants go marching and made up several different things for the girls to do in groups it was a blast and the girls had a lot of fun.

All of the rest of the skits were so funny the 3rd years did one all about them getting a bit off the trail on their hike and having to go a little further than normal and climbing up a few mountains and all. The stake was a crack up with theirs as well. All in all it was a night of big laughs and fun. Testimony meeting was on Friday night and as usual from what I could remember from my days as a girl was always one of the best nights of camp. All of the bishops come up and a few parents as well to listen to the girls and feel of the wonderful spirit that always comes with a great testimony meeting. It was a wonderful experience to listen to all the girls and see how their testimonies can grow from being at camp for a week. I absolutely loved every minute of it, even when we decided to have a bit of a water fight with the girls in our unit and I ended up drenched from head to toe I am sure there are some pictures of that one somewhere. I am so glad that I went and hope to be able to continue to go for years to come.

I have to say that I was wonderfully surprised to come home to a wonderful clean house and family who loved me and missed me as much as I missed them. They are so wonderful to let me go for the week, I am glad that they had a great time with friends and dad while I was gone. I do however know that it does take a few days to recooperate form going I was so tired when I got home and my wonderful husband let me take naps for a few days to recover. He is great!!!

Big Sur Camping

2010-08-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

Big Sur 2010...

What a fun couple of days. We took our yearly trip with the Pedro's and the Garner's to Big Sur to camp and it was a blast. We had different campsites this year so we thought it would be a change of pace. Dan and I decided to get a bigger tent for the trip, and I was quite happy with it. I did have to drive to Hollister to get it but I have to say it was worth it. Coleman had this tent made especially for sears to be sold at their K-mart stores. It is a 10 person tent with a built in light and light switch. Yes I did say light switch. It was awesome. It was also quite easy to put up. It actually fits 3 queen size mattress (not that we have 3 but so comfy). I am not the lay on the ground kind of camper. I like to camp where there is nice running water and bathrooms and showers. And enough room in the tent to fit all of my stuff. So enough about the tent and on to the great time that we had.

It didn't take the kids long before they were in their suits ready to start going down the river as usual.

We totally loved it I was for the most part behind the camera but hey that's ok. The 3 dads as usual had to do a little repair work on the river to make a really good path for the kids to go down. I think Alex could have gone like a hundred times he was really loving it.

Then we finally got Brianne to go down and she loved it as long as the dad's were there at the end to catch her and get her out of the water. I was cracking up the whole time she was really cute. They had a great system.

Ricky and Chris would help her out and then Chris would take her to shore so she could start all over again at the top of the run where Dan would make sure she was in her tube on on her way.

The other kids had a great time going down the river but they also enjoyed going and hanging out in the deeper water that was very calm and could just hang out in the tubes and have fun.

Then there was Sammi who could not get wet except for her feet since she is recovering from a severely broken arm that had 5 medal screws and pins in it(poor thing) but Brianne was ready and willing to keep her company and just hang out with her.

Then later after we got on some dry cloths Alex was a bit tired so her plopped himself down in a chair covered his face and got a little rest it was really cute and Dan couldn't help but take a picture of him.

Now what is camping if there isn't smores involved I think that was Brianne's question quite often after we had dinner. Is it time yet for smores? She would ask like every 3-4 minutes. We finally said yes and she couldn't be happier.

The key to great smores is all in how you cook the marshmallow and how golden brown you can get them. They were quite yummy, we even tried a little experiment and tried some with nutella instead of chocolate and oh my goodness they were awesome so melty and yummy I don't know if I will go back to an actual chocolate bar myself.

As you can see Brianne was loving it!!

And so was Josh!!

Just look at those perfect smore coals burning red with no flame perfect for smores.

We had a great time and we already have some sites booked for next year. Its a great time to get away from the day to day grind and have a great time with friends.

Bowling with the Powley's

2010-08-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bowling here we come.... Brianne was quite excited as you can see. All she wanted to do was bowl. So did the other kids, it was kinda hard for them to wait for us to get all the names set up so we could start.

Alex and Edward have a lot of fun together playing around sometimes its hard to get them to be apart.

you look at all of the balls and think how many do we really need? At one point I think we had so many they wouldn't fit on it. We decided that they could share since practically all of them wanted the same one anyway.

There goes Taylor I think she even got a strike or two. It was a lot if fun.

Elliott was cracking me up he would start so far back and then kinda push it to get it going. We were all laughing.

But as you can see it was all smiles. Its all about having fun with friends and family. It was a great Family home evening activity. I am really glad the kids enjoyed it. Afterwards Alex went over to Edwards for a sleepover while Madeline came over here to our house for a sleep over. Lets just say I don't think that we got much sleep. But I know the girls had a lot of fun.

The 4th of July

2010-08-02T14:53:00.001-07:00

The 4th of July is a wonderful time to celebrate our great country and realize all of the freedoms that we have!!! We also have a lot of fun celebrating my mom's birthday. After a great day at church we headed home for a wonderful dinner and some cake! yum who doesn't like cake!! Then it was pain staking till it got dark for the kids to go outside and have some holiday fun. we started off with some sparklers and it was a lot of fun our neighbors came across the street to have some sparkler fun as well with their little girl. The kids totally enjoyed the sparklers. we had lots of fun.

Then it was time to sit back with a blanket and watch my dad, Dan and Alex do the fireworks for us it was great. It reminded me of when I was a girl growing up and we would all sit out our chairs in my grandmothers back yard and enjoy the show. It was always great fun. Its good to make memories and remember the old ones as well.

Our last day in Washington (Friday)

2010-08-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Ken and MarGene like visitors on ferry boat rides so we all thought it would be fun as well. We drove our cars onto the ferry and then went up to the deck to play games and enjoy the scenery. It was fun MarGene had games to play with the kids and then we decided we would venture outside and take a peek

I especially liked these two shots and how their hair was blowing in the wind I was just laughing as well as freezing. It didn't take long for me to go back inside and get warm.

As we pulled into Seattle it was a beautiful site and Dan did get some great pictures. It was fun. Afterwards we went and had lunch at McDonald's and then it was off to Pikes place market to check out what good farmers market shops they had. Well since it was a beautiful day in Washington, that is all it took to have it teaming with people. Its a good thing that Ken is tall we could always spot him in the crowd. It was a lot of fun and then we decided we needed to get out before the traffic got too bad to drive back the 60 miles to Ken and MarGene's house. We stopped at Jeff and Shannon's to drop off Shannon and the kids. Dan and I stayed there a little while and then headed back to the house. We decided that it might be a smart idea to drive home that night and let the kids sleep in the car. So I said what the heck. We got back and finished packing ate dinner and then we were off for home. We had a great week in Washing ton with family and we were so glad that we took the time to spend it there.

Northwest Trek (Thursday)

2010-08-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday while we were in Washington visiting family we went to the Northwest Trek, its basically an outdoor zoo where you take a tram ride to see all the a lot of the animals out in their normal habitat. We got some great pictures and it was a lot of fun. The first thing we came across was a banana slug, as you can tell from the expressions on the faces of the kids that they were not quite sure what to think of it. Brianne's expression was a crack up.

Then it was off on the tram where we saw a variety of animals such as caribou, and elk, deer etc. one of them decided to walk in front of the tram and well slowed us down a bit, I was able to lean to get a shot of it out the window.

There were other animals that were in various cages such as the bald eagle's they had been wounded and could no longer fly so this is a safe environment for them. We also saw several owls that could no longer fly as well. It was kinda neat since you were able to get pretty up close and check them out with out them flying away. The kids loved it. Once again Alex and Andrew were little buddies and had a great time together. It was a bit on the wet and cold side but we all survived just fine.

We did see a possum getting fed, Brianne went on to tell the worker how she had one in her yard and it had babies she just kept talking and talking, it was normal Brianne. We all got a good laugh about it. Afterward we went to a park to do a little geo cashing by Jeff and Shannon's house, Megan and Andrew loved it and the kids had a great time. Then it was more play time at the park. It was a great way for them to let out some pent up energy. I wish we had more time to spend together but I guess that's what its like living a state apart.

Wild Waves Wednesday

2010-07-19T21:11:00.001-07:00

Wednesday we had a great time, Jeff was able to take the day off so we all could have some fun. The guys actually started off by golfing 9 holes early that morning. So we were able to sleep in a bit and get the kids ready and then head off to wild waves. Its a water park/amusement park. So we decided to do all the wet stuff first, we figured it would be less crowded and then do all the dry stuff after lunch. So we decided to start off with the big slide where 4 people can fit on the raft. We found out why this is the one they always do first since you have to lug the raft all the way up to the top, it was pretty heavy. So I went with MarGene, Taylor and Megan, oh my gosh it was so funny.

We made it Taylor was screaming the whole way down. Shannon could hear her and waited at the bottom to take the pictures. I was cracking up. However I was the one who was backwards the whole way down.

Jeff went down with Alex and Andrew, the boy thing was fun. I didn't think that Dan or Brianne were going to go on it, but I was wrong.

If you look close you can see that she loved every second of it. I think she is a little daredevil. Next came the lazy river and that was alot of fun you just hang out in the tube and let the river take you around. The water was warm(thank goodness!!!!) it was a tiny bit cold outside. So all the kids liked the lazy river I think they went around like 3 or 4 times.

I totally loved this picture of Brianne and Dan, they are really cute together and she is having a great time. After we finished that we decided to go to the wave pool which we had to wait for a bit so they could check the levels of chemicals in the water. So we took the opportunity to take a picture of all the kids. They were loving it, a bit cold but none the less having a great time with cousins. I wish that we all still lived close together so that all our kids could grow up together, but we will have to settle for a visit once or twice a year.

They are so cute!

After the wave pool we all headed over to the hot tub with out the camera but since the water was warm in there we stayed for a bit and it was fun to just sit and relax. Big papa even joined us in the warm water then. But it didn't take long for the kids to get a little ancy so it was off to the kids zone I guess you could call it. Little water slides and fun stuff for them to do they had a lot of fun.

But as you can see they once again found the hot tub. So I think that was our clue that we needed to change into our dry clothes and then have lunch.

So the park doesn't allow any outside food in the park so we had packed our lunch and ate out buy the cars. We were not the only ones who did that, there were quite a few others having lunch at their cars. So now that we were dry and fed it was time to go on the rides and have some more fun.

Everyone had a buddy and it was really cute that Alex and Andrew just buddied up and held hands most of the day. It was so cute they talked and had a great time all day long. I was so glad that Alex and Andrew bonded on this trip. So we spent the rest of the afternoon riding rides and taking turns who was sitting with who and just having fun.

I love the fist pump between Alex and Andrew.

Grandma and Brianne had fun together on the jumping Kangaroo's.

So this last picture was the big wood roller coaster, it was tons of fun Taylor and Alex and Megan wanted to go on it(yea I love roller coasters so I am glad they did too). Now if anyone knows Taylor they know that she is not a big fan of coasters, however she loved this one and it was a GOOD coaster. She went on it twice and she probably would have gone more but we were running out of time. It was a great day spending time with family. A big thanks to Shannon and Jeff for suggesting we go here and have tons of fun!!!

Mini Golf and Water fight!!!!

2010-07-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

So our Washington trip continues... Tuesday we had a lot of fun with Ken and MarGene. First we went mini golfing it was so much fun. The kids had a blast. Alex was really cute trying to line up the puts and all.

Brianne would just go for it, she was funny and its a good thing there wasn't anyone in front of us since she was a little impatient.

Taylor was also very precise and concentrated a lot, which it paid it off she did end up winning.

MarGene and I having fun with the kids, I didn't do so well. So...

San took my place. Taylor still won but it was tons of fun.

Then after that in the afternoon the kids wanted to have a water fight since as you saw Brianne got the super soaker for her birthday. As you can see they had a ton of fun.

Brianne's gun was the best!!

Taylor was trying and it was funny.

I love this picture it was so funny that both of them turned away, I was cracking up.

Brianne was totally in control of the whole water fight, and the kids loved it. Afterwards we all went to the pool at the lodge with grandma and big papa. It was a great day.

Brianne's Birthday (monday the 28th)

2010-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today the 28th of June was Brianne's 5th Birthday. Wow, I can hardly believe that it has been 5 years. I remember like it was yesterday that she was born. She is a very cute spunky girl, full of energy all and I mean all the time. She is truly a joy to have in our family. So this year while we were in Washington Big Papa rented out a bounce house place that had 5 different bounce houses for the kids to play on. We were there with all the family from Washington it was great to see Jeff, Shannon, Megan and Andrew. The kids have so much fun together it was great to see how much fun they had.

I loved this picture of Andrew after he came down the slide. Then the ones with the other kids racing through the obstacle course to see who would get done first.

I figured that since we were there we should all have a good time so we all decided to go down the big slide it was a lot of fun.

That's MarGene on the top waiting to come down.

However I loved the expression on Dan's face as he was coming down he knew I would be taking a picture so he hammed it up. That is just one of the reasons I love him so much.

Big Papa and Uncle Jeffy got into the fun as well with a little B-ball fun.

A great picture with grandma and Papa with the grand kids they all had a ton of fun.

Then it was off to the park to play a little while we got the pinata all set up. That was the one thing that Brianne really wanted at her birthday was the pinata. So we ordered it online and had it shipped to grandma's house. She was so excited to have it as you can see in the pictures.

I loved when Megan busted it open the whole half of it just came off so it can be used again since that's all that happened we were all cracking up.

Then it was back to grandma and papa's house for cake(that Taylor made for Brianne) and presents.

All she kept asking for was a super soaker so we let her have one. It was so much fun for her.

I was cracking up at this picture Brianne put on these glasses that she got out of the pinata and it was just to cute to pass up posting. Brianne's birthday was so much fun she was so excited about turning 5 I think we heard about it for weeks before we even went to Washington. It was funny when we were shopping early in the day at walmart for her, since grandma took her and let her pick out her present; we were in the fabric section for Taylor, that she saw this toy story 3 fleece fabric and she brings it over to me and says "mom please can you make me a new blanket? It is my birthday and the fabric is on sale." Well what was I supposed to say she was too cute so yes we bought it made her the blanket that day and she has loved it ever since. She has been sleeping with it every night since we made it. It was a wonderful day and a great start to our week.

Brianne got the camera, Sunday in Washington

2010-07-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well as we got home from our trip to Washington and were looking through all the pictures I noticed about 15 of them that I hadn't taken and neither had Dan. So who comes ot mind when there are other pictures on the camera well I have one word for you all its Brianne. So my guess is that she was watching Alice in Wonderland again(for like the 10th time) and decided she would have a little fun, so why not take some pictures of the T.V. and then one of Alex sneeking around, I was jsut cracking up it was funny so I had to blog about it, this was Sunday so I guess that explains it she tends to feel a bit more hyper on Sundays I think since its not a normal day for her to play outside and expell all of her energy.

Raingutter Regatta

2010-07-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

So Alex has been in cub scouts now for almost a year and he is having a blast. Last month they had the rain gutter regatta, and boy was it fun. Here are some of the pictures that we took. Alex was a very good sport when he didn't win and when he did. We are very proud of him for that since he has had some trouble in the past with his sportsmanship. I am glad that he can finally see that it is fun just to be able to participate.

This was the first time I saw Alex lead the flag for scouts, I thoguth he was cute.

fun fun fun

Our Trip to Washington

2010-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to Washington was great!!

We started out on Thursday night so we could get there by Friday morning so we would be there in time for Dan's grandma's frunal. Grandma Fife was a super wonderful woman. She was full of love for everyone she was around. I always remember when we would visit with her she was always so wonderful and sweet. There were many times when we would play cards at the house and she would always have fun and laugh with us. Those were some good times. So our drive started at about 5:30pm and Laurie came with us for our lovely car ride, it was funny the kids watched some movies and I drove till about 10:30 then Dan took over and all the way with Laurie keeping us talking and awake. Well actually I was totally awake and a bit on the hiper side at 2am it was really funny. So I took over driving for Dan at that point and Laurie tried to sleep while i was listening to my ipod jamming away. Then I did notice that she couldn't sleep so we talked till about 5:30am and it was at that point that I hit a wall and was done driving. I was so tired and I couldn't sleep in the car the kids were awake by then luckly we arrived at Ken and MarGene's and Laurie and I hit the sack. I slept for a couple of hours and then we just kind of relaxed the rest of the day. Dan and Laurie went up to Seattle for the viewing and I stayed home with the kids and we watched a movie. Then it was off to bed and I was so glad to get some sleep.

Day 2 Saturday...

Today we spent a wonderful day with family to celebrate the life of Grandma Fife, its always sad to see someone pass and return to our Father in Heaven, but at the same time we know she is in a much better place and out of the pain that she was always in. She was a wonderful woman. I loved the pictures that were there grandpa and grandma look so cute together. It was also good to see all the family that we hardly ever get to see so sometimes good can come out of sad events. I loved the group picture I was cracking up at all the kids trying to stay still, as you can see Brianne was not one of them.

more to come on the rest of our week in Washington.

Hiking the Pinnacles

2010-07-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

This past memorial day we decided to go hiking at the Pinnacles with the Locke's and the Powley's, It was a ton of fun. We started out early in the morning for the drive over there, to the Hollister side. We didn't want to be hiking in the heat of the day. I was glad that it never got that hot I think the most was about 85 degrees. So all in all not to bad. It was pretty funny that on the way up there Brianne was chatting with us in the van talking about how she couldn't whistle and that she thought she needed to have surgery to fix it, Dan and I were cracking up it was so funny. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

So this is the kids thinking that they were leading the way. They were great!

We had to take a snack break and then all the kids wer very excited that i had brought gum with me, I was cracking up. Everyone of them had to have some.

So into the caves we go, it was a bit dark so the kids wither wore a head lamp or had a flashlight.

Out on the other side and the girls had to pose for the picture they are so funny. They just love hanging out together.

Dan and the kids on the other side.

At the end of the caves before we left and headed back we had to take a group shot of all the kids. Brianne's expression always cracks me up. She totally loved it thought the caves were so awesome.

Now the treck back Brianne was such a trooper, she walked almost the whole way I think there was only about 5 minutes each way that she needed to be carried. Which is a big change from the last time we did the hike a few years ago when she had to be carried almost the whole way there and back. I was so proud of her it was great.

We did have to stop and get the pictures of the poppies on the way back.

After the long and I mean long hike we had a great lunch at the tables with everyone it was a great day.

The boys filled out the booklets that the ranger's gave them so they turned them in and were sworn in as deputy rangers and each got a patch for it. They thought it was great.

Ok so one of the best parts was the drive home when Brianne was so tired that she just fell asleep, Dan and I were cracking up, it was so cute I had to take a picture. We had a great time that day with friends and I am sure that we will do more together in the future. The kids have so much fun together.