So Much....

 As I think back on the last few months, so much has happened! The biggest thing so far though has been our trip. We have not taken our family on a trip, like a true live trip, since Cameron was a baby! We decided it was time and that we were going all out!

We told the kids in January, on Noah's birthday, that we were going to DISNEYLAND! We had prepared and anticipated for months. We finally loaded up the car on April 16th and headed out of town. We were all so excited and ready for a break from our everyday schedules.

Our first stop was in St. George to stop by Grandma Maxine's grave. We had not been back since her funeral, so it was nice to spend a little time there. I miss her so very much! We then headed on to Vegas for the night. When we got to Vegas, we checked into our hotel and went to find something to eat. We were all tired and hungry so we didn't do much at all. The next day we took a walk down the strip and stopped at the M&M Factory and the Coke a Cola Factory. The kids thought it was great. We saw millions of M&M's, watched a 3d movie about "Losing your M in Vegas",  and tried Cokes from around the world! Day 1 was a big hit!

We spent a day at the beach, which all of my kids absolutely loved!  A Crab Cooker lunch was a must and very delicious! 2 days in Disneyland and 1 day in California Adventure. We had so much fun riding all of the rides and eating yummy treats. I was in my happy place. The kids traveled really well and got along the entire time. They loved riding the elevators and staying in the hotels. I can't wait to go back.

We had such a good time. I cried as we left because I just didn't want to come back to "real" life. It has been a long time since we had a true vacation. I love my family and I am so glad we were able to go.

So Big!

This baby of mine is so much fun! We all love him to pieces. My phone is chalk full of pictures of him. He is super smiley, finally! Has found his voice and loves to squeal. He rolls around like a crazy man and runs when he is in the walker. The kids are so good with him and can't get enough. They worry anytime he is fussy and love to make him laugh. Life is good! I was blessed with amazing kids that love each other and that couldn't make me happier!

January 24....I now have a true "Pre-Teen"!

NOAH -
Noah is 11! I cannot believe it, but at the same time, it feels like forever ago that he was my one and only. Noah is a very special kid and I can't even begin to tell you how much I love him. He is very strong willed and stubborn, but he is a very good natured and kind. He loves his brother's and sister so much and is very nurturing and protective. He loves to tease and make people laugh. He is very sensitive and does not like to see people hurt. Noah is very good at sports and loves each sport he is doing at the time! Football is his favorite though and he can't wait for the season to start every year! He has found a spot as the Center and loves to play as much as he can. I am so proud of him. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming.
This year for birthdays we decided we are going to do "Family Birthday". (no friend parties this year:( ). We took the kids to Tucano's (Noah's choice) Grandma and Grandpa J joined us. Then on Sunday, his actual birthday, we had cake and ice cream with Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Steve. We had a fun weekend celebrating him!

5th grade has been a little bit of a challenge for us! It is hard to learn to be "responsible" for the work you are required to do! He has been able to do a lot of fun things, like the Science fair project, and he is part of the "Battle of the Books" club. I am glad that he wants to join in and try new things. I am just glad we have 1 more year before Jr. High!

Noah- we love you to pieces and are so glad you are part of our family. Happy Birthday bud!

Schools out...what do you do?

We decided to take the kids away for the weekend before they went back to school after the new year. We spent the night at a hotel in Layton, went to see the new Peanuts movie, grabbed a bite to eat and swam! The kids love going to hotels. It is a vacation every time!

Christmas and New Years 2015

It is no secret that I love the holidays! Christmas this year was full of love, wonderment, family, surprises, yummy food, cold nights wrapped in warm blankets, friends, and fun. The kids had a great season. Noah is older, so Christmas has become a little different for him, but still a magical time of year! It was so much fun to have Beau with us this year and to see his cute smile with all that went on. I sure am grateful for my beautiful family and for the birth of the Savior. We are so blessed.

New Years, we had Ricci, Jim, Darren, Erin, Daniel and Whitney and family's come over for games and yummy food. (that we all picked up from different places!) We had a great time and actually made it until midnight, if you can even believe that! I love my family so much and I love to have them over to play. Happy New Years! Here's to a year full of new beginnings! Welcome 2016.