Summer's Here!

One of our kids favorite things. A simple vanilla ice cream cone.

I think Ashleigh gets more on her face than she does in her mouth.

We went to Tempe Town Lake with my preschool class. Ashleigh loved the water!

Makenzie wasn't sure about the slide at first but once she went down it the first time she had a blast.




We also went to Logan's end of year kindergarten program. None of my still pictures turned out. But I'll upload video as soon as I get around to it.

Public Speaking

Makenzie gave her first talk today at church on "Heavenly Father sent me to my family and I can help them". I asked her what she did to help her family. Her answers - make my bed, give them hugs, wash the dishes, pray, go to church. I then found pictures to go with each one. We practiced at home and were sure that "we" would be giving the talk. Boy did she surprise us. We whispered in her ear but she gave the talk.

Changes and Happenings

If you haven't seen or heard from Jeff over the last month there is a good reason. For those of you who don't already know, Jeff bought a pool service business at the beginning of April. It has been very busy, sometimes too busy as he still has his job with Classy, goes to school too, does electrical side jobs for friends, and still fulfills his church calling. Here is our logo. The results of spending lots of time in the sun... We now have a girl room and a boy room. Logan and Makenzie have been so excited. We are trying to decide on a theme for the boys' room. Logan is excited to have his own room even if it is just until August. Ashleigh was so excited that she had a hard time sleeping the first night. Makenzie and cousin Hannah had a photo shoot the other day. Here's a few pictures. Logan's t-ball season has started. Yesterday he made 2 outs and hit the ball way out into left field. Yeah Logan! We have tried several times to get Ashleighs "dancing" on tape. I appologize to you up front for my singing. She loves to dance and loves music.
The video is not working - I'll try again later

Happy Birthday Makenzie!

Birthday Ball Part 1

Today Makenzie had her birthday ball with her other princess friends. We had Jasmine (aka: Addy), Snow White, Aurora (aka: Macie), and Belle (aka: Addie). They all looked so cute.
We made wands first, then we played a game of finding jewels in pink sand. Next we decorated our princess doll cakes. They loved decorating the dress with LOTS of frosting.


Makenzie was so excited to open her presents.
After we opened the presents we played pin the kiss on the frog.
We made crowns and played find the poison apple. Finally we played a game of musical pillows.
The girls had a good time and Makenzie really enjoyed herself at her first friend party.

With These Odds We Should Play the Lottery

Logan is now 3 for 3 on guessing if the baby is a boy or girl. We really think we should make him pick numbers for the next big lotto. The doctor had a hard time getting this shot but finally committed to us that we were having a boy. Last month he guessed a girl but the cord was between the baby's legs. We are thrilled to be having another boy. Logan especially. Although yesterday he said, "Mom, I really want a brother, but having another sister would be good. I would have 3 sisters to play with then." He is priceless and such a good big brother. Makenzie told grandma and grandpa yesterday that she was having a baby brother. Grandpa asked, how do you know. To which she replied, I just know that's all.

My little deal maker.

I have to tell this story about Ashleigh.
Last week I was watching her in Elders Quorum. Our Elders sit in a circle so we can all see each other. Ash was wandering around quietly visiting each person in the circle as she does. She happened upon Brother Eyre who has a new iPhone. He had the phone out, reading scriptures and was resting his arms on his knees. So Ash walked up and tried to grab it because she loves the latest technology. Brother Eyre gently pushed her hands away and she walked back to where I was sitting. She then got her back of animal crackers and went back. She put them up by his hand until he took the crackers. Then she tried again to take the iPhone. It was clearly a trade and I'm sure she thought a good one. She loves her crackers. Half of the elders saw this little transaction and there was alot of muffled laughter and smiles around the circle.
I thought some of you might enjoy that story. I will never forget it.
Jeff

Easter in Tucson

Our friends from Tuscon invited us down for the weekend. Here are some highlights. We went to a community party where the kids were able to climb rock walls, bounce on blow up bouncers, and go on a massive Easter Egg hunt. Here is Logan climbing the wall.

Dyeing Easter Eggs - Makenzie, Logan, and friend Virginia.
Here is the two youngest - Ashleigh and George. They seemed to have a good time together.

And of course - Sunday best picture. By this time Ashleigh had had enough and was ready for a nap.

Grandma's are great!

Before Going to Tucson my mom had the kids come over so that she could give them a surprise for Easter. She made fudge and molded it into an egg shape. Then she put the kids' names on them. And the real fun part was she let them go crazy decorating them with the rest of the icing. The kids had a blast. Ashleigh mostly enjoyed eating the icing. Both Logan and Makenzie used their artistic abilities and spent about 30 minutes on their egg.

Fun At Grandma's

We had the opportunity to go down to Jeff's mom's house with Aunt Jill and cousin Cohen for a couple of days during spring break. The kids had a great time.

Logan being superman on the fun tire swings.
Ashleigh loves to play in the sand now.

A new favorite. Playing in the canal behind grandmas house. They loved throwing rocks and sticks in the water.

Camping Fun

We went on our ward camp out this weekend and had a great time. Well except when it was time to sleep.

The kids eating our gourmet meal of hot dogs and hamburgers.

Logan and best bud Brody using logs as guns.

Makenzie and good friend Macie posing for a picture.

Ashleigh who loved the chocolate peanut butter rice crispy treats a little too much.

Mystery

We went yesterday to have an ultrasound to find out whether we are having a boy or girl. The baby didn't cooperate. He was positioned so that the doctor couldn't get a real good look and the umbilical cord was between the baby's legs. The doctor said if he had to guess he'd guess a girl but he wasn't willing to commit to that. Anyway we'll take another look next month. Here is a profile of our baby.

Logan's Soccer Season

We signed Logan up for the winter soccer season. He had a good time. It was funny, at first he was afraid to get in there to get the ball. He didn't want to kick anyone. Then I explained to him that is the reason everyone wears shin guards. He was more aggressive after that. He finished his season on Saturday. His team didn't have the best record but they had fun and learned a lot. Here he is playing goalie.

Just For Laughs

I can always count on my kids to make me smile.

A Valentines Day Poem

ROSES ARE RED

VIOLETS ARE BLUE...

WE'RE EXPECTING A BABY IN AUGUST

BELIEVE ME, WE ARE AS SURPRISED AS YOU!!!

We went to the doctor today and here is a picture of our newest family member. I held my breath until the doctor said, "Looks like just one." Everyone I know has gotten pregnant with twins lately. I'm due August 20th. And yes I did freak when I found out! Jeff was really calm which helped a lot. We told the two older kids today. Logan says the baby is a boy. He was right with Makenzie & Ashleigh wonder if he'll be right this time. Any other guesses?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEIGH!

WARNING - LONG POST AHEAD

We have had a very busy holiday season. Here is what has been going on. Christmas was great. We decided to concentrate on what the kids really wanted and it was a success.Here is Makenzie in her car. She drove it around everywhere for the first week. If she needed to go to the bathroom, she jumped in her car to get there.Logan is a true gamer now. He loves the PSP we got him almost as much as his dad loves it. He is getting really good at the games and like to take it on our trips out to Aunt Lorras for something to do.Ashleigh loves ELMO! She had a lot of fun on Christmas morning, mostly playing with the wrapping paper. She loves having her elmo doll.

We spent Christmas night with Jeff's side of the family. They had a good time exchanging gifts and playing in the leaves of Aunt Jill's big beautiful tree.We also got together with my side of the family a few days after Christmas. Christmas just kept going. We ate yummy food made by my nephew and opened more presents.

Good Times

Santa Phobia Returns!!!

Logan got out of school early today so we thought we would take a trip to see Santa. While Makenzie seems to have recovered from Santa Phobia, Ashleigh recently developed it. Actually, Makenzie was crying in line but Jeff was able to calm her down. There was no way she was sitting on his lap though and Logan at 70 lbs is getting too big. Maybe Ashleigh would have been fine if we hadn't handed her off to some strange guy in a red suit and white beard. We don't know what Logan is doing with his arm. Good Times!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The kids had a great time decorating the tree. Ok so two of them decorated while the other snacked. As you can see, Makenzie even dressed up for the occasion!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Here is one of my favorite pilgrims.

Are those turkey feathers?

And for your entertainment my oldest pilgrim sings a Thanksgiving song.


I have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving but most of all I am thankful for my three wonderful children and my husband. Hope you have a great holiday!