Super Heroes on Bikes!

Today Rylee and Brody watched "The Incredibles" and loved all the action and dress up the family did. They decided to reenact it and this is what they came up with...Seriously, they make me laugh!! They are so cute!! And this is what Taylee thinks about it all.

Baby #4 Shower

It's nice to know you have some wonderful friends to get you ready for your new baby. I really don't see the purpose in having a shower, because it'll be our third little girl and I have more than enough clothes and baby crap to keep us satisfied. Sometimes I feel like this isn't happening because I have had so little time to think about myself and being pregnant (comparing to when I was pregnant with Rylee). BUT, I know that is a good thing because being self consumed is not how I like to be. The large array of diapers is just what I needed, because you can never have too many of those lying around. They come in handy for many different jobs around the house. I don't mean to point out Garian, but she made the cutest diaper carriage!! I have always seen the diaper cakes, but this was new to me and so darn cute. Rylee doesn't want me to take it apart to use and thinks that it is the silliest thing because it was made all out of diapers. I regret not bringing my camera and taking a picture of my favorite people, but know that you are all loved and I'm so grateful for your love for me and my family. Thank you Joy for opening up your home to everyone (Joy, Mimi, Diana, Brandi, Leah, Megan, Melissa, Shannon, Kari, Alycia, Amy, Natalie, and Garian)! I had a wonderful time and love you all!

Valentine's Day

Jon has been at work for the past couple of days so it was fun to surprise him coming off of work. The anticipation for the kids was almost more than they could handle. The kids and I sent Jon on a scavenger hunt for US! We placed clues with the dark chocolate mounds mini candy bars around the house and sent him on a while goose chase, which ended with him finding us hiding in the car. Unfortunately Taylee gave us away and set off the car alarm because she wanted to get out when she saw Jon. It was fun none-the-less for Rylee and Brody to hide in the car. We were freezing and cold, but it was FUN! Jon had brought home flowers for all his favorite girls and chocolates for his favorite boy. Jon also had made me a special digital scrap book of our life together since we were 15. It was such a blast from the past to see pictures of us leading up to now. It was so very thoughtful and I loved it! Thank you Jon!...and do you remember your first valentine's present from me when I was 15? A vomited valentine decorated bedroom!! We love you so much!

Brody's Family Birthday Party

All Brody wanted for his birthday was for all the family to come up. He didn't even want to have a friends party, but Jon and I sort of made him so he can make more friends, who are boys. So this was the day he had been waiting for. The family came up and met us at the Folsom Zoo, which is small and just perfect for the kids. It started off with all the roosters cocking out front and the kids were chasing them everywhere. Along with the various large animals they have inside, we even had to stop off at their house cats and skunks display! The kids loved having the freedom to run from display to display! The male peacocks were absolutely beautiful. One even flashed us his large array of feathers. AND Sammy decided to drive up to surprise Renee and Lily! They were thrilled since they hadn't seen him in a week. After the zoo we headed out to the miniature train for a ride. The kids loved it! The conductor was very informative with his picture taking skills and knowledge of trains. Then we headed back to our place for some food and fun! The pinata was a penguin recycled from his friends party all ducked taped together with a noose around the it's neck for hanging. It was quite deformed after the kids used it for batting practice. Everyone played with the marshmallow shooters that Jon made and the bows and arrows. He is quite crafty/handy. These were fun toys for the kids and the adults alike. I made the cake complete with animals that don't belong together in the same place (Brody reminded me). Sharks with lions and bears?! Thanks to everyone for coming up and making it a special day for him!! We miss and love you all! Here is a letter from Baba with $4 inside. Thanks Baba, we love you!

Brody's Friend Birthday Party

Brody decided that he wanted an all boys party. But after thinking about it, he could only think of 2 boys his age. So he then changed his mind to invite girls and older boys. He was so "excited" about his party that he went in his room and pouted. I told him this was a "happy day" and that I'm giving him 2 minutes in his room and that when I come back he better be smiling. He said, "ok". Sure enough I came back and he was smiling and said he was ready for the party.

Apparently:
"It's my party and I cry if I want to,
cry if I want to, cry if I want to.
You would cry too if it happened to you".Left to right: Jole, Taylee, Luke, Eliza, Tyler, Brody, Emerson, Bryson, & Eva

We had such a great time. All the kids started off jumping on the trampoline. The previous night Jon wanted to make sure that this was more of a BOYS birthday party than anything. He made bows and arrows for each kid out of sticks with a target; AND he made mini marshmallow shooters. The kids had a great time shooting targets and learning something new. They had one of Brody's favorite - pizza and grapes and cupcakes. Finally we finished the party off with a penguin pinata!! Thanks for your help Jon! Couldn't have done it without you!! And thanks to all the kids who came to make his birthday special!!

Happy 4th Birthday Brody!!

This is what Brody woke up to this morning. I had decorated his door over night and prayed he wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night and see it. He did end up waking up, but never saw it. Phew!Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Brody,
Happy Birthday to you!!
Cha-cha-cha, Hi-ya!!!

Thanks to the Wilkins for starting the tradition of the "cha-cha-cha, hi-ya" part. Even Taylee knows that part better than the "Happy Birthday" parts. Rylee sang it all morning over and over and over again. He loved all the attention and he was so thrilled to have Jon home for his birthday. Jon brought home a couple of doughnuts while I made eggs, green juice and bacon.

Brody you:
- Read very well
- Play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with your right hand very well (Suzuki style)
- Ride a bike very fast and can make it up the hill into our court without stopping (legs of steel, just like Daddy)
- Be so kind and thoughtful
- Cheer me up when I'm sad
- Scream really loud like girl
- Jump on the trampoline with Taylee and make her miserable because she gets bounced around everywhere
- Are always making Daddy presents and drawing pictures for him, whether he is home or gone

We love that you are a part of our family!! We love you so much!! Happy Birthday Big Boy!!

Taylee

Today Rylee dressed up Taylee in 5 different princess dresses at once. She even put the skirts around her neck to make it all extra poofy. Taylee thought she was the hottest little princess and wanted her picture taken. Taylee you are growing up so fast! You can read some words, talk very well, scream very loud and get your own snack!! We love you so very much and your crazy "cheese" face!

Adventures with Teddy

Rylee had the pleasure of bringing home Teddy for the weekend. This is a school project where she gets to take care of Teddy and take him every where she goes. She then writes down what they did and draws a picture of it. Rylee loves getting Teddy because he has so many outfits. He/she can be a girl or a boy. They took him to the park, but once they got there Jon and Taylee did all the babysitting. Then that night we took Teddy to a gymnastics meet to watch SUU vs. Sac State. My old teammate Kari is the beam coach for SUU and it was fun to see her and catch up for a minute after the meet. I also saw Laurie Skelton one of my old gymnastics coaches from club judging floor. What a blast from the past! After the meets the kids ran on the floor and did their gymnastics routines. Jon and I were cracking up!