A Fun Hopeful Family

A Trip of A Life Time!

2011-12-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

We just spent five wonderful days in Hawaii at the new Disney resort Aulani. Scottie stayed home because his seizures make traveling that far to big of a risk.

Lance trying to climb a coconut tree.

Brycen had a little more luck, and help

Kami thought Ronald was the greatest!

She called the beach a sandbox, too cute!

Playing in the pool

Zac chillin' with his Ipad

Brycen catchin' a wave

The boys went snorkling and Kmai and I watched through the glass.

Playgroup

2011-11-08T19:58:00.001-08:00

Every Friday Kami has a playgroup with her three little friends. This was the first time we had playgroup at our house. All the girls are so sweet and it is so adorable to see them play together.

Kami just loves babies, luckily her little friends do too.

Big Girl!

2011-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we set up kami's big girl bed. She was so excited. She loves all her new pillows and her new "sheeps" (sheets). We were very worried about her staying in bed, but she did great. We read books and tucked her in with her pink snooishy and said good night. Moments later he walked in the living room and said "Hi!" Almost like hey you know I can just walk out right? She kissed everyone again, including the dog and I put her back to bed and told her she needed to stay in her big girl bed. That was it, she went right to sleep.

Ready for bed, for some reason she really wanted her toes in the picture.

Kami "helping" me make her new bed.

Sweet sleeping princess.

Kami's big mess!

Kami decided that it would be lots of fun to take all her clothes out of her drawers and scatter them all over the floor. She she finished she was so proud of herself and came to get me to see her grand accomplishment. I had to leave the room to laugh, so this didn't become a daily occurrence. She is such a crack up.

The End of Summer

2011-08-22T19:37:00.001-07:00

First Day of School for the Boys

We took the kids camping to end summer vacation with a blast. Getting back the evening before school started was a little crazy, but so worth it!

Kami loved riding her bike everywhere.

Gotta have good oral hygiene even if you have to use a bumper as a mirror!

Life would not be complete with a baby doll and stroller.

Kami loved visiting with all the camping dogs. This was Coco a sweet Yorkie who let Kami hold her.

Kami holding a huge star fish at the beach.

Enjoying the ocean breeze!

Playing in the river.

Kami wearing Brycen's hiking boots with her pajamas.

Kami's tiny bike looked so cute on the back of the car.

In our backyard...

Kami was suppose to be filling up her little pool, but soon decided the hose was a great weapon. Every time anyone stepped outside Kami would blast us. She thought it was just hilarious, and so did we.

Finally, Brycen was able to disarm her, but not before she got him very wet! Summer is the BEST!

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

Notice the new deck Lance built--just in time for the party.

Kami 2nd Birthday was so much fun. The weather was a bit cold for a pool party, in fact we even had a few sprinkles of rain, but some brave kids still swam. Luckily they were able to warm up by the fire pit. The little ones loved playing in Kami's new sandbox. Kami held on to her Bitty Baby doll most of the day to ensure that the other little kids didn't take her.

I'm not sure why Kami thought she couldn't use her hands to eat her cupcake; but it made for some fun pictures.

Kami loved her balloons. The new dollhouse from Nana and Papa was a real hit too.

My friend Beth made the cake and cupcakes. Kami maybe the only two year old girl to have a lawnmower themed birthday. The silhouette is of Lance mowing with Kami in the baby backpack. It turned out just perfect and tasted great.

ps: Amanda, Kami got her present and card! That was so sweet of you the frame is just so perfect for our little miracle girl.

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Not real sure about the giant mouse!

Waitng for the Color of Wonder show to start. Maybe a little tried of posing for pictures?

Little Miss Sunshine

Two tutus

Kami loves baseball. She always wants play "batter"

So grown-up.

Sweet little princess.

Christmas Joy

2010-12-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Kami loves to "play the piano"

It is so fun to get pictures of our friends and family

All Brycen wants for Christmas is his two front teeth (and a truck load of legos) The tooth fairy and Santa both came to our house on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve crab feast--Lance had tuna

Playing at the park on Christmas Eve

Ready for Sugar Plum to dance in their heads

Christmas morning

Kami's first American Girl doll--she loves her to pieces

A very happy Lego boy

We finally bought something Scott loves, and yes we do now have a swing in our living room--come on by it supports up to 400 pounds!

Zac's favorite Christmas present. An eight dollar dinosaur from Brycen.

Kami and her Dollies like Scottie's swing too.

I think this was the best Christmas ever. On Christmas day we went to my parents and had Chinese take out food for dinner. No stress, yummy food, and easy clean up. I think it should become our new Christmas tradition.

Picture Day

2010-09-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Our Happy, Beautiful girl! Her eyes are amazing.

Studious

Our Sun lover.

Mr Freckles

Summer

2010-08-17T14:21:00.001-07:00

Sending the boys off to school

Saying goodbye to Brycen at his school. The others boys are too big to let me take pictures at school.

Kami loved the beach and especially the sand.

At the Aquaruim--she loved watching all the fishies. This was the day she wanted to play with the aligators.

Camping

Making friends.

Utah Vacation

Gramdma's house on the 4th of July

Skits

2010-07-21T21:31:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2010-06-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

The princess has skill! Watch out World Cup.

Kami saw her tutu in her closet yesterday and just had to put it on. Isn't she the cutest thing in the world.

Disneyland 2010

2010-06-04T22:29:00.001-07:00

And the San Diego Zoo too.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Disneyland

2010-06-02T21:55:00.001-07:00

These Pictures are from Lance's phone. I will post more when my camera makes it home again.

Watching cartoons in the hotel lobby.

Brycen at the San Diego Zoo

High steppin' big walker

Who knew Disneyland had a petting zoo?

Driving the cars.

Riding the monorail

Hangin' with Goofy

Nana and Pappa came too.

Passing time while waiting in line.

It's Fun To Be One!

2010-05-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

She is walking!

Presents time!

Just dive right in.

One happy baby girl.

She had her cake and ate it too.

Checking out the cool balloons.

Kami just loves her baby cousin Jacob.

Birthday Present

2010-04-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

One day I will learn not to turn my camera when I take videos.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

Kami went on her first bike ride on Saturday. She like everything but the helmet.

Kami and Daddy taking a quick nap before our Superbowl party.

This is the little one that has won our hearts and has become the newest member of the family. We have found homes for five of the other pups--just three more to go. They will be ready to join their new families in 5 more weeeks.

The puppies try to nurse on Brycen's nose.

Puppies everywhere!

Brycen learned this cute song at school--unfortunatly I had the camera turned the wrong way--sorry.

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a615fbd32a5d33f0b9830f&skin_id=601

GO KU and Kami too

2010-01-13T20:38:00.001-08:00

Here is Kami in her cute little KU outfit. Sent with love by Kami's birth family. She wanted to eat the camera much more than she wanted to pose for pictures today!

Lance tried to build a Kami proof temporary wall, while we tried to decided how we were going to gate off a safe place for Kami. She figured out how to get over the cardboard wall right away! The first time she climbed over she literally turned round, looked at me, laughed and then went over the wall. It was hilarious. We have now found a way to block off the boys legos so all is well and the tacky cardboard wall is gone!

Check out those legs!

Checking to see who is watching her make her move.

Christmas Number Two--UTAH

2009-12-28T22:42:00.001-08:00

Lance cousin's daughter, Cheyenne got a doll for Christmas that look a lot like Kami.

Auntie Amanda made these gorgeous, matching, Christmas skirts for the girls. (Carolina was not happy about the skirt and didn't want her picture taken.) Lydia and Kami sure did look cute.

Amanda gave Kami a fancy Christmas morning hair do.

Kami and Cash were so cute together. They sucked on each others toes!

She really is an Angel!

Amanda did a great job with the Children's Nativity story.

Zac was the king, Thomas was the Shepard, Brycen was Joseph, William and Lydia were Wise Men, Carolina was Mary, Cash was Jesus, Scott was the star, but he fell asleep before the show, and Kami was the Angel.

More cute clothes on our beautiful girl.

Brycen and Lance had a great day skiing--Brycen is hooked for life!

Fun in the Snow!

Could she be any Cuter?

Perfect postcard.

Zac waiting to go tubing behind the snow mobile.

William and Brycen could not get enough of of snow or each other.

Brycen being pulled by the Lance on the snow mobile.

Ready for fun.

Cousins and Lollipops--could it get better than this?

Kami and Cash--sweet babies

Who is that cute girl in the mirror?

Merry Christmas Number One

2009-12-17T22:58:00.001-08:00

Luckily I have Santa's phone number. I called him a while back and asked him if he could come to our house early. He graciously agreed to come last Friday--that's right we celebrated Christmas on December 12Th. We will be with Lance's family on Christmas and then we will come home to have Christmas with my family on the 27Th--wow!

Zac and his submarine stocking stuffer.

Brycen's stocking loot

Scott dancing.

It didn't take Kami long to figure out how to open her presents.

Another year and another awful Christmas PJ picture--we'll try again in Utah.

Kami and Mrs. Clause

Every Christmas the local fire department pulls Santa through town escorted by what seems to be the entire police force all with sirens blaring collecting food for the food shelter and giving out candy canes.

That one way to get the laundry folded!

Kami's first taste of pizza! She loves real food and hates baby food.

Kami at Zac's dance recital.

Can any one tell me how this, plus Lance's skis, is all going to fit in the our van?

Zac school had a dance recital instead of their typical Christmas program.

Zac did great!

Let it SNOW?

2009-12-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Snow in California--will miracles never cease! It was so much fun to wake up to fresh powder on the lawn and rooftops on Monday. The boys got to throw a few snowballs. Kami wasn't all that interested in her snowball.

Watch Out Here She Comes!

2009-12-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Kami just loves to be on the move. She loves pulling ornaments off the Christmas tree and finding anything that is left within her reach. She can even crawl up and over the one step we have in our house. It is so much fun just to watch her discover the world. Today I had Kami in my arms as we walked to get Brycen from his class. She noticed the noise the dried leaves made as I stepped on them. She just kept watching the leaves fascinated by what she saw and heard. I bend down and got her a leaf. She had lots of fun crunching it in her hand. Of course she tried to eat it too. She is so smart and i just love showing her new things.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving morning Lance took the kids to the zoo so I could get cookin'.

We Went up to cut down our Christmas tree two days before Thanksgiving. I just love Christmas and I wanted to get our tree up as soon as possible. The kids love going to get the tree. We always stop at the apple farm for carmel apples, apple donuts, and apple cider.

Kami, Zac and Mommy hunting for the perfect tree.

Kami thought the ponies were pretty cool. Next year she will be old enough to ride.

Brycen thought he should be able to ride home on top of the tree. Kami thought she should be the driver.

Brycen and Kami watching cartoons in our bed after the other boys are off at school.

Our big girl is sitting now.

This Week

2009-07-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Our pool is finally warm enough that Kami likes dipping her toes in it.
It has been over 100 degrees all week, so the pool feels real nice.

Kami is a big time cooing baby now. She didn't perform

all that great for the camera; I think because she could really see

me as well. Still she is super cute wiggling and smiling and if you listen

close enough you can hear her coo a little.

Brycen has the coolest loft bed. We took Zac's bed out from under it to give each of the boys more of a feeling of having their own spaces in their room. It also gives them more room overall. Brycen has had a bit of a hard time adjusting to sharing a room with Zac. We often find him sleeping in odd places. Here are some place he slept this week. He also tried to sleep in the bottom of the linen closet, but we didn't get a picture of that.

He slept until after 9am like this.

Also not pictured: Kami experienced her first Nordstorm sale on Friday.

It is so fun to have a shopping buddy! Lance took the morning off so Kami

and I could go shopping. Funny thing is we only bought stuff for the boys

and Nordstorm. I did buy a dress, at another store,

for Kami to where to my sister's wedding.

Righteous Pirates

2009-06-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

I just over heard Zac and Brycen playing pirates. Zac was talking about a big storm coming. Brycen replied, "Zac, Zac the storm isn't going to be that big I prayed and God said he would only sent a small one." Even fearless pirates need God!

Our Little Beauty Queen

2009-06-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

A Little of Everything

2009-03-29T19:24:00.001-07:00

It has been quite sometime since I have posted any pictures of the kids so...get ready, get set, go!

This year lance and the boys went all out with their pinewood derby cars. Brycen's car was a blue whale and Zac's was a tank with a movable gun. Both cars did well, but were not final winners. But boy did they look good!

Playing with Pappa in his train room

My friend is taking a photography class and needed some practice with family photos, so my parents let her have a photo shoot at their home. We didn't take pictures (we're waiting for baby Kambridge!), but we did help with crowd control. Thank Heavens for TV!

On Saturday, Brycen and Lance became part of History by riding their bikes across the new bridge on opening day. For those of who who do not know, we have lots of bridges in our town, a foot bridge, "the old bridge", "the new bridge", we also have a dam road, but it was closed by homeland security in 2003. The bridge that just opened is meant to replace the dam road. I kept telling the boys how many days until the new bridge was going to open, finally last Sunday as we were driving over "the new bridge" to get home from church Brycen asked why we were able to drive over the new bridge when it wasn't opened yet. Oops! I explained that they are building a "new new bridge" and that that was the one that would be opening soon. I think we will have to come up with some new names for all our bridges, because it really is confusing.

Today it was very windy so we went kite flying. Sadly it was almost too windy for our kites, but it was still fun.

Scottie discovered staying low and napping was a good way to avoid the wind.

Scott and Daddy trying to get the kite up.

Lastly, I love Brycen's school! This past week his class room stuffed animal Rex came to live with us. We took Rex to see Pappa's trains, he joined us for family night along with our friends the Smiths (yes, The Jones and the Smiths and the Smith mom is also named Kim!) He even went kite flying with us.

This is Brycen's entry in Rex's journal.

Last week every class at Brycen's school was transformed into different Biomes. Brycen's class did the Artic. Byrcen told everyone that came to visit the class about Arctic Winters. My friends were surprised at how much of a ham our well mannered boy can be. He decided it would be best to have his blue whale puppet do all the speaking for him. The teachers cranked up the AC and the place really felt like the Arctic too. He was disappointed to find out he did not get his picture in the paper like two of his classmates the next day though. I am so impressed at the vastness of knowledge he is gaining in kindergarten. They learn so much that is not part of standard curriculum. One day Brycen came home and told me that his teacher was a little sad on that particular day because it was her mom's birthday and even though her mom has been dead for a long time, she still thinks about her a lot on her birthday and misses her very much. I am so grateful for teachers who truly share their lives with Brycen and open up such a large world for him to enjoy and learn.

Brycen's Beluga whale. His Yak was very cute too, but it did not photograph as well.

Very last note: Zac lost another 2 teeth this week. I think that makes 10 now!

Ensign Article

2009-02-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

In the February issue of the Ensign magazine there is a wonderful article about the experience of a birth mother and a birth father. I cried as these two unselfish individuals explained the depth of their love for their unborn children and shared how difficult it was to let their precious babies be adopted. They also explained how the experience blessed the lives in many ways. In the story about the birth father he describes a very open adoption plan. He has even been able to have his wife meet is birth daughter and her parents. I think it is wonderful that adoptions are becoming more open. I think it gives more comfort to the birth families to know that their baby is happy, loved, and cared for. I also think an adoptive child that grows up experiencing the love of his/her birth parents will be fortunate to never have to wonder if his/her birth families loved him/her.

I just can't wait until we get to meet a wonderful birth family and work out an adoption plan that meets every one's needs.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=45169d9ff732f110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Chess Anyone

2009-02-23T09:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, it rained all day so Lance kept the kids busy by teaching them to play chess. I was surprised at how much they enjoyed it and how much the understood. Lance let them win and they were very proud of themselves. Later in the day they started playing "chess" using themselves and the kitchen tiles. Lance joined in and asked Brycen what piece he should be to which Brycen responded "the puddle guy." Lance and I just looked at each other and then I figured it out. Brycen thought the Pawn was a Pond and then he forgot the name, but remember it had something to do with water and came up with puddle. It was too funny!

Last week I taught the kids about Michelangelo. We learned about how it took four years to paint the Sistine Chapel. Then I taped paper to the underside of our table and the kids practiced "painting on the ceiling." They thought it was very cool. When Lance got home, the boys had him search for the new artwork, which was still under the table. Finally, after a lot of clues he found the artwork.

Scott's personal workout program!

Scottie loves to do sit-ups! He can do at least 50 of these rolling sit-ups and the whole time he is doing them he laughs. It is just a riot to watch him go. He has always had Abs of Steel.

Fun Day with Daddy

2009-02-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Recently I took Zac & Brycen to an Aviation Museum.

There were small Airplanes

And Large Airplanes.

There were Old Airplanes

And New Airplanes

There were Helicopters

And Aircraft with Folding Wings

Breaker Breaker, Anyone got their ears on?

Not Me :(

There were lots of Airplanes

And a simulator too.

Daddy sure knows how to have fun.

This Mystery is History!

2009-02-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

On Valentines day Lance and I hosted a Murder Mystery Party for twelve couples. We laughed so hard all night long Everyone did a great job with their costumes and the personalities and acting skills were just priceless.

On Valentine's day Lance and I had a How to Host a Murder Mystery party. We had a total of twelve couples and it was a blast. The costumes were hilarious and the acting was outrageous!

I was an Art Dealer and Lance was a Big Game Hunter.

She was a Ventriloquist and he was her Dummy, Mr mike.

The Senator and the Reverend were having an affair. They both played there parts very well.

Our sleazy lawyer was hilarious he must have given out a 100 business cards. I wish you could see the white shoes he had on.

Once our victim met her demise, her real life husband could not resit giving her mouth to mouth.

I think this might have to become a Valentines Day tradition.

Way Out of My Comfort Zone!

2009-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

On Thursday morning the secretary from Brcyen's school called and asked if I would be able to come in and teach the 5Th graders for the day, because their teacher was feeling sick. I was grateful that I was watching little Alex that day and therefore was unable to sub. See I am not a teacher! I love kids, but teaching other peoples children is just not my thing. My degree is in business. I purposely avoided the education building at BYU. However, when I explained that I couldn't come in that day I made the mistake of sounding as if I would have loved to help out. Thursday evening the secretary called to see if I would sub for Friday. I have never acquired the skill to just say no, so off I went Friday morning to face 14 private school 5Th graders. As Brycen and I drove to school I told him I was very nervous because I had never been a teacher. Brycen thoughtfully and honestly replied, "But, Mommy you've been teaching me for a long time. You taught me to talk and to walk." His sweet words comforted me slightly although I really doubted that any of these kids would need help walking or talking.

The day went okay. I don't think that I will be getting the teacher of the year award, but at the end of the day everyone was present and accounted for, I wasn't tied to a chair, and we accomplished everything on the teacher's lesson plan. I think the kids liked me. The hardest thing was that the owner/director of the school came by twice to observe me. I really wasn't nervous once the day got started, except of course when Ms Merrill was standing in the doorway. I feel proud of myself for making it through the day and.

Yesterday I attended a class on pruning roses. Along with not being a teacher; I am not a gardener. I love flowers and admire other peoples yards and gardens, but I am clueless when it comes to tilling the earth! Still I came home and got straight to work. I think my roses bushes look like I pruned them right, now I will just have to see how they do this Spring.

I think the kids may have more of a green thumb than I do. I took this picture of Zac, Brycen, and Alex playing in the garden dirt the other day. They had a great time and came out very dirty.

Random Cuteness

2009-01-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

Cute thing number 1: Playing in the yard in January:

As I watch the news and see people having to deal with snow, I am so grateful to live in Northern California. I know sometimes Lance misses the snow, but all he has to do is drive for about an hour and he can enjoy as much snow as he wants--perfect! Yesterday the boys came home from school and spent hours playing in the yard. Zac even ate his snack on the trampoline.

And when he spilt his cereal, Shay was very happy to help clean up the mess.

Cute thing number 2:

My mom bought these little baby Crocs while on vacation a couple weeks ago. I guess she is as baby hungry as we are.

Cute thing number 3: Boys and their toys:

I went to cover Brycen up last night and found him sleeping like this:

As I went to put him back in his bed completely I found all these toys in the bed, no wonder he has to sleep standing up.

Cute thing number 4: Kid Artwork

After being inspired by a close friend, I have decided to teach the boys about a different artist each week. Yesterday we learned about Winslow Homer. The boys had a hard time remembering his name and kept calling him Martin Luther King Jr. At least they remember Luther's name!

Winslow Homer's "Catboat"

Scott's version of Catboat

Brycen's version

Zac's version (I think he is my abstract artist)

A Little Get Away

2009-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

Last week Lance and I went up to Lake Tahoe for two nights with our friends who have a timeshare. The resort was wonderful we got to play indoor tennis, soak in the jacuzzi, and enjoy the steam bath. In the evenings we just hung-out playing games and talking. The boys stayed home with our friends and had a great time too. It was very nice to have some quiet time to just be together.

These pictures were taken from our balcony.

Our friends Tricia and Dave

Saturday

2009-01-06T09:52:00.001-08:00

On Saturday morning we braved the cold and went to the park to launch our model rocket. Our dog Shay didn't quite know what to thing, but the rest of us had a great time.

After the park, I went to check out the after-Christmas sales. I can never resist just looking at the baby clothes. Okay, so most of the time I can't resist buying them either. I picked up this adorable dress and little sweater just to add to my ever growing collection.

Happy New Years!

2009-01-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

We celebrated New Years with our annual fondue and pizza New Years Dinner. Some friends joined us and we all ate way too much cheese and chocolate, but then we all played wii fit, so I'm sure we're fine! We rung in the New Year at Eastern Time and then after everyone went home and the kids went to bed, Lance and I watched the Twilight Zone Marathon until 2009 arrived here on the West Coast.
Once the chocolate cooled down Brycen and Zac found that just dipping their fingers saved time.

Here we are celebrating the New Year three hours early.

Scottie was not a big fan of the top hat

Just checking to make sure it is completely off!

It is a tradition in our town to place luminaries out in front of all the houses on Christmas Eve. But, since it was raining on Christmas Eve, we all did it on New Year's Eve instead. It is a little hard to see clearly in the picture, but it really is beautiful to look out and see the entire neighborhood lined in lights.

Lance and Brycen concluded our celebration by placing the last state quarter in our map.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here in California real snowmen are hard to find. The other day Brycen suggested that we make a "rainman." Zac and Brycen thought it was pretty silly to add a carrot nose and paper eyes and a smile to a bucket of water.

Still, even without having true Christmas weather our town knows how to have a great Christmas. We have an adorable little skating rink in old town. My sister Ali and her boyfriend and I all took Brycen skating while Grandma watched and took pictures (the other boys were still in school, just one of the perks of half day kindergarten!) Brycen was kind of like a wet noodle in skates, but it was a lot of fun.

A couple weeks before Christmas, Santa rides through town in his sleigh pulled by his reindeer and a firetruck. They are escorted by the other firetrucks, and police cars and motorcycles--all decked on with Christmas lights and sirens blazing. They stop to hand out candy and collect can foods for the needy. Brycen was the only one who wanted to take a picture with Santa.

On Christmas Eve we invited my parents, one of our neighbors and the pair of missionaries from our church over for dinner. The missionaries are young men who leave their families for two years to serve their missions. Without them knowing, I contacted their moms and got their favorite Christmas recipes. They were very excited to have a bit of home away from home.

We ate and ate and ate and then we sung Christmas songs around the piano.

We had a very Lego Christmas this year. Lance and I stayed up until 2am putting together a Lego train and helicopter. The last two days have been spent putting together other Lego sets with the boys. Even my niece got Legos this year. Her brother has lots of Legos and little Hannah was just thrilled that there are finally Legos for girls.

Zac snug out of his bed on Christmas Eve to check out the toys under the tree. After that Lance slept on the couch by the tree to protect the presents.

Brycen was thrilled to see his lego train on Christmas morning.

Zac got a robot dinosaur in addition to legos.

Scott and his bongo drums.

Even Shay got a present

Lance and my brother playing Lance's new wii football game.

Lance got his big present a few days early when I surprised him with a weekend in Las Vegas to go watch BYU play in the Pioneer Bowl. We watch and froze as BYU lost badly, but we still had a great time.

Happy Belated Lump Day!

2008-12-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in the car Brycen kept saying "Happy Lump Day, Mommy!" I asked him what Lump Day was. A look of amazement came over his face and he said, "You mean you are as old as you are and you don't know what Lump day is?" (Looking back I should have been astute enough to figure it out, but I wasn't) SO he explained "Okay you know what you get when you add three plus three, then you add one more and you get seven. Well there are three days before Wednesday and three days after Wednesday so Wednesday is LUMP DAY." SO happy-belated Lump day to all!

Wild Pup

2008-12-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Zac was sitting on the couch playing Lance's guitar when our puppy, Shay, discovered the reflection the guitar was crreating on the wall. Some dogs chase cats our chases lights!

Click to see the video of Shay the Wonder Pup vs The light spot

Shay vs The light Spot

You Light Up My Life!

2008-12-07T19:04:00.001-08:00

We spent the weekend getting our Christmas lights up. I think Lance did a great job. Brycen and Zac and even our dog Shay had fun helping out. My contribution was hanging these pretty balls in our pine tree.For a more psychedelic Christmas, just have Brycen take the picture for You!

Oh how I love Christmas!

It Wasn't That Big in the Forest!

2008-11-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

So we knew we had picked a very tall tree and that we would have to trim it to get it to fit with our 11ft ceiling, but in the forest it didn't look 8ft wide! Brycen says it is the first perfect tree there has ever been, it is growing on me, of course it has also grown on , or taken over, the entire family room.

Brycen wants this to be our Christmas tree in about 10 years.

Zac made some new friends while we searched for our tree.

I am so happy to have our home all decked out for Christmas. I just love this time of year. It makes me even feel extra hopeful about adoption. What a gift it would be to find out we have been matched with a birth family.

We also had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We found this bunch of monkeys up in the tree--we think they are all cousins!

Uncle Jason looks like swinging Scottie is hard work, but Scott thought it was great fun. After dinner we started a movie and the kids all jumped up on Auntie Ali. She pretended to complain, as we all streached out on the couch, but we know she loves it. And all the kids are just crazy about their Auntie Ali.

Monterey Bay

2008-11-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

We took Bycen and Zac to Monterey Bay for the weekend. Scottie stayed home with my parents because he would not have been able to go on the whale watching boat and he doesn't like being in the car for long periods of time, plus he loves being spoiled by Nana and Pappa. We went to the aquaruim, played at a wonderful park, swam at the hotels indoor pool, went whale watching, and splashed in the waves at the beach. I absolutely love the ocean and I am thrilled to be able to share it with my children. The boys just loved being on the boat, feeling the wind on their faces and the ocean spray. The whales were really cool too, I kept telling them they were seeing things that most people never get to see--including two huge blue whales. It was so much fun--I think we might have to add Monterey to our list of annual trips. All and all I think this was one of our best trips, we crammed a lot into two days, but it was still relaxing and we always love exposing the kids to the incredible and beautiful aspects of the world.

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a blast! I was able to be with each of the boys for their school halloween parties. On Halloween night we had three other families over for pizza before we headed out trick-or-treating. The kids all got tons of candy. A lot of people in our neighborhood give out full size candy bars--the kids were all thrilled.

Lance won first place at work for his Indiana Jones costume

My little California Surfer boys.

All Aboard the Brycen train.

Happy 10th Birthday ZAC

2008-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the past 10 years with Zac. The time has just flown by--I can't believe he is already 10 years old. He is growing up to be such a charming young man with the biggest heart in the world.

Zac and I looked his baby book and quickly relieved how much he has changed over the years...

Then I noticed how much we have all changed...Zac and Daddy visit Alcatraz Mommy and Daddy kissesNanaGrandma Carolyn

Grandpa LowellPappaAuntie Ali

Uncle JasonAuntie LindsayAuntie AmandaCousin JonasSecond cousins from UtahMommy, Zac and Beka crossing the Golden Gate BridgeMy old roommates.

Some people who love Zac are now in Heaven...

Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma JonesGreat-Nana

Mammaw

The most amazing thing though is how much Zac has changed each of our hearts. He has taught us so much about love and never giving up. I love you my sweet birthday boy!

Grandparents Are Great

2008-10-06T16:26:00.001-07:00

Lance's parents drove out from Utah in their motor home to pay the boys a birthday visit.
We were so busy having fun that we forgot to take lots of pictures while they were visiting. Last night we drove up to their motor home to take these pictures. Brycen was fascinated by the motor home. He now wants one of course. Zac is so sweet he always tries to take care of Grandpa; he likes to always hold his hand, and at dinner he kept checking to make sure Grandpa had enough food.
Scottie liked the bed in the motor home. He also loves when Grandma comes and holds him.
This is the only action shot I got during their visit. Lance and Brycen are having a big wheel race, while both grandpas enjoy the view before Sunday dinner.

It was a great visit and we already miss them. Grandma Carolyn and I even got to spend a day shopping. She is so sweet she always wants to buy me new clothes when she comes. I now I have some really cute things for the Fall and Winter. The boys also got great birthday presents.

Thanks for visiting Grandma Carolyn and Grandpa Lowell; we love you and we miss you. We will come to visit just as soon as we can!

Happy 8th Birthday Scottie

2008-09-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe Scott is 8 years old. I love sweet Scottie with all my heart. Looking back at pictures today I realized how far he has come and how much he has accomplished, and I am so thankful. He is a beautiful child inside and out and brings so much joy to anyone who allows themselves to get close enough to him to experience his special love. A hug from Scott is like touching a piece of Heaven. Caring for Scott nourishes my soul and lifts my spirit. The honor of being his mom is one of my lives greatest blessings.

Happy Birthday Sweet, Sweet Boy!

Slug bug, very dirty BLUE

2008-09-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Our "new date car"--or at least it will be in a few years. It is a '56 VW bug. Lance's dad has owned it since at least 1963, according to the paperwork in the tiny glove box. Lance just towed it home from Utah today. Lance's dad had always thought he would one day restore it himself, but his health issues has made that impossible. Now Lance can restore it and his dad can watch the progress through pictures and visits and give advice over the phone. It will be almost as good as them restoring it together.

I am really grateful that Lance's dad let him have the car I think it it is awesome to own a piece of family history, plus I have always felt bad that Lance had to sell his little Porsche back when Zac was first born. Once the engine caught fire at my grandma's she didn't want him storing it at her house anymore. We lived on a block with street cleaning at the time and pushing it back and forth across the street twice a week was not really an option.

Brycen wanted to get right to work with the restoration project, before the car even made it off the trailer. All we could say was "gently"!

Tonight the task was just to get it off the trailer and into the garage. Lance called our good friend Aaron who helps on all of our manual labor projects and Ryan, an awesome young man from our ward. Luckily Ryan brought re-enforcements so we had a total of 5 guys. Our driveway never seemed very steep until I watched the guys try to push a bug with two flat tires up it! I'm just very glad it didn't roll back over any of them. They finally hooked the jeep to the front and drove the jeep all the way into the garage. Lance managed to wiggle the jeep back out with just a two point turn. From there it was just a matter of getting the bug lined up and pushing it in. One of the guys was even manually adjusting the tires to get it lined up right. I guess tomorrow I will baking lots of thank you cookies.

My Ford Windstar is now feeling very out of place with it's two VW garage mates. I guess I'll just have to go out and buy myself one of the new VW minivans! :)

Statement of disclosure: No friends were hurt in the making of these pictures!

A word to the wise: Do not bend down in front of a car that is being pushed down a ramp!

"Okay, we got it down, NOW what do we do with it?"

Keep pushin' ! You guys are doing great.

Safely in the garage at last, but perhaps we should have washed it while it was still outside.

Scott's Birthday Party

2008-09-20T19:58:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Scott's 8Th birthday today, his real birthday is next Sunday. But since our summer weather is quickly fading away we decided to have his party while the pool is still usable. What a party it was! The 8Th birthday is a big one for children in our church because that is the age when you can first get baptized. Scott does not need to get baptized because he will be innocent and pure. We decided to make Scott's 8Th Birthday special by sharing it when some of the individuals who have gone out of their way to make Scottie feel loved. Scott doesn't like having a lot of people or noise around so the guest list was well thought out. I really tried to invite kids Scott's own age who have taken a special interest in Scott like Izzie who before Scott could hold his own sippy cup, sat next to him for years in primary so she could hold his cup for him and of course the two girls who are his friends at school, Stephanie and Taylor. There are also the three little boys from church who go out of their way to be kind to Scott, some of his friends with special needs also joined us today.

Scott has always been my spiritual beacon. I learn so much from just basking in his sweet spirit. That sweet spirit filled our home today. I am just so honored to have Scott as my son. I think this is the first party we have ever had that everyone who was invited came. They all came because in one way or another their lives have been touched by our little angel boy! I watched today as strangers became fast friends because of Scottie. Two of my closest friends Tricia and Karen met for the first time today. Tricia is an incredible mom who with her wonderful husband is raising four tender-hearted, remarkable, and bright children. Karen is the mom of Ian who has lots and lots of disabilities and the most amazing smile, she is also Gavin's mom. Gavin's adoption into Karen and Pat's family will be finalized in November; Ian was also adopted. I watched as Tricia held Ian and song primary songs to him in English and Spanish too. I watched Karen, who is not a member of our church, enjoy so profoundly having Tricia sing "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (Zac picked the song). Ian just lit up with his beautiful smile as she sung. Words can't even describe with tenderness of the moment, but perhaps this picture might help.
Because Scott doesn't really play with toys we asked that people not bring gifts, but if they wanted to they could donate money so we could buy Scottie a light box, which helps visually impaired people see objects. Scott just loves the one the visual therapist brings to his class once a month. One of the families at the party gave Scottie $250! I was just astonished by this incredible act of love and giving. I think now we can buy a light box for Scott to have at home and one for him and his classmates to use at school.

Another friend stayed after the party was finished to swim with Brycen a Zac while Lance cleaned up and I took a nap; she knew that I only got about 2 hours of sleep last night--I'll explain in a later post. She also made a coupon as a gift for Scott that said she would be his companion the next time our family goes to do something that Scott doesn't want to do.

I just feel so truly blessed to have these incredible people in my life. Again, Heavenly Father knows exactly what he is doing he has filled our life with just the right people to keep us going strong.

Scott liked the water slide once the water was turned off.

The water slide was a splashing success.

Just like Junior High, there was a guys' table...

And a girls' table.

Scott gets by with a little help from his brothers. (The cake was shaped like a dinosaur).

Happy Birthday Mr. Sweet!! I love you.

Brycen's 9/11 Tribute

2008-09-16T23:02:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Okay so I usually don't like to do two post about the same child in a row, but I just have to share this video. Brycen's class learned about the tragedy of 9/11last week. This video is Brycen retelling the events of that horrible day to my mom. I am glad he understands some of what happened that day even though it happened two years before he was born. When he came home from school that day and told me the story he finished by telling me that just because bad things sometimes happen doesn't mean everyone is bad; and sometimes bad things happen to good people.By the way I think the many jealous interruptions by Zachary add to the cutest of the video. Also I think my ability to cover Zac's mouth while almost holding the camera steady is rather impressive!

Soccer Boy

2008-09-16T13:01:00.001-07:00

Brycen has started playing soccer. It is actually just a four week soccer clinic, but he is just thrilled. Now that he loves it so much, I am trying to find an real team he can join to play indoor soccer this Fall. He even wants to create a soccer field in our backyard. We do need to work on his soccer lango though; when he and I were playing soccer in the kitchen he explained that the person who stands in front of the goal is the BULLY. I love watching my children learn and love new things.

A Camping We Went

2008-09-02T14:28:00.001-07:00

We took advantage of the long Labor Day Weekend and went camping, up by Donner Lake. We all had a great time--even though we froze during the night. I love the fact that we were able to spend the whole weekend together just having fun. It was also nice to be able to put the boys to bed and stay up playing games and talking with our friends. We even got to take the bos canoeing. I can't wait to go camping again; I think next time we will head to the ocean.

Brycen loved getting dirty and having lots of root beer on hand.

Zac finding lots of cool bugs.

Lance cooking up a tasty breakfast.

It just wouldn't be camping without SMORES.

This monument is to remember members of the Donner Party. I think the name I am pointing to is one of my relatives.

Zac did a great job keeping our friend's baby happy. Just look at her stare at him.

Brycen spent a lot of time ride the scooter and his bike.

Zac just trying to stay warm.

Zac pretending to be a worn out pioneer. I think we need to sign him up for drama lessons!

We went on a hike and found lots of boulders to climb.

Scottie stayed home with Nana and Papa. He has a hard time being in cold places. I am very grateful that my parents are around to watch Scottie so we can do things like go camping. I know Scott loves being with them so I don't have to feel like we are leaving him out of the fun. Scott and my dad are very close; he really loves his Pappa.

Growing Up

2008-08-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had a little back to school party for Brycen. He was a little unsure about starting school, not really nervous, he just thought being able to stay home sounded like a better idea. So we had my parents and my sister come over for homemade pizza, root beer, and warn chocolate cookies with cold milk for dessert. It made Brycen feel special and kept his mind off starting school.

(Those are root beers they are drinking!)

Today, he loved his first day of school. He is goes to a very sweet little school. The class size is rather small so they really work with the children at their individual levels. They had a balloon at the school that had the school's name on it then under it it said, "Smart kids getting smarter" I read it to Brycen and he said, "You mean I'm going to get even smarter?" I guess he has a lot of self esteem. His two best friends from preschool are in his class, so he is very happy. It was cute to see them together again. This morning, the house seemed a little too quiet for my taste. I kept hoping that I'd get a call from our case worker saying a birth mom was ready to meet us. Our family is so ready to love a new child and welcome a birth mom into our lives. I even went out and bought a sweet little baby outfit today.

Brycen poses in his first day of school outfit. When I pick him up after school he was telling me that his friend wore a shirt he had never ever worn before; I told him that his shirt was new too and he said "I know we're both the same today!"

A Whale of a Time!

2008-08-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Growing up my mom sometimes let me skip school usually to go shopping or even just to spend the day in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. These times created some of my fondest childhood memories. I always felt sorry for kids who had a perfect attendance record--it seemed to me they were missing out on a lot of fun. Of course, school is important, but there are some things that you just can't learn in school. On my special days with my mom I learned how important I was to her and how much I was loved.

So now I'm the mom, and this past week one of those opportunities to learn more outside of school than in school arrived. (Brycen actually hasn't started school yet his school starts on Monday;I can't believe my baby is going to kindergarten.) On Wednesday, Lance took the day off work and we pulled Zac out school and went to Six Flags Marine World. We didn't bring Scott because he gets sick on rides and doesn't like to be in the sun for very long. Marine World was one of my favorite places to go when I was little. Going during the week was great--there were NO lines and No crowds.

We had absolute blast. Zac and Brycen are both thrill seekers, the faster and wilder the ride the better. The animals were great too. We sat in the "splash zone" during the killer whale show and we got drenched. Unfortunately, so did our camera so I was only able to take pictures of the first part of the day. My camera did start working the next day though. Brycen was pulled from the audience during the killer whale show to answer a question and received a free stuff killer whale.

Our family day together was much better than spending a day in fourth grade. I hope my children will always have fond memories of these special times.

We finally found real elephants!

Having a bite to eat while waiting for the Orca show to start.

A can of root beer and a whale--life is good!

Whale Watching

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

2008-08-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Lance and I at the reception in the Marina.

Zac loved the cotton candy.

Scott liked the gift shop bear.

Brycen thought the lion was pretty cool.

I love the fact that we live close enough to San Francisco to visit for the weekend. We went to San Francisco on Saturday for my cousin's wedding. The wedding was wonderful; I can't believe my little cousin Christian is all grown up and married now. We also took the kids to the San Francisco Zoo. I grew up just south of San Francisco and I just love to take the kids to all the places I use to go with my family. We wanted to spend some time on the beach in Half Moon Bay, but we ran out of time. I guess we'll just have to make another trip.

Cold Feet

2008-08-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

Brycen found the perfect way to cool off during our Pioneer Day celebration. I bet the real pioneers would have loved a bucket of ice water to cool off in!

Back to School

2008-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

And not because it means I get to lay around all day eating bon bons and watching soap operas. I actually have never watched soap operas and I'm not really sure exactly what counts as a bon-bon.

I love coming up with creative ways to get everyone as excited as I am about going back to school...

Like back-to-school cupcakes

And serving dinner in lunch boxes--Surprise!

I love buying new clothes...

And having the TV on less.

So I woke up bright and early this morning at 6:00am...

Made the kids a healthy breakfast,

we got beds made,

the dog walked,

and some cute pictures taken.

We were even ready when the buses arrived.

Both of the boys made it to the right schools on time!

So what am I going to do in two weeks when Brycen starts kindergarten and I have five mornings a week to myself?

I guess I'll just have to go shopping!

Actually, I worry a little about being lonely having the house to myself every morning for the first time in 10 years. Now would be the perfect time to have an new baby!

The Final Days of Summer

2008-08-10T15:39:00.001-07:00

The pool was well used this summer, not just by us, but by lots of kids from the ward who took swim lessons in our pool. This is Brycen's swim lesson group-- I think they will be ready for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Brycen loved the idea of learning how to be a "swim racer"!

Our end of the summer famliy night swim party and BBQ. A new annual tradition. I wish had taken time to take more pictures, but we were all just too busy having fun.

School starts tommarow, for Scott and Zac (Brycen gets two more weeks of summer), and from the looks of it our trees in the backyard seem to agree with the school district's early definition of Fall. Tune in tommarow for 1st day of school action shots.

Funny quote from today:
A saleman came to the door today, after he left, Zac came to tell me all about the stanger that Daddy talked to, this is how part of our conversation went:
Zac: Why was that man shivering?
Me: I don't know, I didn't see him. Was he an old stranger?
Zac: No, he was a brand new stanger!

Back in Time

2008-08-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

I love old fashion pictures. My friend took these for me last week. Now the only problem is finding a spot to hang them in our house. I already have lots of pictures up, but there is always room for more. Maybe next time we take pictures there will me a new baby too-I hope I hope I hope!

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

On Friday Lance and I had conflicting party plans. He was suppose to go to a surprise laser tag birthday party for one of his good friends and my friends and I were planning on going to the Breaking Dawn release party at Borders. I figured a friend's birthday was more important then getting my book so Lance went to the party. However, being the wonderful husband that he is, he braved the swarms of women at Borders just after midnight and stood in line to get a copy of the book for me. (Thanks Honey, you're the greatest! ) Of course, now that I am again addicted to reading he maybe regretting his act of kindness, but he hasn't said anything. I am really enjoying cruising through Breaking Dawn; I'm about a third of the way through it now. Maybe I should slow down a little so I won't be so sad when I finish--I had to finish a fun book!

We also just realized theat brycen could be the next American Idol! Click on the picture below to check him out:

Baby Bumble Bee

Water Balloons

2008-07-27T20:51:00.001-07:00

Today we stayed cool with a high flying water balloon toss. Lance and Brycen stood on the landing of the play structure and threw water balloons down for Zac and I to catch. Zac and I took a turn as the launchers too, but we forgot about taking pictures; we were having to much fun throwing the balloons. (The strange looking cylinder shaped object is an extreme close-up of the play structure's telescope.)

Mamma Mia, I have a Happy Hubby!

2008-07-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Lance's 1996 Ford Explorer finally had to be retired this week; it had 170,000 miles on it. On Wednesday he bought his first ever brand new car (we bought my van new, but he doesn't claim it). It is a little Jetta and Lance is quite happy with it. Yesterday at work he park it in just the right spot to watch his car from his office window.

Last night I took the new car out for a night on the town with "the girls." We saw Mamma Mia and then we went out for dessert. It was such a fun movie, the only problem was trying to keep myself from bursting out and singing along with the cast. We have already decided that when it comes out on DVD we are going to have a Mamma Mia sing-a-long movie night--I can't wait!

Free Lemonade

2008-07-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last night Zac and Brycen set up a lemonade stand in the family room, not exactly a high traffic area, but our quiet little block probably would not have brought in many more customers. The kids decided that their lemonade was free to everyone in our family, so they didn't make it money, but they sure had a blast. It was cute to see them take themselves so seriously.

Bye-bye training wheels, Hello water pup

2008-07-16T20:38:00.001-07:00

Brycen learned to ride his bike without training wheels this morning. It took him only about fifteen minutes it get it down. We kept it a secret from Lance all day, as soon as he came home Brycen was ready to show off his new skill, so we left dinner on the table and headed out to the front yard. Lance was very excited and proud to see Brycen take off down the block.We gave him a gold medal tonight to celebrate his acomplishment.

Little Shay has discovered the pool. She is so cute she stand on the side and barks until she gets up the courage to jump in. After she was done she jumped up on the chair in the sun to dry off. She is such a great puppy.

V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N. in the Summertime!

2008-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a perfect twelve day vacation. We spent part of the time visiting Lance's family and six day camping in the mountains and BYU's family camp called Aspen Grove. We played hard but still came home well rested. I am just sad the Lance has to go back to work in the morning.

It has become a family tratition to go bowling at BYU when we visit Lance's family. The kids just love bowling, playing arcade games, and eating on campus. Lance and I love to watch the boys fall in love with BYU and we also like to check out all the changes that have occured on campus.

We also checked out one of the museums on campus. The kids loved all the animals. Zac even got to hold a real live snake.

Watching the fireworks with Grandma Carolyn and Grandpa Lowell

4th of July fun.

This is Aspen Grove. We camped here four years ago too. It has become one of our favorite places in the world. Brycen said he wanted to stay for 83 days and that it is better than Disneyland.

Here are some other fun pictures from our trip...

Our Newest Addition

2008-06-24T22:18:00.001-07:00

This is our new Golden Retriever puppy, Shay. We just brought her home tonight. She is the sweetest and cutest thing ever! The kids absolutely love her. She loves them too when the boys sit on the floor Shay runs over a jumps on the laps and kisses them. Welcome to the family little Shay!

"Brutal" Dog Attack

2008-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Okay so it wasn't really brutal since I had a bite sleeve on, but it was still very frightening! My brother, Jason, came and talked to Zac's Cub Scouts den about law enforcement. Of course he volunteered me to show the boys how his dog attacks bad guys and of course I said NO WAY! Jason would be the first person I would want to have around in a real emergency, say I was drowning or something, but letting his dog bite me is a different story. Finally another mom said she would do it, but her two year old really got worried and kept trying to get to her, so I finally gave in. I am so grateful Onyx stuck with the bite sleeve and didn't take a chunk out of my leg. This was not an activity I would like to do again. Zac thought it was great showing off his Uncle Jason to all his friends with his cool dog Onyx and his police car. And of course his super brave mom! Just another one of those things we do out of love that know one ever told us we would have to do!

Jason did a great job. The boys all thought it was awesome. I think we now have 11 Scouts that are considering future careers in law enforcement. He even let one boy call 911 dispatch to report a fictitious emergency. Eight year old Jacob did a great job! If you see a very large and tall man, with long hair, a beard, pointing ears and red hair going around banging on door with a 16 inch knife in his hand you too should call 911!

Polar Bear Swim 2008

2008-04-28T10:12:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday we officially opened our pool for the summer. The water was quite cold. Scottie and I stayed dry this year because we are both getting over yucky colds. I was glad to have an excuse though. I like the pool when it hits about 90 degrees.

Brycen looks ready for deep sea diving.

Yes, that water is COLD!

Daddy thinking about going in.

Zac decides his dad needs some encouragement

Zac and Lance squirting eachother.

Even Sebastain got a little wet.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T08:22:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

Brycen searches for eggs

Easter was a beautiful day for flying a kite.

Scotttie relaxing on the grass

Daddy and Zac head down to the pond.

Zac and Auntie Ali just chatting.

Lots of cousin love.

Scottie stops to pose.

Oregon or Bust

2008-03-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

We spent the past weekend visiting some friends from high school that now live in Oregon. Their entire family has relocated to Oregon so all 12 of the cousins ranging in age from 5 months to 11 years old play together all the time. Our boys loved being part of the group. Zac loved helping all the little ones while Brycen enjoyed being spoiled by the older kids, and Scott just like getting attention from everyone.

Brycen thought it was great to have Josh for a "big brother." The two of them spent the whole weekended together.

Zac cheers up little Mary by finding her a dolly.

Scottie found a cozy napping spot at the discovery museum.

Even grown-ups like to play with mega sized legos. Brycen and Benjamin enjoyed knocking our house down just like the big bad wolf.

Brycen and Benjamin discuss what the will built next.

Brycen's bill came to $555,555--talk about inflation!

Brycen and Ashton having a swinging time.

Zac has unique swinging style.

Take Us Out to the Ball Game!

2008-03-10T19:39:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we took Zachary, Brycen, and my dad to watch the BYU baseball team play UC Davis--BYU won. It was a beautiful sunny day; baseball and sunshine two wonderful things about Spring. I was a little uncomfortable with us all wearing our BYU shirts on the UC Davis campus, but I soon realized we were in good company. There were more BYU fans than UC Davis fans.

What a cutie, okay I know I'm biased, but he really is handsome.

Zac and Grandpa loved the fact that the batters could hear them cheering for them. I think the players liked it too.

Brycen borrowed Daddy's hat to keep the sun out of his eyes. He lots interested in the game, but enjoyed playing with his VW Bus that his daddy just brought home from a business trip in Las Vegas.

All the fun in the sun wore Brycen and Grandpa out--nighty night!

Will take that one!

2008-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday some friends came over who adopted a baby girl about 8 months ago. I explained to our boys that she was adopted and that her family had prayed very hard for her. After about twenty minutes Zac turned to my friend and said, "Kate yes we want to adopt your baby!"

These pictures were taking at my nephews 8th birthday. Our kids just love to get together with their cousins. it is very sweet to watch them build such wonderful and loving relationships with each other.

Brycen is ready for summer. Just a few more months before we can go jet skiing for real.

Hannah (our niece) and Brycen playing air hockey. Brycen has a computer version of air hockey. He was thrilled to discover real air hockey.

Zac is always the first one ready for cake.

Scottie loves bath time. He tries to submerge himself as much as possible in the water. He would stay all day if he could. He will be thrilled in a few more weeks when we can start to use our swimming pool again.

True Love at 3:00am

2008-02-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

The fun pictures on this blog I hope let you catch of glimpse of what our family is like. Right now however, I would like to share the love in our home with you from a very different angle. That is love that is displayed when our children get sick. The other night Zachary woke Lance up to announce that he had thrown up in his bed. Lance let me sleep and went to help Zac. Moments latter Zac woke me up and said "Dad needs your help, I threw up." Ignoring any instincts of self-preservation I tucked Zac into our bed, knowing full well this act could get us sick and went to help Lance. As I changed Zac's sheets and blankets, I looked over to watch Lance shampoo the brand new carpet and I had to smile. Here it was 3am and we were working side-by-side happily cleaning a rather disgusting mess and I realized that this is what love is all about. We got Zac tucked back into his own bed and just as we turned towards our own bedroom Brycen's walked out of his room and informed us that he too had thrown up. I helped him into clean pajamas and then carried him into our bed. I snuggled with him for a moment and then went to change yet another bed while Lance tackled another carpet. By the time his room was clean Brycen was fast asleep in our bed. I thought about just letting him staying, but then knowing that our night was probably going to be very busy, and that we would need as much sleep as possible and also knowing that Brycen likes to sleep sideways in bed, I opted to carry him back to his bed, while Lance snuggled with Zac who was having a hard time going back to sleep.

Of course I realize that all parents have to clean-up after sick children from time to time, still a couple things were made even more clear to me that night. First, to know that Lance loves me so much that he was willing it let me sleep while he handled the clean-up process--despite the fact that he was the one who would have to wake-up to go to work in just a few short hours. I also thought it was very sweet that Zac realized his dad could use some help. Lastly, I felt blessed that at moments like this Lance and I feel nothing but love and concern for our children and for each other. This was just a small and relatively insignificant reminder that we truly would gladly do anything in the world for our family.

By the way everyone is feeling much better know. So far Scottie, Lance and I have even managed to stay healthy. And yes, the carpets still look new. I hope that all this talk about the flu has not made you feel queasy!

Our New Hobby

2008-02-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

The webkinz craze has hit our home in a big way! Zac and Brycen got their first pets for Christmas, and now they each have four. Lance thinks it is funny that the kids play so much with their online pets while poor old Sebastian just lies around waiting for someone to throw his tennis ball or even bathe him.

By the way, for those of you who do not know about Webkinz they are little stuffed animals that come with a code for their website. The website is a whole new world. You can buy your pets everything from clothes to furniture to seed to garden with, even golf cart for them to ride around in. The boys pets have a working pool table, air hockey game, and battleship. The pets come with one room, but you can buy more. Brycen loves to buy rooms I think their house has 19 rooms now. To get money you have to play games, answer triva questions, or get a job.

Okay, now for the really funny part, my sister and I each bought ourselves one yesterday too. I now have a racoon name Shay Honor and Ali has a Love Frog named Lady.

Starting in the back row: Snowprincess (Brycen), Sushi (Zac), Blitzen (Zac)

Middle row: Snow (Brycen), Snow Angel (Brycen's 1st), Sparky (Zac), Shay Honor (mine)

Smoden (Zac's 1st), Front row: Ice (Brycen) Notice a theme in Brycen's names?

Zac and Ali's dog Lieca hang out on an old sheet on my bed while the rest of us take care of our virtual pets. And no I do not let animals on our bed, but Lieca thinks she is a person!

To Our Little One,

2008-01-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

We're not sure if your physical creation has even begun, and yet you have been part of us for such a very long time. Our family is full of joy and love still the empty spot is real, just waiting for you to make us whole. Our quest for you has been intense. There have been several heartbreaks along the path. More powerful than the heartache though is the hope we feel. We have faith that you will find your way into our arms. We can't wait for that incredible moment when we will first get to look into your beautiful eyes. We pray for you unceasingly. Every night your brothers pray that someone will give us a baby. Please come to us soon--we need you and love you forever.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Brycen and Daddy Hit the Slopes

2008-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

On Friday Lance to the day off work to take

Brycen skiing for the first time. Brycen did a

great job--he is now just two skills away from

being a level three skier. Lance took lots of

pictures through the first half of the day, but

sadly he lost his camera later that day.

Luckily the ski school took this picture.

Brycen and Lance both came home

exhausted, but ready to plan their

next ski day. It is so much fun

to watch our children discover

new things. We are grateful to

be in a postion where we can

expose them to different things

and then let them pursue their own

interests.

Storytime

2008-01-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

Daddy tells Zac and Brycen a story until Mommy
finishes getting ready for church. From their big
smiles I'm guessing it was a good story!

Trains, trains, and more trains!

2008-01-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

Brycen and Kim's Dad share a passion for model trains. Last weekend we went to a local train show, where vendors from all over come to show off the latest and greatest in the world of model trains. The boys just loved it, and so did Pappa. It is adorable to watch a grown man and a small child's share such exetiment.

Brycen watching his current favorite engines, the Santa Fe chug by.

Zac just casually waiting for a train.

Daddy helps Brycen get a closer look at his dream layout.

Happy New Years

2008-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

We rung in 2008 playing games and eating
way too much yummy food with some friends.

Some people didn't quite last long enough to make
it to the mid-night celebration.

Zac stayed up to ring in the New Year for the first
time in his life and then slept in latter than ever before.

Happy New Years!

Christmas at Nana's and Papas

2007-12-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

An Auntie Ali, Brycen, and cousin Hannah hug sandwich!

Nana is in the background trying to think of where

Zac's missing gift could be--don't worry she found it!

Zac and Nana unwrapping gifts together.

That is Zac's oh my face!

Somehow Scottie manages to take a nap even with

all the noise!

Even Daddy gets toys from Nana

By the end of the day Brycen would rather hide

under the bed than have Mommy take one more

picture. By the way the reason I'm not in any of

the pictues is because I was having too

much fun taking pictures, with my new camera,

(thanks Honey I love it!) to think about being in a picture.

Christmas Morning

2007-12-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

A funny thing always seems to happen on Chrtistmas mornings; every other day our boys wake up around 6:30 am, but on Christmas they sleep and sleep. Maybe that is their present to us. This year, by 8am they were all still sound asleep. My Christmas excitement got the best of me and I woke everyone up announcing Santa had been to our house. Brycen rolled over and told me I could open presents without him he just wanted to sleep. Luckily he quickly changed his mind and came running to join us. The boys were thrilled with all their gifts and haven't stopped playing since. I just love Christmas!

Disneyland

2007-12-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

We just got home form our annual trip to Disneyland a few days ago. Scottie stayed with Nana and Papa at home, because he doesn't like the rides or the crowds. We had an absolute blast. Brcyen was tall enough to go on most of the rides this year. We discovered that he is a real thrill seeker. His favorite ride was Big Thunder railroad--which is a high speed roller coaster that really whips around. Zac also like the roller coaster type, but this time his ride of choice was the jungle cruise ride. Every night we all went to bed exhausted and then woke up early the next moring to do it all over again. We even went swimming despite the fact that it was quite cold, at least for Southern California. We all can't wait to do it again next year!

Scott's swing

2007-12-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Scott loves to swing and the faster and higher the better. He has a contagious laugh that we just love to hear. This is Scottie's new swing that he got for his birthday. I think Scott would fly if he could just figure out how!

Zac Award

2007-12-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

Zac just got an award at his school for being so kind to everyone. His teacher said that Zac always asks her how she is doing and if she is in a good mood. She said that sometimes her answer is "well I'm in a better mood now, thanks Zac." She also said that he is always the first to notice when someone else is sad and the first to try to cheer the person up. Way to go Zac--you really do brighten everyone's world!

A day out with Brycen

2007-12-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

Brycen's preschool had a day off that the elementary school did not have. Brycen and I decided to make the most of our day together, so we went to the zoo. I really enjoy being able to do things with my children individually. I always learn so much for them during these moments. I hope they will always remember our fun Mommy and son days.