Easter 2012

A perfect day.  The pictures tell the story!

Spring Break 2012

For me spring break was going to be a preview of the upcoming summer.  Having my three girls home from school is great...and hard.  In order to keep them out of too much trouble I have to keep them super busy with activities or else everyone goes a little crazy.  A friend of mine put it in a way that I have been trying to explain for a long time.  I adore my girls no doubt about that, however with them being so close in age 6,5,5, it is kinda like a slumber party every night and a play date every day.  They feed off each other and most times chaos ensues.  I couldn't be happier that they have their access to their best friends every day but for my sanity school is a good thing.  Long story short, we did lots of activities to keep busy and we had a lot of fun!

Tuesday was a fun day at the park with some friends but we left early since Natalie was attacking everyone for fruit snacks.  I decided to take the girls to BK for lunch and more playing.  After lunch it was nap time for Natalie and after that we headed to the District for some free Ben and Jerry's Ice cream.  Yum!

Next day my sister and I took the kids to "Las Vegas."  I have never actually taken them on a walk down the good old Las Vegas strip.  It was really fun and they were so good even with all the walking we did.  We started out at the Bellagio Gardens and then headed out to see the water show.  We were 2 hours early so we decided to walk to the M&M factory.  We got some treats, a then it was time to head back so we wouldn't miss the 3pm water show.

The water show was so worth the wait.  It was so pretty, the wind was blowing a cool breeze, the music was playing and everyone was quiet to watch.  Becca whispered to me that "it was so beautiful."  These are the moments I live for with my kids.  Moments that give you the good feelings and I know they were feeling it too.

The next day we were off to Red Rock with friends.  I had anticipated it would be a little breezy but when we got up there it was freezing and so windy.  We decided it would be best to just come back on a day that was nicer so we headed home and just ended up playing at our friends house.  I got to visit and the kids played and played.  It was another really good day!

Saturday we went to Aunt Susan's house to color Easter eggs. 

And ended up helping her plant her flower pots too.  Needless to say she had more than enough helpers!

So Spring Break 2012 turned out pretty good. Natalie ended the week with a pretty bad ear infection and I finally understood why so cranky all week (notice paci in almost all her pictures) but that was the only real hiccup.  The girls were very well behaved everywhere we went and I really enjoyed getting more time with them. 

Girls Night

I like getting a chance to hang with my girlfriends.  I like hearing live music.  I like all things that are free.  I like Luke Bryan.  A fantastic night for sure!

ATA Spring Nationals 2012

Every year in March we get to go see Zachary compete in ATA's Spring Nationals held here in Las Vegas.  Zachary, although being at the younger side of his age group did very well. He took 2nd place in forms and weapons and 3 place in sparring.  As he gets older it is getting more and more exciting to watch him.  He sure is talented and does pretty darn well for being a small competitor. 

St. Patty's Day/Sam's Birthday Party

We celebrated my little sister Sam's 12th birthday on St. Patricks day. She is such a sweet Aunt and just wanted her nieces and nephews as her party guests so we went to my mom's for a fun little party.

Samantha with her beautiful blue eyes!

Anna 24 Sam 12. 

Mom and her baby!

The girls sure love their Auntie!

Dressed for St. Patty's Day



Cheese!

My mini me.

My sister Lezlie and her Family.

Another fun day!

Visitors

The first week in March Zach's older brother from Hawaii came into town with his wife and daughter. It was the first time my girls got to meet their Uncle, Auntie and cousin. Zach's Mom and Step-Dad also came in to visit at the same time. We had a very fun week of getting the family together to just play and we also celebrated Uncle Sonny and Zeza's birthday while they were here. I am really sad they live so far away, it was fun getting to know more about them.

 All the guys and Natalie

First picture with all 11 cousins.

Some of the ladies.

Auntie Rochelle, Illi, and Grandma Faye

Using matches for candles...again

So sad to say goodbye, hopefully we will be able to go visit them next time in Hawaii!!

70 Years Young

Uncle John, Aunt Susan, Mom Liza, Grandma Renee, Aunt Lezlie and Uncle Jim

My Grandma turned 70 on March 14th and so my mom and her siblings threw here a huge birthday bash to celebrate. They party had dancing and dinner but the best part was the talent show. All the families were asked to come up with a talent and perform but my mom sisters and I thought that it would be really fun to do a fashion show with styles dating from the year my Grandma was born until now. We collected photographs from the time she was a baby and scanned them in and then started hunting for similar dresses/clothes from each picture. Um...we didn't not really find anything that would work so of course my over achiever for a Mother decided she would make all the styles. It was a huge undertaking considering she still has a full time job. Being the only sister with any sewing capabilities it was up to me to help along with my Aunt Eve who also had a little experience. In just about three weeks my mom sewed 8 complete dresses, one cape, and did a few other modifications on some existing dresses. Whew...what a relief when it was over and the fashion show turned out great, except there are no pictures of it. There is a video and that is it. I am pretty sure my mom is going to get everyone dressed back up for some pictures but until then I just have some pictures of our fun night!

My Mom and Sister Anna

Maile pouted most of the night, too shy to dance and Natalie was deliriously tired and sick, poor baby.

My Grandma and her Sister

The only picture of us, Natalie using her arm as a tissue.

 My girls all dressed up.

Happy Birthday Grandma!  We all love you and are so thankful to have you in our lives!! 

Field Trip

Maile finally had field trip yesterday and I got to go with her class.  I had so much fun hanging out with those cute little kids.  I had six kids in my "green group" and I am pretty sure we had the fun group and I am pretty sure Maile was happy I was there!

Green Group

Happy Maile

Lining Up

I love getting to do stuff like this with my kids!

Red Rock

Last minute today we decided to take the kids up to Red Rock for the first time.  WHAT!!!  I was trying really hard to remember a time that we went up there but I came up with nothing.  Bonnie Springs, Yes.  Spring Mountain Ranch, Yes.  Red Rock, nada.  Pretty sad considering we live about 30 minutes from it.  Anyhow, now that we know how much fun it is for the whole family we will be getting a season pass for the rest of the year.  All the kids did so well even when we were climbing some pretty rocky terrain.  I know we will go back soon, what a great way to spend time together.

Proud Daddy and his kiddies.

The Girls

Zachary was helping all his sisters, such a good brother.

My little troop.

Love this baby!

Climbing under a very tiny waterfall.

Daddy's girl!

Twin Day

Today was twin day at school, lucky for us we got that covered except for Maile who was having a really hard time deciding what to wear.  She didn't want to be a third twin with Lexi and Becca and she was mad that she didn't plan with a classmate to wear the same thing.  Last minute I dressed Natalie up to look as close to Maile as possible and everything was better.  She got her twin even if she wouldn't be in class with her. 

Our real twins, man are we lucky to have gotten our BOGO with these two!

Our Pretend twins who will most likely end up to be best pals considering the bond they will have to contend with having twin sisters. 

As much as I wanted Natalie to be a boy, for Maile's sake I am so happy we were blessed with another girl.

Completely random and unrelated but these outfits sure make me long for my favorite day of the year, July 4th.  Can't wait!

Valentines Day is a great day to show each other how much we LOVE each other and it provides a good excuse to indulge on some serious treats.  The morning started with everyone opening their V-day presents, always fun but I am sure they will figure out my gift giving strategy soon and get sick of getting holiday themed shirts to wear, for now though they love it and are excited for anything Hello Kitty. 

 

We were running pretty late but I was able to get them rounded up for a quick picture before we had to go.

Next it was off to school, Valentine boxes in tow.  I had to make time to snap one more since they were so proud of their boxes!

The aftermath post School Valentines parties.  So much candy can't wait till it is all gone and forgotten!

Zach and I had a babysitter all lined up for a night out but I was so tired by the end of the night we deiced to just stay home and watch movies on our couch. 

 I love that he is OK with changing our plans last minute and I sure am glad that I have so many cuties  to call my Valentines!