Mountain Air

 

I love what a little nature and fresh air can do to improve one's outlook and behavior.  I love that spending time together as a family helps us remember what we like about one another (especailly if the car ride was less than stellar).  It is fun being able to do things that we were not always able to do when we had three toddlers at one time.  We had a great day up in Mount Charleston, breathing in the crisp cool air, admiring the pretty fall colors and expending lots of energy climbing, jumping and playing.  It was a very nice day, one I will not soon forget!

 

 

 

 

 

All Natalie wanted to do was walk across logs and then jump off of them.

Men always needing to show off how strong they are!



Mark Fine Elementary Trunk or Treat

The Halloween season is in full swing.  The girl's school had their annual trunk or treat this past Friday.  The girls had "the best time ever" and it was fun watching them play with all their school friends.  I wish their fairy costumes were finished but they were pretty happy that they got to pick out an additional costume for the T or T.  They sure looked cute all dressed up and Natalie was so funny just running around dancing the whole time.  This year was especially fun since Daddy wasn't working.  It is always nice when I have a partner to help tag team crazy events like this. 

Pumpkin Patch 2012

Last we week did our annual trip to the pumpkin patch with some of our good friends.  The kids look forward to this night all year long.  I look forward to this night all year long as well.  The entire month of October gets me pretty excited so I am happy to take part in all things that have to to with fall and Halloween.   

Unfortunately Zachary missed our family picture, his Mom dropped him off after we took most of the pictures, he did however get there in time for the group picture of all the kids. 

After so many years of going the kids know what us Moms want. Sit nice for pictures and be rewarded with your tickets for games and rides.

The twins decided to be brave this year and do the trampoline jumpy harness thingy and they had a blast.  Those girls sure are different that their big sister Maile who tends to be on the more cautious side. 

 After the pumpkin patch we headed back to our house,  ate some yummy chill and hot dogs then played a little bit of homemade pictionary.  The kids watched a couple movies, ran around a ton and joined us at the end of our game.  It was a really good night of fun, food and friends.



Study Buddy

I have been feeling pretty overwhelmed lately with my classes this semester.  Its seems as if I am studying every single day for a test of some sort.  I love going to school but I sure miss the feeling of having nothing to do.  Today I took a break from studying...sounds nice right? 

 

 Until I tell you that my break from studying meant that I could fold  laundry and clean up my messy upstairs.  Not the kind of break I like!  As a matter of fact I should probably be studying right now for my Microbiology test tomorrow.  I will just convince myself that blogging is therapeutic and if I get all my thoughts out there will be vacant space for more information when I study tomorrow.

 

 Onto the better reason for my post, I just want to remember that Natalie is such a good girl when I am glued to my books or the computer for hours on end.  She is the best independent player I have ever had.  She just plays and plays even if it is by herself.  I am really amazed at what a good girl she is and it makes me sad that I have not been able to do as much with her since school started.

Birthday Lunch

On Alexis and Rebecca's actual birthday my mom and I got to bring them a Happy Meal for lunch and we passed out cookies to their classes.  They sure did feel special eating their yummy lunch and wearing their cool birthday crowns their teachers gave them.  It was all they could talk about all day!  I am so glad they had such a good birthday this year even if they have to always share their day!

A Triple Birthday Party

 Alexis is in charge.  She is the sister everyone listens to.  She is so smart, there is no fooling this girl.  Alexis is funny, sassy and stubborn.  She is outgoing and a born leader.  Alexis and I butt heads and she wins a lot!  Alexis is going to do just fine when she is old enough to be on her own, I will not have to worry, she will be kicking butt and taking names.  Alexis feels emotion so strong, her passion is a gift.  I adore this 6 year old girl.

Rebecca, my girly girl.  She is dainty and darling.  She loves to be pretty, loves to dress up, loves being a lady.  Rebecca is inquisitive, she wants to know more than what we tell her, she is always asking questions.  Rebecca is very sweet but has a spicy side to her when she is mad.  Rebecca takes care of her baby sister, and is always  concerned about others feelings.  Rebecca is the ultimate Daddy's girl.  I love Rebecca!!

Natalie is two.  That is crazy.  This funny, sweet, smart girl is supposed to be my baby forever!  I wish time would freeze right here and now.  Natalie is a natural comedian, she loves the attention she receives from being funny.  Natalie is becoming bossy with her older sisters, she is done putting up with them telling her what to do.  Natalie loves Yo Gabba Gabba and Fresh Beat Band.  She sings the songs along with them.  Natalie thinks the iPad is hers and she doesn't need help getting to her shows or games.  Natalie is still a great eater and still a horrible sleeper.  I sure spoiled this girl and now we are paying for it every night when she ends up kicking us in the face while we try to sleep with her squished between us.  Natalie is a talker, she copies everything we say and then some.  She loves to play pretend in her kitchen and she has gotten the most use out of our doll house for sure.  This little girl really has been such a blessing to our family.  She helps everyone love a little more, smile a little more and certainly laugh a ton more.  Happy Birthday to my new toddler!

 

For the girls birthday's we decided to throw a last minute party for all three girls at the same time.  It sure turned out good for being planned the night before, and thanks for such a great turn out even though I sprung it on everyone the day before.  We are lucky to have such awesome family and friends.  It was a really nice evening just hanging out enjoying good food and each other's company.  

First Day of School 2012

I have a love-hate relationship with the first day of school.  I hate that the summer is over and that I will not have the option to just be lazy and hang with my girls if I want to.  I will miss watching them play all day and will miss hanging out with them. I will miss just deciding to do something fun anytime of day.  I am sad for Natalie that her sisters will be gone a major chunk of the day. I love the first day of school because of all the excitement of a new school year.  I love that it means that fall is right around the corner.  I love a bit of peace and quiet around the house.  I love watching my kids learn, grow and work hard at school.  I love getting Natalie all to myself.  I love settling into a routine with a set bedtime.  I am pretty sure this debate could go on in my head for ever. Overall I think we are all excited for what this new school season will bring!

 

 

 



Annual Mountain Charleston Visit

A couple of my good friends and I have started a bit of a tradition, taking the kids up to the Mountains for one good play day before the end of the summer.  Last years trip was kinda crazy with all the yellow jackets we had to deal with but this year went off without a hitch!  The weather was amazing, which is good since that is the best part about going up there.

Along with the weather my other favorite part would be watching the kids play in nature, they were rock climbing (some of the boys were so brave), throwing rocks, playing hide and seek and basically enjoying each others company.  I love that not only were the boys so brave, they were such gentlemen helping the girls climb over the rocky terrain.  Maybe they all just like holding hands but it was really, really cute to watch! 

After everyone got their fill of fresh air and all the Mom's got their fill of pictures we headed back to town.  On the way we stopped at Cafe Rio and let all the bigger kids sit outside to eat.  My girls were excited, they felt like big girls.  I was going to make them sit inside with me be decided that I need to cut the strings one day so I let them go.  Right about the time all the kids were finishing up with their meals rain started to pour down.  Not sprinkles but crazy flash flood kind of rain.  While we finished up eating the kids played away in the rain.  What a fun way to end the afternoon!

Cousins

We tried to make the last week of summer a good one even if we were crazy busy trying to get things done in order to be ready for school.  On one of our last days we headed over to our new favorite park right my my Mom's house and met our cousins there for a good cooling off in the water.  The kids had a great time and it was fun getting to catch up with my sister who I have hardly got to see this summer.   

Phone Photo Recap

I am glad that I have my phone as a backup camera when I forget to bring my real one or when I don't really feel like lugging around a giant camera.  Here is a little bit of what we have been up to since our trip to California.

 The girls have been spending lots of time outside, especially on the overcast days playing with their new swing set that Zach's buddy gave us.

 Zappos, where Anna works, hooked us up with some free tickets to an awesome professional soccer game and I got to go with these two lovely ladies. 

 Zachary has really grown up since the school year and has been doing some babysitting for us now that he is old enough.  He is so good with Natalie and this is how we found them when we got home one evening.

I moved Maile's bed into Natalie's room hoping to solve some of our bedtime issues.  Maile won't have to get in trouble because of her naughty twin sisters and now Natalie will have someone in her room to keep her company.  Win win. This picture was the first night, Natalie must have decided Maile's bed was better than hers.

My cousin's son Oliver turned one this past weekend and she threw a really fun party, we all had a blast!

 Summer equals not having to do anything if we don't want to.  We have had many days just lounging around the house.

Four moms, eighteen kids, water balloons and a huge water slide make for one fun play day.  My friend Chrissy is so very kind and brave for letting us come over and play.  The best part about these kids is that even though there are so many, there is hardly a squabble between them, if there is it is usually between siblings.  That makes it so easy for us all to get together!



Maile's Birthday Trip Day 3

On the last planned day of our trip we were heading back out to the beach only this time we were wearing our suits and brought all the gear to stay and play for a while.  It was really fun watching the kids at the beach now that they are older, they were all much more brave than in years past.  Zachary even decided that he liked the beach and ocean and tried out the boogie board.  I wish the waters were not so rough that day, he probably would have had better luck!  Natalie also finally warmed up to the idea of sand about half way through and that made the afternoon much easier since we no longer had to carry her everywhere and hear her whine about it getting on her. 

I am struggling with believing how grown up my Maile is getting.  I am so very lucky to call this girl my own!

What a fun trip!  We packed a lot of fun into four days and I couldn't have done it without the help of my Mom and my Aunt Lezlie.  I always wish Zach didn't have to work in the summer so that he could be with us on these trips but I am glad for the extra time I got to spend with my Mom, especially since she has been working so much.  Overall this was trip was a success, Maile had a great birthday even if we didn't throw a huge party.  Pretty sure she will remember this much more!

Happy Birthday Maile (Day two)

On Maile's actual birthday we went to Knott's Berry Farm for the day.  All the kids (Natalie not included) were on their very best behavior and were so good about all the walking and standing around in line.  The weather was nice and the park wasn't too packed.  Maile has already decided that she wants to go back again for her birthday when she is tall enough to ride more rides. 

After a long day we came home to California Aunt Lezlie and Uncle Kevin's house, had dinner, sang Happy Birthday, ate ice cream and watched Maile open her presents.  This is not the first time that we have crashed Aunt Lezlie's for a birthday party and she is always so helpful in making it such a fun time.  We are so lucky and Maile sure did have a great day!