My boys

So I am doing my best to get as many of the pictures from our fabulous family photo shoot (holla Dust and Marge!) posted as I can. I love this one of all of my boys and I think it's going to have to go up on the wall in our family room as well.

Having a daughter

So as you know after two boys we had a little girl and I just wasn't sure how I would handle the whole girl thing...I'm kindof more of a tomboy myself and although I was so excited that I would be able to experience having a daughter I was a little nervous. Can I just say that it is awesome? She is a total kick in the pants and so laid back (bless her heart because otherwise I'd be in the nuthouse for sure) She makes us laugh and her brothers love her blasted guts, so all in all I gotta say...so far so great!

the fine art of parenting...Ha!

So tonight my oldest son decided to throw the biggest fit in the world ( I guess he though he had a little down time between bedtime and the rest of eternity). He was extremely upset that he did not get to have a story read to him because he CHOSE not to sit still and listen. I decided it was time for a little chit chat about actions and consequences - as much as you can have with a four year old anyway. I'm pretty sure that as a mother, the second you think you have a handle on things and get comfortable those little monsters take the leverage and run! Love them as I do, they definitely keep me on my toes. I found some cute pictures of Brinlee and her boyfriend Connor that I took while he was over for a play date a few weeks ago. It was so funny to watch how much of a moover and shaker he is and the difference between he and Brin!

Happy 1st Birthday Brinlee

So our little princess turned one today! I can't believe it. She is getting to be such a big girl and keeps us laughing often. I made cute cupcakes with pink frosting and pink and red and white sprinkles and she made such a mess! Here are a few of the photos of her from yesterdays little photo shoot!

family photo op!

So thanks to our photographers Dust and Marge we finally got some family photos taken! I am so excited! I will put a few on here to start and get the rest on when I have a little more time!

one side note

have you ever noticed that most of the pictures I have of my boys is when they are eating? I noticed that myself today and realized why... it's the only time they are sitting still long enough to get a decent shot!

The newest trick in the book!

So Miss Brinlee has decided that she absolutley will NOT under any circumstances keep her shoes on and if you push her ... she might just remove the socks as well, just to prove her point! She tears her shoes off and then does her evil little cackle wich if it wasn't so cute would drive me nuts!

Parker Boy

So usually everynight after we do our bedtime routine, we give the boys each one of the "kids scripture" books to read and tonight I went in to thier room because Kaden was of course needing to go to the bathroom an hour after bedtime and look what I found.

this is why I'm hot!

so the day has finally arrived folks. Horse head time! Danny and I drove up to bellingham to pick up his newest accessory. I will say it makes him look very distinguished! He says he doesn't care what it looks like as long as he can finally get some sleep (and breathe at the same time) what a concept!

another day

So things have been 100 miles an hour since we got home and I just haven't had time to update this thing. The kids are good and crazy as ever, Parker went with me to pick up a puppy as a gift to Aunt Amanda from Uncle Kyle. He decided he was going to call it Newman and Amanda says the name just stuck so Newman it is. We have taken out almost all of the hideous landscaping that the previous owners of our home had put in and we all cheered when Danny and Kyle took the big tree down with the chain saw. Roof and windows and paint are next along with remodling the kitchen and bathrooms.... one day at a time right??? Things are busy and good and I can sense that the summer is coming to an end and I feel like somehow I missed it.

we're home... for now.

So we just got back from our trip to Illinois and we had a BLAST! I wasn't ready to come home yet! It was so much fun hanging out with family and we got to spend a lot of time with Dan and Mary and it was so fun. Brinlee totally enjoyed being spoiled by her Nana and Papa and all of the relatives especially uncle Calvin and Aunt Traci. I have however gotten my fill of corn and soybean fields. We got the chance to go to Nauvoo and go through the Temple. It was amazing. We saw the Pageant and the temple lit in the background and I had tears... it was amazing. I can't wait until our next trip.

summer days

The kids went to Chuck e Cheese with Uncle J this morning well, Parker and Kaden and Brin and I stayed home and started to pack for the family reunion. We haven't been able to go the last 2 years and this year we were supposed to be in Illinois but we decided since we were home we might as well go have fun! After the boys got back Marge came over and I filled up our "huge pool" and the we took the kids out in the front yard to play. You can definelty tell it's summer... check out parker's Chaco tan! I love it. Kaden was "fishing" in the pool and catching some whoppers too! Brinlee and Rylin layed on the blanket and caught some rays until Brin started stealing her paci....a favorite pastime of hers and Rylin got upset. Gosh Brin way to treat your BFF.