How do you sleep?

I don't even know how it is possible to fall asleep like this, but this is exactly how I found Nathan when I checked on him before going to bed. He should be glad I did, and that I situated him in a better position or who know what kind of pains he would be experiencing the next day. Kids.......

Disney On Ice

This Year we got to go to Disney on Ice with the Olsen cousins. Everything is always better when cousins are around.

She prefers daddy!

I don't know how he does it, but it doesn't take long before all our little babies prefer him over me. Well......I guess he is a lot more fun!

My girls

Never imagined I would have so much fun doing my 8 month old's hair. And Marie? Well I love her blonde little head as well.

Tea party withy favorite princess!

So this little girl is probably the most fun princess to have a tea party with EVER!! She is all girl and I couldn't love it more. She loves her dress ups, and her pretend play and I love playing with her. It's TEA TIME!!

"I wanna haircut!"

This is actually Marie's second haircut. She did so well.  She is always telling me that she wants to go get her haircut, probably just because they always give her some kind of treat afterwards.  I don't know why but I just love watching her get beautified.

My Twinkies turn 7!!

We decided that instead of a birthday party with friends this year we would go to Chuck E Cheese's with their cousin Ethan. They seemed fine with that, but for some reason I have not been fine with it. I feel a bit guilty knowing how they look forward to their friend party all year long.  I figured we would make up for it by having a huge party for their 8th birthday which is of course the MOST important birthday EVER!

These boys are so pleasant and easy to please. They are just so happy with anything, and that is another reason why I love them so much. They both wanted new bikes this year and that's what they got! They also got a party at Grandma and Grandpas with their cousins. I can't believe I have two 7 year old boys and I really can't believe they will be getting baptized NEXT year. I love them.

Valentines traditions

We have found that the Christmas season can sometimes be a little to crazy to try and fit in neighborhood gifts, so we save ours until Valentines day. I have a lot of fun sending out our annual Valentines cards as well as coming up with new and fun ways to tell our neighbors we love them.  I hope my kids realize that Valentines day does not have to be a romantic holiday but more of a day to show service and love.  

Learning moments

The best teaching moments often come when a simple question is asked. The kids found Matthews oil that he uses to give blessings with. Matt took the time before church to teach them what it was used for and why it was so special.  I am thankful for a husband that teaches my children the things that are most important, and who honors his priesthood. 

8 months old

This is Ava's first time sitting up front in the shopping cart at Sam's club.  I don't know if you can tell but that look on her face says it all......she is as proud as can be. I on the other hand am having a hard time watching my last baby get so darn big.

Dear Nathan (6 years old)

Dear Nathan,

My sweet six year old boy.  From the moment you were born I knew you had a determined soul. You know what you want and you have such passion for getting it.  Sometimes we but heads a little bit because you have such intense feelings about things and it is hard to redirect your attention when there is something upsetting you.  I believe that these are good qualities that will help you to be very successful.  Your interactions with your little sisters is AMAZING. They love you so much and you have a special gift of making them happy.  You have so much light in your eyes when you are around them and you know exactly what to do to make them smile and laugh.

Nathan you are such a light to those around you. You have always enjoyed being around others and having a lot of friends You get so excited about your dates with daddy. I think if you could you would be playing a sport with someone every minute of everyday.  I sometimes feel bad for you because I know it is hard for you to play by yourself. I think it is great that you love people and love playing with others but I hope you can realize how amazing you are and be happy to sometimes just be on your own and enjoy some alone time.  You love to be silly and you have always been so fun to wrestle around with because you are a tough little kid that could handle a lot physically from the time you were just little. You would walk by and daddy would trip you just for fun, knowing you would just laugh and get right back up.  You are starting to have a love for football and you are great at soccer.

I know that sometimes your feelings get hurt and you hold a lot inside.  When you do finally talk about your feeling it ends up with you in tears. I hope you know it's ok to feel sad sometimes, but I hope you always know you can come and talk to your mommy and daddy. We will always be there for you.  We love you and our family would not be complete without your sweet personality in it. Thanks for being such a great son and a wonderful brother. We love you so much!