Crazy May!

May was so busy....and crazy...and fun. The only way to document it is in collages. So, here goes......



It started with a great mothers' day! I love being a mother - and am so grateful for 5 unique and crazy kids. The kids and Brandon gave me a watch that I have been wanting....love it! (it was obviously sunny - check out my eyes and ava cowering in my shoulder from the brightness)



Lots of school programs, graduations, and saying goodbye to fabulous teachers. Kason graduated from sixth grade - now onto the big JR HIGH! He even played the graduation commencement song on the piano for their graduation. All of the kids did excellent in school - and had a wonderful year.



Dance competitions/recitals galore! Jaicee and Halle both had a few each.



Plenty of soccer, basketball, and baseball to last for a year. But we decided to do it in one month. Kason was playing soccer, baseball, and basketball; Braden played tball and soccer; Jaicee and Halle both played soccer.



We had 19 seven year olds over for a birthday party. It was lots of fun, but I don't think I will do quite that many again!



I happily attended Jaicee's fieldtrip to antelope island. Let's just say when the sign at the entrace flashes: "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, and Biting Gnats" they are not kidding! My head was covered in gnats and I came home with bites all over my neck and head. At least it was memorable! The kids also went with Dad on a hiking/hunting/rhino adventure one night. Oh, and Halle graduated from "RAD Kids" at her school. If you don't know much about RAD Kids - look it up; I was extremely impressed on the curriculum! It teaches the kids all about strangers, bullies, how to get away from danger, and empowering kids to talk if they are ever threatened.

Whew....we survived May! It was questionable for a while....I think May is busier than December!

Happy Birthday to my Halle!

Halle turned 7 today!

I love her so much, and am so proud of her.

She has a firecracker personality
Has an incredibly kind heart
Knows what she wants (and is not afraid to tell those around)
Loves to dance, sing, and perform
Cartwheels all over the house
Loves being a big sister to Ava
Is an excellent reader
Likes playing with friends
Loves to play school and be the teacher
Makes up dances with her sister and friends
Is a true conservationist: seriously! She turns off lights, closes doors, and makes sure no water is wasted.
Has the cutest raspy voice
Lost her two front teeth
Has a gorgeous smile and a contagious laugh



For her birthday Halle picked Chuck-A-Rama for dinner. Being the "great mom" I am - I obliged. Let's just say that the kids and Brandon loved it! I am not so sure how she came up with this idea....but the endless ice cream must have had something to do with it.

We love you Halle. Happy Birthday!!

Pure Chubbiness gives me Happiness

(Ava 20 months)
My favorite picture of the day!

The Ultimate Hiding Spot

I think Braden found the best hiding spot ever.....



I couldn't even find him.


Funny thing is...he waited so long he fell asleep!


Actually, I found him here after coming home from the grocery store late one night. He had gone to bed, but wanted to come down and watch the basketball game with his dad. He knew he shouldn't get out of bed, so he hid in the living room....and fell asleep!



Luckily, I saw him (which was hard - you can barely see his arm) before I went to make sure he was in his bed. I would have panicked not seeing him in his bed.

This kid is a crack up! He keeps us hopping!

Befores and Afters

Some things have changed around here in the last 6-12 months or so.....thought I would document them!



Halle lost her two front teeth!


Kitchen Before.....

Kitchen After


Kason got his much anticipated BRACES!


Brandon finally got a new phone after using his sister's hand me down phone for quite some time. (purple nonetheless)

Finally decorated my basement shelves - thanks to my talented sister in law Cyndy (didn't have a before picture....but love the after)

And, last but not least....we sold our very first car that we purchased as a married couple. 13 years, 204,000 miles, 5 kids later....it served us well. Farewell our friend - you will be missed!

Puzzled!

He loves to do puzzles

All kinds

All day long!

The best part about it is that he sings while he puzzles.

Music to my ears!

Christmas Roundup

We had a great Christmas break. So great in fact - that I can't get back into the schedule of real life...even a month later! (Hence the lateness of this entry)


Christmas Party Festivities at Grandma Debbie and Papa Bruce's: the nativity and pjs


Santa even paid a visit


Christmas Eve...the excitement, and finally they are to sleep (all in the same room of course)


Christmas morning is here! Cozy socks for everyone.


Christmas at Grandma Nae and Papa Jer's. My Dad took all of our home videos growing up and put them on DVD's for us. Priceless gift!
It was also so fun to have Shar and family here for the holidays.

We took a three day trip up to Grand Targhee with Brandon's family. So much fun....lots of skiing and cousin time. Braden was a maniac on his first time on skis - he did not want ANY help! Halle loved skiing, Jaicee really got better, and Kason is a great skier.


Hot tubbing, sledding, cousin time, and so much fun!

What a great break. I love my family!

Leaving a Legacy

pictured: LeGrande (grandpa), Betty (grandma), baby Ava, Brandon (July 2008)

Brandon's Grandpa passed away just before Christmas.

90 Years old

7 Children

48 Grandchildren

101 Great Grandchildren and counting

I would say that is a legacy to be proud of!

He was an amazing man of strength, determination, and insight.

He will be missed dearly.

Love you Grandpa! 1-2-3!