For April....

Wow, I haven't posted in a long time. Apparently, I need to take lessons from my little sis, Karen. But, here goes. I hate posting a lot of pictures, because it is hard to have the right order. So, these pictures are from most recent all the way back to May.

We just got home from spending a week in Heber City, Utah! It was so fun. The kids loved hanging out with their cousins and playing from sun up to sun down. Literally, bedtime around 11pm. On the 4th of July, we had a big party for my Grandmother and all of my cousins, aunts and uncles were there. It was great to see so many relatives that I haven't seen for a long time. The kids had so many fun things, but here is what they said were their favorite things...
Brendon: playing pool and golfing
Nicole: getting ice cream and eating lunch at the park
Hayden: getting ice cream and the water slide
Blake: staying up late and unlimited otter pops
Joey: golfing and golfing
Alisa: unlimited Diet Cokes and eating, and sitting and eating and sitting... Holiday Lanes, Heber, Utah (not another soul in the joint)

Aly, Macy dressed herself each day. This was my favorite selection. (For those not in the know, Aly and Steven headed out to Hawaii on the 5th. Luckily, the kids stayed in Heber and entertained my kiddos.)

Summer and Aubrey

Brooklyn and Macy

Trouble

My baby learning to drive.

My other baby learning to drive.

My oldest baby getting ready to drive.

Arts and Crafts were readily abundant on this trip. Clay, beads, watercolors...Nicole's dream come true.

Miss Nicole

Jennifer and Peytie Pie

Two peas in a pod.

Charles and Baby Jack

"Don't mind us, we are blowing this joint for a warm beach and pina coladas!"

"Don't mind us, we are hanging in Heber City, Utah for the next 4 days!"

The girls showing some attitude before heading to Stadium of Fire at BYU to see the Jonas Brothers.

Ellis Great Grandchildren

My baby.

Nicole working on a pottery masterpiece.

Aunt Jennifer and Miss Macy

The horses came for the 4th. Hayden loved going for a ride.

Always a smile on this girls face.
Usually a silly grin on this face.
Nicole going for a ride.

We went camping with the Hunt's and the Hafen's at the end of June to Garden Valley. The kids had a great time playing in the river and rafting.
Twiners, Nicole and Brooklyn This could be the worst possible picture of us, but it is the only one at the top of the mountain. Lookout point 7000 ft.

Joey and Brendon on top of the world.

Hunt's and Tueller kids piled in the car. Seatbelts? Nah! (Looking for Blake? He wasn't invited. He stayed with Nana and Papa. Blake + the woods, fire, river= No fun at all!)

In the beginning of June, Joey took Brendon and Hayden on the Father and sons campout with the church. They had a great time camping with friends.

Michael and Brendon

Brendon's 5th grade play was at the end of May. He had a big part and even sang a solo! I was shocked at what a great singing voice he had. He was great.

Last Violin Concert ever? Brendon seems to think so. He starts middle school next year and doesn't want to continue with the violin. We are kind of sad. He learned so much.

Feeding the ducks for Family Home Evening...

Memorial Day bike ride on the green belt and lunch at the park.

Blake, Macey, Hayden and Trey

April, I hope this will suffice for a while. It may be a while until I post again. Upcoming events...Bear Lake, more camping, football starts...

It's a busy life we lead, but we love it and are having a great summer.

PS: Happy Anniversary to us. 15 years today! Unreal! I couldn't have asked for a better husband or father for my kids!

It's Warming Up

The weather has started to get warm around here. Blake would be happy if he spend his entire day outside (front yard, not back) pushing his lawn mower. Ahhh, the joys of a one year old.

The pure joy of Daddy coming home. Not only for Blake, but for me!
And, what do we do when it starts to get warm and there is a continual fight over "Hair down, hair up" every SINGLE morning.... We get a hair cut! 4 inches!

Pretty darn cute. Mom and daughter are thrilled!!!

Looking forward to 3 more weeks of school and then lounging by the pool all summer!

Easter

These are so past due, but better late than never..

We've been spending a lot of time at the baseball fields this spring. Brendon has been pitching and playing short stop. As long as it is warm, we really enjoy being outside. But, whenever we go watch this....
We can't forget to do this.... That's right folks, my child is on a leash. I spent the first game chasing after him around all the fields and into the street. But, no more!!! He pretty much stays right by me now. Genius!!!

Ok, ok, OKAY!!!!

I'll post already! Seriously, everyone just hounds me and hounds me! When are you going to post? Are you ever going to post again? Are you still alive? Let's see pics of your kids?

The problem is, that I have been very lazy about taking pictures! But, I will clue you in on my life for the last few months. And, I will try to post a little more often!

Joey and I went on a cruise a few weeks ago. It was fantastic! We laid in the sun, ate to our hearts content, read 3 books and just plain relaxed! No kids, no schedules, no jobs! We went to the Mexican Riviera and stopped at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerta Vallarta. The weather in Mexico was fabulous and so warm. I am really missing it right about now. My parents came to stay with the kids and spoiled them rotten for 8 days. We can't begin to thank them for their time and generosity. I am already planning our next trip in 2010. (At least in my head)

Puerta Vallarta
Whale Watching in Cabo. That whale was so close, we felt his splash.
Formal night. Not sure what that white spot is on my dress. Must be a reflection.


I started an after-school enrichment program at our elementary school. I am teaching Elementary Art to K-3rd graders. I teach every Tuesday from 3:45-4:45. It is a great job and I am really enjoying it. Nicole is taking a drama class and will be staring in Cinderella in a few weeks. She has the roll of Narrator.

Brendon started baseball practice and has his first game this Saturday.

Hayden is still enjoying preschool and just plain enjoying life.

And, Blake. What can I say. He is the sweetest thing on this earth. Well, that isn't quite true. He does know how to throw a tantrum if he can't get into the pantry and treat himself to some food. You would think I am starving the kid. But, when he isn't screaming for my attention, he is quite angelic!

I have been spending loads of time learning how to coupon. Coupon? you ask. What is this? There is a whole society of couponers in our area who are saving tons of money on groceries. I decided I wanted to save also, and have spent lots of my time learning the ins and outs of coupons, store policies, checking coupon blogs and finding the good deals. I will admit it is a little addicting and I find the hunt quite exciting. When you walk out of a store after saving a TON of money and getting some items free, I feel like I just hit it big on the craps or blackjack table. Kinda the same feeling. I have been stocking up and get my year supply in order. For example, this week I plan on buying 100 boxes of cereal. Yep, I said 100! I bet you are thinking, why would she buy so many boxes. Well, I happen to have four children who eat cereal like it is going out of style. It has a year shelf life, but we won't worry about that. I am sure my kids will eat through that by the end of summer. Then I will have to start looking for another good cereal deal. Oh by the way, I will get 100 boxes for about $33. Yippee!!

Well, I can't think of what else has been going on. We are just making it day to day. Hoping, longing, dreaming of some warm weather. I look forward to a day I can open the back door and let Blake out in the back yard without a coat, hat, shoes and socks.

Last, but not least! Go Uconn!! I can already smell the money!!!