The Happiest Place on Earth!

We just got back from a week of fun and excitement at the Happiest Place on Earth. We went with Launey's brother, sister-in-law, their kids, his parents, and my sister Kylee. We all had a great time, and I know that it's pathetic, but I miss it already. I was worried about Brielle being a pain in the rear, but she was a dream baby. She slept most of the ride there and back, and she was great at Disneyland as well. Luke loved all the rides, especially Pirates of the Caribbean. Tanner had a great time too and it was so cute to watch him hold his little arms up high on the Matterhorn and the Toon Town Roller Coaster. All-in-all it was a very
successful trip!

Christmas in April!

I just have to say one thing, well several things but all with one point, Hooray for Hand-Me-Downs. I was up late one night thinking about the fact that warmer weather was upon us and that my boys will soon be getting too warm in their long sleeves and denim jeans . I was experiencing a little anxiety because I am fully aware that I am married to one of the greatest, and cheapest, men in America and that buying a new summer wardrobe for both children would take some convincing. Then it dawned on me, Tanner could be the recipient of Luke's old summer clothes which are still in great condition and are not too far out of style. I rushed to the storage room, ripped open the container marked, "Kids' Clothes," and began pulling out one warm weather outfit after another. It was like Christmas all over again, only this time much cheaper. I was thrilled! So much so that I even decided to compose this very entry to post on my blog about this very matter. Perhaps it is the fact that I am the oldest child and was rarely a recipient of the dreaded hand-me-down (other than the occasional unit from Misty and Amy Hoaldridge), that allows me to feel this intense love for used clothing, or maybe it is because I am the mother of two shirt staining, pant tearing, fast growing boys. Whatever it is, may I echo myself once again in saying, HOORAY FOR HAND-ME-DOWNS!

Precious Moments

I carried my camera around today in an attempt to get a few pictures of Brielle smiling and I got a few cute ones. I know that it might be lame to take pictures of myself with my kids, but I have very few so I thought that a few would be okay.
I just love this cheesy grin!
Tanner thought it was funny to continuously scratch Luke on the arm, so after several attempts to make him stop, we actually had to pull over and give him a good little lecture. He was so sad that Luke took his hand and comforted him. Eventually Luke fell asleep, but I thought this moment was priceless.

Going, Going, Gone!

I finally decided that my long shabby hair and I needed to part ways. I got up the courage to chop it all off, and I have no regrets. My new short hair will take a little getting used to, but at least now I don't have the good old pony tail to fall back on when I don't feel like doing my hair.

It was a way great play date!

Well, my dear friend Lynsey had a great idea to get together today for a little lunch and a lot of fun. The kids had a great time, well all of them except for my two boys who had to leave the party early because of their aggressive behavior. The big girls also had a lot of fun playing together. I am so lucky to have such great friends! Here are some of the pictures from our joyous day.
Brielle and Brecken
Alisha and Kids
Annie, Marci, and KidsMeagan and KidsLynsey and Kid
Leslee and Kid
Kaydee and Kid
Annie and Kid

Date Night

Last month Launey and I decided that it is important that each of our kids get some quality one-on-one time with us, and it has been hard to provide that time unless we actually plan it. So, we decided that a good way to do that was to have date nights. Each month each kid gets to go on a "date" with a parent. Last month Luke and I went to Color Me Mine, where he painted a beautiful red dog, and Launey and Tanner went to Jumpin' Jacks. This month Tanner and I went to the Dinosaur Museum (he absolutely loved it) and Luke and Launey are going to a Blaze game or a Jazz game. It has been a lot of fun for all of us and hopefully it will set a good foundation for open relationships between us and our kids. Brielle will be thrown into the mix someday, but for now, I am not sure how much she would enjoy, and frankly I don't think that she has caught on that she is getting left out. Someday I will be pumped to be able to take her to do "girly" things, do they have princess parties anywhere nearby?

T-Ball is Terrific!

When I was pregnant with Luke and I found out that I was having a boy, one of the first things I thought was, "I can't wait to see him play t-ball!" That is a true story. For some reason I have always had a thing for those tiny kids playing ball, I just think it is so darn cute. Luke had his first game ever on Thursday. He loved it, and I was gushing with pride the whole time. I can't believe I have a boy old enough to play! Time sure flies. Here are some pictures of the little cutie at his first game. In case you were wondering, they tied, go figure.