Christmas

We had such a great Christmas season this year. The kids are at such a cute age and have been so excited. Mark and I kept telling ourselves that this was a good thing, there's only a small window when Christmas is so magical and wonderous. I honestly don't think they could have asked how many more days any more. But, when all the excitement was said and done on Christmas Eve we all sat down and talked about what Christmas was really about!! Grandma and Grandpa spent the night Christmas Eve. We had steak, shrimp, artichokes, and huge crab legs. Braxton was in HEAVEN!! His Dad was kindof excited too!!
Christmas morning was adorable!! We saved the best for last. We had a present under the tree that didn't have a tag. When all the presents were open we told the kids to gather around it and if they could guess who the present was for they could open it. Then the doorbell rang and our amazing neighbors (I have to include his wife too) brought over the newest member of our family Beau!! He is a 2 year old Lhasa Apso. The kids have been begging for a dog for so long.....well since we had the last 1 or 2 but who's counting right? Anyway, I think our family finally found the dog for us!! We decided we would let someone else train him and get him through the puppy stage and then we would take over. Maycee let out a blood curdling scream and the other kids just sat there with big eyes and giggled. They LOVE him!! He is such a good dog. Welcome to the family Beau!!

Santa Claus

 

We got to see Santa twice this year. The kids were so excited!! Maycee and Braxton both asked him to bring them Sliders. Haylee wants skaters (roller skates) and McKynlee wants a bike.

Dad's Birthday

 

Well, I thought I couldn't let today go by without wishing my Dad a happy Birthday. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that I have such an amazing Dad. I have so many great fun memories of camping, boating, running. One of my favorite memories is riding my bike with him running beside me. My bike was to big for me so whenever we had to stop to cross a street he would run up to the side of me and hold my seat so I didn't tip over. Then when it was time for us to cross he would give me a little push and we were off again. Anytime I would see him at one of my cross country races I would somehow kick it into another gear and start passing people because I wanted him to be proud of me!! He is such a hard worker. I remember going in to the office and having him be so patient and teaching me data entry and ten key. He would say I don't care how long it takes you to add up these numbers but don't look at your fingers. Thanks to him, I got pretty dang good at it!! He has taught me to be honest, work hard, and appreciate the things that are really important in life. As you can see from the pictures he's also a great Grandpa to my kids. I love my Dad more than I could ever say!!! Happy Birthday Dad!!!
P.S. It is also my brother Dave's Birthday. Pretty cool that they can share this day..and the day wouldn't be complete if I didn't wish him a Happy Birthday too!! Hope you have a great day Dave. Fortunately for you I haven't taken lots of pictures of you...I'll have to fix that for next time. Happy Birthday!!

Thanksgiving

 

We had such a great Thanksgiving! Most of the family came down and joined us. It was great weather until everyone came and then it was cold and rainy!! Of course!! Oh well, it just gave us a chance to spend "quality time" together indoors. There were 28 people so it was definately cozy, but a good cozy LOL!! Maycee wrote a play about 3 weeks ago that she was sure that her cousins would be DYING to be in. After a little persuasion she got some of the older cousins and all of the little ones to participate. It was very cute, all of the little girls got to ride in on the Mayflower (that's what the pictures are). We made indian hats, candy necklaces, and Christmas ornaments. The kids had a great time playing foozball, the Wii and just hanging out. We had a great time!! Thanks to everyone that made the long drive...you made it a very special Thanksgiving. We really missed those that couldn't come because of work and can't wait to see you at Christmas!!

Last Soccer Games

 

Well, the soccer season is over!! It was so fun to watch Maycee and Braxton turn into little soccer studs. They both did so well. Maycee was so determined to get that ball, she was always in on where the action was. Whenever Braxton saw the other team with the ball going toward his goal he would let out a battle cry and go charging after them. It was so dang funny!! I know it sounds dumb, but I might actually miss the chaotic Saturday mornings of getting everyone ready and there on time (maybe). But I will definately miss cheering them on from the sidelines.

Birthday Cake For Dad

 

Thanks Lynn for making Mark's birthday funny. I couldn't get away with that, but you on the other hand!!! Genius!! We have gotten lots of laughs out of your hack. Anyway, I thought I better add to the post. Mark had to work a 21 hour shift on his birthday (pretty crappy huh?) He was a good sport though. The kids and I made him a cake and cards and we brought it out to his work. It had a few to many sprinkles and plenty of little fingers making sure it tasted good(it was literally finger lickin' good). But hey those are the cakes that are priceless!! The kids had such a great time trying to make the day special for their Dad. Who can blame them he is the best Daddy in the world!! We love you Mark!!

I am sooo old!!!!

Happy birthday Mark!!! I'm sorry you're sooo old!!! I bet you're wondering who the genius is that hacked into your blog to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Well, we have many fond memories but will refrain from blackmail at the moment. Hope you had a great day! We love ya!


What are you looking at?

California Trip

We were able to go to California last week. It was so much fun. Mark's parents, CoLene and Brian, and Creed and Lacey came and we had a blast!! We went to Disneyland and the kids got to dress in their Halloween costumes which they thought was really cool!! So many people commented on Iron Man's muscles (Braxton), the gorgeous pirate (Maycee), the little Mermaid (Haylee), and Tinkerbell (McKynlee). They looked so adorable!! We went Trick or Treating at the local mall which was kindof funny watching our kids get candy from a shoe store and the pet store. We surprised Maycee and Bailey and took them to see the play "Wicked" in L.A. on Hollywood Boulevard. That was awesome!! They were so excited to get autographs and pictures with the stars!! That was a night we will never forget. We swam at the pool everyday and couldn't get enough of the beach. We even got Maycee body boarding by herself!! What a brave little thing!! Even after watching shark week a few months ago she didn't even bat an eye (well maybe one eye, but she was still very brave)!! Braxton even got out there and rode a few waves. It was the cutest thing ever. We love that place. It has become a great tradition!! Hopefully it will be a tradition we can continue because our kids are already talking about next year!!

Tagged

So my sister in law Kristin tagged me. You are supposed to pick the 4th picture in the 4th folder of My Pictures. So, since I'm so old mine was a long time ago. This is in Jackson in 2004. We were up for Aleah's baptism. We had a great time hanging out and playing in the snow!! Now the four people I tag is Nik, Torrey, Jamie, and the Roghaars. Have Fun!!

Golf Fun

We were able to go see Grandma and Grandpa over UEA and do some golfing. The kids loved it!! They are actually getting quite good. Haylee needs a set of left-handed clubs before she'll be able to do anything but push the ball, but it's still dang cute to watch!! Maycee and Braxton will be turning pro soon. They can smack the ball everytime!! They all love to ride around in the golf cart. We had a great time!!

Carving Pumpkins

Well, we finally did it!! We have never carved pumpkins together...I guess it was just more fun to talk about it!! Anyway, we had a blast. The kids loved drawing the faces on the pumpkins and coloring them with marker! When we actually cut the tops off and got to work the kids didn't want anything to do with it. It was so funny!! Braxton our boy that just loves to get dirty would not even stick his hand in he thought it was so gross. Haylee's picture speaks for itself... McKynlee didn't even come over by the table..she was MIA. But, it's memories right!! Mark pulled out some amazing pumpkin carving skills don't ya think!!

Dudes & Donuts

Friday was "Dudes and Donuts" at Maycee and Braxton's school. They were so excited that Dad got to go to their school in the morning and have donuts with them. They read a book together, played on the playground, and got to show their Dad their classroom. They talked about it for weeks before, and had a great time. Maycee and Braxton love Friday because it's "Spirit Day" and they get to be twins and wear their school t-shirts!! It's adorable

Hangin' Out at the Farm

For family night we went to a local farm and had such a fun time. We played on the haystacks, rode on the cow train, picked out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, pet the animals, go down the slides, play on the swings. The kids had such a great time they didn't want to go home!! They loved the farm!! They made us promise we would go back every year.

McKynlee's 2nd Birthday

 

 

We just celebrated McKynlee's birthday on Monday and had so much fun. She is so adorable!! Maycee and Braxton made her birthday crowns, she had cinnamon toast for breakfast (her favorite), and we had a barbecue with the family. We got a pinata, and that stole the show. The kids had so much fun. Braxton is the one that finally broke it open and hit the mother load!! She got Polly Pockets, some Barbies and a doll house!! She was in heaven. They have been playing with that house for 3 days straight now. Even Braxton has his Troy Boulton doll and is a good sport and plays house with them. McKynlee loved when we sang to her, she blew out the candles and then said, "Again!!". So, we sang to her again, lit the candles again, and she still said again. She would have gone all night if we would have let her. She's so dang funny!! We just love that girl....I can't believe she's two!!

The Cheerleaders

 

We had another great day of soccer on Saturday. The kids are still undefeated and loving it. Here are some pictures of our little cheerleaders Haylee, McKynlee, and Lexee. They have had fun hanging out watching their brother and sister play soccer. Maycee has been really getting in there to get that ball. This picture was how she played the whole game!! She was an animal!! Of course Braxton attacks the ball and anyone that tries to get in his way. They are having a blast!!

Our Soccer Kids

Well, let the games begin. Soccer season has started!! Maycee's team is the "Purple Pixie Pandas" (half of their team wanted the pandas and half wanted the pixies) and Braxton's team is "The Hulk". They have both won all 3 of their games so far. Maycee's favorite position is forward, and Braxton just loves to run down the field and score goals. It is so cute to watch them play. Haylee & McKynlee are good cheerleaders. As long as we have enough snacks for them they love playing on the sidelines. Creed & Lacey came to watch their game yesterday, it was fun to have them there.

Just Hangin' Out

Over Labor Day weekend we got to visit the other side of the fam too!! We stayed at Hotel Tyler and booked the "main suite". We hung out at Brian and CoLene's and had dinner and played games. We had a blast just enjoying each others company. Our kids love their cousins so much!!

Labor Day Weekend

We went up north for the weekend and had such a great time. We went to Bart & Stacey's cabin and rode 4-wheelers and motorcycles. We celebrated our cousin Shaylin's birthday while we were there. We loved hanging out with the family. Brett taught Braxton how to shoot his first gun. He thought he was so cool. Maycee learned how to ride a motorcycle. I rode on the back, and taught her how to use the gas and before you knew it she was riding it with me holding on to enjoy the ride. It was awesome!!

Little Teacher

Well, Miss Maycee started school!! She loves to learn, hang out with her friends, and be the teachers pet. She really likes her new teacher. She is already one of the top readers in her class and loves to go to school everyday. She loves it so much when she comes home she plays school with her brother and sisters!! She can't get enough!!

Our Little Kindergarten'r

I can't believe he is in Kindergarten. He loves his teacher so much. She is the one who did his assessment during the summer and he really wanted her to be his teacher!! He is starting to read and loves to say the Pledge of Allegiance. He has met a "buddy" Carson that he likes to play with after school. They are very cute together. Of course I shed a few tears when I watched him walk through the door and blow me a kiss. He is such a rough and tough boy, but at the same time has such a tender heart!!

Haylee & McKynlee

These two are so funny!! They love to follow each other around and try to get what the other one has. McKynlee copies Haylee and it drives Haylee crazy. Kynlee thinks it's funny so she does it some more. The more Haylee screams the more Kynlee likes it!! They play really cute together too!! They like to play "camping club" with Braxton. They will spend all morning up in the playroom playing together. It is really adorable.

Let's Do It!

Well, I finally decided to get into this decade and start "Blogging". So, here goes nothing!!