Reunion

Everyone was so excited to go to the airport to pick up Mike and Gina. It was a rare occasion that all 4 children were buckled in the car ready to go (with a few minutes to spare). We're all so happy... but what's this?... the car won't start? GET OUT!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS? Long story short, I borrowed a car, some of us finally picked up the weary travelers, charged the battery in the car, and had us a happy fashion show.






It's been so nice to have my 'right arm' and my 'better half' back!

Last day of school

"What time is it? SUMMER TIME!"
we started the school year with photos, so it's only right to end it with more pics.

Grateful 4's

First off, I am grateful that Mike and Gina are just on the other side of the world, and not on the other side of the veil. I'm grateful for modern technology and the blessing to skype with them. I'm grateful and excited for them to have such incredible opportunities together. (sorry, no current pics of the two)

I am so grateful for Eliza... she is such a good girl, and wants to do what is right! I'm grateful for her sweet voice, and to hear her sing. (she sings all the time, it's so wonderful) I'm grateful she is so generous with her talents... art, dancing, reciting poetry, singing, LAUGHING, and joking/teasing. I'm grateful that she ALWAYS compliments my cooking and tells me I'm the best cook ever! (she always says that when she wants something to eat just before dinner). I'm grateful she is so protective of her sisters and younger brothers. She is a great example!

I'm grateful for ISAAC. Right now he is the MAN of the HOUSE, and he is doing a great job of it! (even if he doesn't know what that means) I'm grateful for his kind, gentle personality, and his SMILE that lights up my day. I'm grateful that he has discovered a new LOVE... LEGO STARWARS. I'm grateful he still considers Eliza as his "best friend".

I'm grateful for Charlie... that he LOVES airplanes, motorcycles, and helicopters. He is the ENTERTAINER of the family a real comedian! I'm grateful for his little crooked smile, and his CONSTANT companionship. I'm grateful that he likes to use the potty and that he has given up his "bob" (bottle). I'm sooo grateful that he tells me "mom, I tired" and doesn't fight me (too much) when I put him down for a nap. (he happened to be napping when I snapped pictures for this posting. so, peaceful)


I'm grateful for my sweet boo boo baby Olivia. She is so much fun! Last week, she crawled into the kitchen after me. (that is nothing new or too exciting) when I finally turned around to see her, she was pushing a chair from the table like a walker to get to me. WAAAAAGGGGGHH! I'm grateful my 8 month old baby is NOT walking by herself.... YET.

Oh Baby!

In a race to catch up with the other kids, Olivia is a real go go kind of gal. Not only is she crawling, she is in to everything!!! Pulling books off the shelf... cups out of the drawer... dishes out of the dishwasher (she's been fired from the kitchen crew when she broke a bowl).
She is a handful already, but she is so adorable, sweet, and funny.

Sianara

Saying Goodbye... everyone wanted to wave, hug, and kiss farewell to Dad and Gina. In the wee early morning hours on Sunday May 23rd, Mike and Gina literally left their comfort zones. They will tour East Asia with the Montana State University Symphony. Mike is working (of course) documenting the tour for PBS and Gina is simply taking advantage of a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

Snowy wonderland

Wednesday morning we woke up to lots and lots of snow. It had started to snow Tuesday and didn't stop until yesterday evening. We ate breakfast to "let it snow, let it snow", and "Slay bells ring, are you listening...", (oh wait, are those two the same song?) anyway, Mike took full advantage of the white stuff. He is such an awesome Dad, he walked the kids to school pulling them on the sled. The sled was a BIG hit on the playground!

The tramp was ladened with snow!

It's so nice to have a good warm home to stay in when Mother Nature plays her April Fool's jokes all month long.

Happy Easter!

Getting one good picture of all our children is hard work especially at 8:30 a.m. I jumped in the shower while everyone was still sleeping and Mike had gone off to meetings. Charlie woke up first when he couldn't find my hair to pull no doubt. Then when he couldn't get into the bathroom to be with me, he woke up the rest of the kids. They all decided to sample as much of the candy left in their Easter baskets before mom could put a stop to that and feed them breakfast. Charlie was definitely on a sugar high, high, high! His new phrase is "after dinner" This goes for everything! for example, we went to the store and he spotted some motorcycles, he says "mom, lets go ride that motorcycle." I say "we can't Charlie, it's not our motorcycle" he says "after dinner mom! After dinner".
Sugar is sweet, but I think my children are sweeter. I do love them so, and I am so grateful for each one of them. What a wonderful weekend to celebrate with them the resurrection of our Savior. It was pretty low key and relaxed with a little extra sugar.


Such pretty girls. Eliza isn't very photogenic at all, what a ham



The boys got new matching easter ties. They look so handsome, I just love those two boys!


Isaac poured his own bowl of cereal... the cheerios came out a little too fast, they were all over the chair and floor. He and I shared a good laugh and lots of cheerios!
Charlie is my little Maestro, he loves to listen to music! Especially when it's just like the big kids on his " I pot "