Zach's Baptism

 
 
Saturday, March 6th was a very special day for our family. Zach was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A lot of our friends and family were in attendance to support Zachary which made it extra special for him. The best part was Zach was baptized along with one of his best friends, Rachelle. We all felt the Spirit and we were all pretty emotional. I am so proud of Zach, he is such a special boy. Congratulations Zach!

Aarrrgh! Party'n at Pirate Island

So, for Zachary's eighth birthday we invited some friends and went to Pirate Island Pizza to get our party on! We had a lot of fun loading up on our loot from the arcade, filling up on the Enormous pizza, and ending with some yummy cake and ice cream before we opened presents. Grandma T. tagged along to guard our loot as we ran around like crazy pirates getting in as much fun as we could. Thanks Grandma T, and thanks friends for coming to Zach's party!

Happy Valentines Day!

Our kids classes asked them to make their own Valentine boxes for V-day at school. Kyle's creative side was really in tune because he helped both kids make fun creations for their class parties. I didn't get a picture of Zach's because by the time I thought of taking a picture, Zach had already torn his open to get his valentine cards. He made a blue post office box. It looked just like the real thing. Kayla's of course was a school bus where she drew pictures of all her friends waving from the windows. They were really proud to show their creations to their teachers and friends.

Happy Birthday Zach!

I can't believe I'm the mother of an eight-year old! It seems like yesterday I was feeding him Cheerios from his high-chair and rocking him to sleep at nap time. As many know, Zach was a really hard baby. I think I cried more than he did, but I have to believe that through all the sweat and tears, came this incredible young man who makes me laugh and smile every day. I am so proud to be the mother of this delightful boy.

On another note, all of us as a family participated together to go from January 1st to Zach's birthday without eating sugar, AT ALL! We made one exception on Superbowl Sunday, but we all made it! Zach was our superstar who was 100% sugar-free the entire time! Everyone we told was astonished. He did so well, especially when treats were offered at school. Still, he stayed strong. And the reward for all his efforts? A party at Pirate Island Pizza for his birthday. He said it was well worth it!

Erica's Dance Class

I enrolled Erica in dance this Spring. She really does love to dance, and she loves her teacher. I love to watch her dance. I see how happy it makes her. She of course refuses to show Daddy her dance moves at home. Silly Erica!

Catch me if you can!

There are days where my kids bust my gut with laughter. Let me paint this picture for you.
I was working on the computer in the spare bedroom one night while Kyle was helping the kids get ready for bed, when Zach came strolling in wearing these thermal-style pajamas that were about 2 sizes too small. Not only was he wearing these ridiculous looking jammies, but he had on his slippers that made him look like Peter Pan. I couldn't stop laughing while Zach couldn't figure out what I was laughing about. For the rest of the evening, Kyle and I were trying to take a picture of this silly looking boy. He of course was not going to be caught on camera, so it was so much fun tricking Zach into view and snapping what shots we could. After all our efforts, this is the best picture we could come up with. Zach is pretty quick!

What a sweet baby!

Kyle and I have been on the fence about keeping our naughty cat, Trixie, for quite some time, but there is one little girl who loves her no matter what. Erica is Trixie's worst nightmare most days, and this day was no exception. From being strollered around the house, to being squeezed near to death with her hugs, Erica loves her kitty to the max!

Christmas Evening

I always look forward to Christmas evening spent with Kyle's family. Every year it gets a little louder and a little crazier with a baby being born almost every year, but I love it and my kids love to spend time with their cousins. We enjoyed each other's company and Kyle's grandparents came and celebrated with us. It was a lot of fun!

Santa's surprises

The kids woke up early Christmas morning to an array of fun toys from Santa. Erica got a doll house with a LOT of Barbies, Kayla was given an easel with some fun markers and paints, and Zach was overloaded with Transformers galore! It was a fun morning spent with Grandma T. After we opened Santa's gifts, we sat together as a family and read the story of the birth of Christ from the Bible, then it was time to delve into the presents. What a fun Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve = Jammies from Grandma

We can't go to bed on Christmas Eve without the snuggly warm jammies from Grandma T. Every Christmas Eve my mom surprises the kids with jammies. My kids love it! Grandma always brings the best jammies!

The sledding hill

Since we were only able to go sledding for a total of two times this year, Kyle and the neighbor designed this great sledding hill right outside in the front yard. It was great. The kids would come home from school, do their homework, then outside to try beating each other's speed record. They even made a path all the way to the street for more thrills. The bad thing about it: It was the last snow to melt in the neighborhood. And for me who is pretty much anti-snow, not so awesome after a while, especially when it wasn't serving it's purpose anymore.

Erica, my little dancer

This is Erica's first dance recital. She was all smiles the entire performance. She was loving every minute and enjoyed dancing for her family. We are super proud of her. I love to watch her dance!