Dance Recital 2010

The girls had a dance recital a few weeks ago. They were both very excited to perform...even Ellie! I really think it was all about the make-up and costumes, though. They both looked so grown-up! They were both so fun to watch and they did so well! Good job, ladies.

A little hike....

A couple of weeks ago, Corey and I joined some friends on a hike in Yosemite. We hadn't been on a "kid-free" hike for a VERY long time and we enjoyed every minute of it! No whining at all! It was a gorgeous day and the scenery and company were amazing. Lots and lots of laughs.. the best kind of day for sure! By the end of the day, I couldn't believe how many jokes had been shared! We are already planning the next hike... can't wait! Jen and Shelley both posted some great pics and commentary... (and did all the work for me!) :)

Happy Memorial Day!

What a fun weekend! We joined Britt and friends at Black Rock Ranch... it's an amazing property up in the Sierra foothills. Gorgeous view, a private lake, lots of kids, great good and company. Noah and Corey especially had fun on the motorcycle/4-wheelers. We couldn't get them off of them!! The "mule" was a super fun little ride...Clay took us on an awesome off-road adventure. A great time was had by all...

GO Bears!

Ellie stayed after school to attend a cheer camp... she went last year and when I went to watch the "showcase", she looked SUPER uncomfortable. Mortified. I don't think she had much fun...

When I showed up today, she was smiling, laughing, talking to friends, and shaking her booty! SO cute. What a difference a year makes. She's finally coming out of her shell...and she's got the cutest personality under there!

One Year Older 2010

Austen. is. a. teenager. WOW. I remember the day she was born. I became a mother. And we've never had a dull moment since. Austen has kept us smiling since day one. She's the life of the party and never stops dancing. We love her like crazy. Happy Birthday!!!

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T-ball has begun!

Aidan has been playing T-ball for a couple of weeks... I took the camera to his game last week... It was a hoot to watch these little guys in action! Aidan looked like he was having a blast. I was out "helping" him when Noah wandered out onto the field. I quickly put him in charge of "coaching", and watched the two brothers really get into the game. So cute. And I was so glad I didn't have to do it! :) It's so fun to have friends on the team! Fun for kids AND moms!

cowgirls and runners!?

Saturday morning was not for wimps around our house. We were all up bright and early... Austen off to be a cheering cowgirl in the Rodeo Parade, and Noah and Corey to run races at Woodward Park. Noah ran 2 miles and Corey ran 10. It was fun to WATCH them arrive at the finish line. So proud of both of them. MAYBE I'll even join Noah next year. We'll see. Corey took 3rd in his age division! Impressive. And I will forever love Noah's attitude about most things... "Was it fun, Noah?"... "Yes!", he responds with a bright red face and a big smile. He's such an awesome sport about all the things he tries out.

I rushed over to the parade later that morning and was able to see the BRONCO girls cheering their hearts out. It was near the end of the route and they were still going strong. She makes an amazing cute cowgirl. Scary.

family and a play

We had a great week... last weekend was spent with family... ALL my siblings and their families minus my youngest bro. We were able to attend my niece's baptism, and then host the while family for dinner the next day. We loved having everyone here. (and missed John) The kids were in heaven...

Later in the week, Noah debuted in his school play as "Mr. Brush", the squirrel. The play was "The Tortoise and the Hare", and after several months of practice, the entire cast did a fantastic job. We loved watching Noah... he looked great in a costume made by Nana, and he remembered all his lines! He's already looking forward to next year!

Sierra Summit 2009-10

We have had SO much fun this year boarding and skiing... Austen, Noah, and Ellie are pros on the boards... Aidan and I hung out on the bunny hill a few times (I got a GREAT workout chasing him up and down the hill those days!), and then decided to send him up with Papa on the lift... the rest is history. Papa showed him how to make an "S" turn, and he's just getting faster every time he goes!!

Aidan went down the "blues" today like a champ... It's amazing to see how fast they learn! And the fact that I get to go and ski with my whole family is the best! We've been waiting for this for several years now!! As we are all going down together, I have the biggest smile on my face. The rides up are fun as we eat M&Ms and throw necklaces on the trees, and the way down is even better as I seriously try to catch up with everyone! It's been an amazing season, (and thanks to Jen, I've already gone enough times to pay for my season pass for next year!!) and I'm sad that it's coming to an end... can't wait until next year!!! How many more months???

It must be Spring Break...

Spring Break=Knott's Berry Farm.

We have headed south to play at Knott's every spring break for several years now. It is always guaranteed fun for everyone. The kids are getting so big (and brave) now that everyone but Aidan was on all the big rides. The crowds were not too big, and we rode 12 hours to our hearts' content. I couldn't believe how fast the day went, and was a little sad when it was all over! We have to wait a whole year for another day like this. We drove back today and stopped at Griffith Park to check out the view and the Observatory. I love spring break. We are up late watching a movie right now... certainly can't do that on a school night!