Happy Valentine's Day!

For Valentine's Day, MaKyra and Gabe had parties at school. So in order to prevent sadness at home when they came back with all their goodies and valentines, I threw a little kid Valentine's party. We had 15 kids at our house (plus their moms) for pizza, cookies, games, and a valentine exchange. Parker said, "It was super-duper fun!"

I think it was a hit! I loved doing it. I have such great friends that help a ton! So much fun - can't wait to do it next year. Gabe came home with a bag full of valentine's and one on his eye. For the valentine's in his class, they made them in class and wrote compliments on them. It was fun to read what other kids said about him. Mostly he is funny and strong. I think it was a great assessment. MaKyra's party was also great. Her teacher told her they weren't having a party and then gave a smile. I told MaKyra that meant they were but she said, "No, my teacher said we weren't." Her teacher sure tricked her when she really did have a party. Needless to say our Valentine's Day was a blast.

Just Life

Gabe just started gymnastics. He loves it. Ever since we moved he has asked when he would start gymnastics again and I finally followed through. He was so proud of himself for hanging upside down on the rings. He is very strong. The kids had a movie night on my bed last week and as you can see they were loving it.

I love movie night. If I start the movie at 6:30, they watch it til about 8:30. They feel like they stayed up a bit later than normal and I feel like they went to bed at 6:30.

Cookies and Valentines

Grandma Marilyn invited us to a Valentine party to make cookies and Valentine's.

The kids had so much fun making and decorating the cookies. Parker got his apron on and exclaimed, "I'm ready to cook!"

Peyton didn't love decorating the cookies as much as she loved eating the frosting. Yummy!

The day was complete with making Valentine's. It was a lot of fun! Thanks Mom!

Santa Found Us!

Christmas was so fun. The kids were so excited and Santa brought them exactly what they wanted. My mom & dad spent Christmas Eve with us and Christmas morning. We loved having them there.

Santa brought Peyton a Little People castle that obviously didn't make it into the camera. Oops on the camera man.

Parker got a Hot Wheel monster-looking track thing. He has had his heart set on it for months. I am happy to report that it has lived up to expectations. Parker loves it.

All Gabe wanted was a "Lego Star Wars droid ship." He was so excited to get it. He did really well putting it all together. I helped with instructions but he didn't want me touching the legos. He wanted to do it all by himself. He did an awesome job. I think it wore him out though because the next ship was a little one and he said, "Mom, I already did mine. You can do this one."

MaKyra got a Our Generation doll. She loves it. She changes her name weekly. Her friends came over and they all brought their dolls and had a fun little doll party.

Christmas Day!

When the gifts were opened at our house, we headed to Matt's parents house for more presents and fun! It was great getting together with family over the holidays. We loved being with together and sure missed the ones who weren't with us.

New Dance Company

We have started with a new dance company now that we have moved. MaKyra is loving dance and is doing really well. We loved watching her at her winter recital. She is a cute little dancer!

MaKyra and Gabe's Birthday!

MaKyra & Gabe had a joint birthday party this year. We went bowling with some friends & then had cake and ice cream back at home. It was so fun & easy. The kids all had a blast! Bowling was great! One of MaKyra's friends commented that real bowling is "heavier" than bowling on the Wii. As you can tell by their faces, they had FUN!

And We're Off!

It has taken a long time for these pictures to be posted. Back in September our family took a trip to California to visit Matt's sister and family and see the sites.

Waiting for the plane to come! The kids were anxious and so excited. I was just hoping Peyton would travel well. The plane ride was perfect. Peyton fell asleep during take off and woke up as we were landing. I call that a tender mercy. The other kids did great too. Between looking out the window, playing the Leapster, and coloring they were very entertained. Who knew traveling with four young kids would be easy enough I could even read a book?

The Angels

Matt's sister, Jacque, and her husband, Darian, surprised us with tickets to the Angels game. We were really excited!

We had great seats and a great time. I loved how big the stadium is. I didn't realize how huge they are. I loved the whole experience! Thanks Jacque and Darian!