Eliza is 2 months old!!

She always looks so serious.

Seriously, time couldn't be flying any faster. Eliza is a little sweetie with quite the personality. She's quiet and observant when she doesn't need anything, but if she's hungry or wants to be held... just watch out!! She'll let you know loud and clear. She also lets us know if Darci is being TOO loving. Eliza is very loved in this household. It's very sweet when she wakes up in the mornings and everyone comes rushing to her room to give loves and kisses. Only recently has she awarded these with big smiles. Mommy was starting to worry that this child would only ever smile at her Daddy. Her favorite place to be is outside. When we go on walks she is mesmerized by everything around her. Eliza loves being outside

Especially with her crazy brothers and sister.

Lucky

Spring 2006

Many of you know that Bret and I have a lot of music in our lives. We have many songs that we consider our songs and we have songs for each of our children. All the songs on our playlist here have some sort of special meaning for us or our children. Recently we've added the song "Lucky" to our playlist.

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

Dance Festival

Today Christopher had his school dance festival. This year was super cute and worth staying for the entire thing (even though 1st grade performed 1st). They did a superhero theme and Christopher's grade did Batman. They were the classic theme songs. "Na na na na na na na BATMAN!" Others were X-men, Superman, Power Rangers, Spiderman, Ninja Turtles, and the kindergartners did a song called "If I were a superhero". So much fun.

Last day of Joy School

Bryce, Macy, Xander, Jake, and Joey. I'm missing Isaac.

Xander has had a very enjoyable time with Joy School this year. It has been so good for his social skills and his basic "classroom" skills. We kept the group small and only gathered once a week. The other moms were great with Xander's unique personality and learned how to deal with his difficult moments. I appreciate each one of their kids and enjoyed the weeks I got to teach.

Today was his last day of Joy School and we had a Luau at Bryce's home. The weather was perfect and Bryce's mom went all out (as always).

Macy, Xander, Jake, and Joey Joey, Darci, Isaac, and Bryce drying off.

Xander with his precious water balloon. Darci with a beach ball. Darci and Bryce. Luau 'liza

Just some other cute pics from this month...

snuggly Eliza Xander is a good big brother Grandma and unhappy Eliza

Eliza's 1st bath after umbilical cord fell off.

Clean and dry.

The 1st of many...

Matching outfits!!!! THANK YOU DENISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 7th Birthday Christopher!!

It was a nice sunny day today. Just like the day he was born. He enjoyed running party errands... just he and Mom, in the morning. The party was so much fun. We did a family party this year. We think this is every bit as fun as inviting friends over. We had the "Sidewinder" that was so much fun at the reunion last 4th of July. We had water balloons and the trampoline. Christopher got some great gifts (THANKS FAMILY) and we had good eats. The adults sat around gabbing for hours.

Christopher went to bed very happy.

Happy Anniversary!!!!

I promise that Eliza was there... she was just asleep in the stroller the whole time.

Today Bret and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. In many ways the time has flown. If you look at our courtship, then you know that once Bret and I have our mind set we never wait long to act. In the past 8 years we have bought a home, sold a small car to purchase a minivan, and added 4 beautiful children to our family (along with many other things)Sometimes it seems like there should have more years in there... we can't remember (or even want to) a time when we didn't have each other.

For our anniversary today we excused Christopher from school and took the entire family to Utah's Hogle Zoo. Our family loves animals and so we always enjoy the zoo. After the zoo we let the kids pick a fast food restaurant and enjoyed eating and playing there. Then just Bret and I went to dinner together. It's funny... we were so happy to get out and be just the two of us, but what do we talk about?.. the kids. Thanks Nate and Audra for watching our crew while we spent some time away.

Bret, I love you more than anything. You are my EVERYTHING. I am so grateful that we have eternity together.

Giraffes Penguins

Black bear

Water Globe