Rainy Day Fun

Darci and Eliza soaking wet



Eliza doesn't want to come in out of the pouring rain.








Sunday, July 31, 2011
We were having a lazy, summer afternoon when I realized I couldn't hear Darci or Eliza anymore.  I found them outside in the pouring rain.  I love it!!!  I used to love to play in summer rainstorms :)

Hiking Battlecreek Falls

The hiking crew


For her wellness program at work, my mom has to do a 60 minute hike once a week.  For the July 24th holiday we got to join her on her hike to Battlecreek Falls.
It was a great experience for our kids and fun for all.
We thankfully had a nice, cool, cloudy morning for it.
Afterwards we enjoyed breakfast at the kids' favorite joint... McDonald's.

Mom and Christopher at the bottom of the falls



Our view of the valley at the falls.



Christopher at the tops of the falls





Awww... my oldest and my youngest.  Eliza idolizes Christopher



We Love You Wendy

On July 7, 2011 Bret's younger sister, Wendy, passed away due to complications from her Type 1 Diabetes.
This has been a very hard and trying time for all of us, especially Bret, as we've tried to adjust to this sudden change in our lives.

She was able to pass peacefully surrounded by her parents and siblings.

The viewing and funeral were beautiful.

We love you Wendy.


There was a beautiful double rainbow that was with us our entire drive home from the viewing.



Till we meet again...



The smaller children still found some time to enjoy each other and play





Darci had a special moment with her grandma after we released balloons for Wendy.



Bret and Gabby have bonded.  Gabby was Wendy's kitty.  I think they know they need each other.

Grandma Rosemary thought Darci should have this arrangement from the funeral.  It was Darci's Favorite and with there being roses... it was fitting for our little Darci Rose

Disneyland Day 3

More info to come

Xander's Kindergarten Celebration

More info to come

Meadow Dance Festival 2011

More info coming.

MARDI GRAS!!!!

So, one of my dearest friends (Libby, she is SO AWESOME) invited my family to her Mardi Gras party last night. Her family is from Louisiana and they celebrate every year.

Bret had to work, but the kids and I headed out and we had so much fun. Traditional Jambalaya, dirty rice, king (cup)cakes, homemade rootbeer, beignets... so fun to introduce my kiddos to this stuff. Everyone made floats out of boxes or dressed up and we had a full on parade with beads and coins. Eliza and Darci were pretty princesses and Xander was a pirate and Christopher was a rocker. Eliza even had the baby in her King Cake. We enjoyed the company of good friends and enjoyed overall good times.

Thanks again, Libby. You're the best host EVAH!

Silly Eliza

Eliza is getting sooooooo big. For awhile there she was a skinny, itty bitty thing and always looking too skinny. Now she's suddenly getting a little bit chubbzy and I love it. She's also in to EVERYTHING and starting to get really good at talking and she loves to sing and dance. She can really drive me crazy, but she also makes me laugh and she is sooooooooo cute!!!

New Years Eve...eve...

Justin and Carrie were in town the week after Christmas, but had to leave on Dec 31st in the morning so that Justin could chaperone a New Year's Eve Dance. So we had a New Years Eve Eve party with the Vegas Pings.

The cousins had so much fun together and (AS ALWAYS) Carrie makes the best spread of food. It was laid back and fun and so good to be together.

My mom and I.

B and Darci have so much fun together

Shendi and Xander hang.

Darci gets kisses from Pancho

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

My goodness I'm behind on blogging. We've been very busy with me returning to work and the kids being involved in all sort sof activities.

Dec. 25th, 2010

What an amazing Christmas we had!!! More than anything we had some sweet miracles and blessings come our way that made our future look a little brighter.

The kids all had great insights this year into the true meaning of Christmas and I'm pleased to say it has been our most meaningful and spiritual.

We woke up around the usual time and I think we all enjoyed teaching Eliza how to rip into her presents. She seemed a little confused since she had been told no on ripping the wrapping paper so many times. Everyone loved their presents and the finale was Christopher opening a Wii for the whole family that he was not expecting to get until we got our tax refunds. Thanks to some saving and some help from both sets of grandparents we were able to make that happen. If any child in the world deserved to have his every heart's desire on Christmas it is Christopher. He is so obedient and helpful. He rarely complains and when he does he tries to do so in private. I don't know what I'd do without him.

We hope to hold these feelings and experiences with us throughout this next year and forever.

Christmas Eve

December 24th, 2010-

Dani and Eliza LOOOVED the caramel corn.

Darci enjoyed holding Cora. Not so sure Cora enjoyed Darci holding her, though ;)

Eliza was often found at the food table, stuffing her face. What a mess!!!

We spent our traditional Christmas Eve at Bret's parent's clubhouse. We ate pizza and junk food and hung out and opened some gifts. We really enjoyed our time celebrating with family. The kids love going in the hot tub. It was very easy and laid back and relaxing.

I spent a good chunk of time holding baby Cora. She makes me realize my baby isn't a baby anymore and I've been feeling just a little sad that we aren't having anymore.

She's so sweet and snuggly!!!

We got home a little earlier than usual and the kids enjoyed opening their Christmas Eve PJs from Mom and Dad and their pillow pets from Gma and Gpa P.