How is it possible???

Yesterday...our little Bria turned 9. I can't believe it!!!

Bria has always been a cutie...

...but when I took her out today for her "birthday photo shoot" I realized just HOW cute! She needs to stop growing up!!!

Seriously...gorgeous!!!

(She was a little upset that I made her sit in the back of a dirty car...)
We are so lucky to have her in our lives! Bria is such a wonderful big sister to her brothers, the best friend to everyone she meets, and the greatest daughter we could have ever dreamed!

Happy 9th birthday Bria!!! We love you so much!!!

Until We Meet Again...

This man was the greatest father-in-law I could have ever hoped for...

He would greet everyone...and I mean everyone...with a hug, a kiss, and a smile...then talk your ear off for hours:)

He constantly showed love for his family and his grandkids. He would attend as many events as he possibly could to show that love to all of us...

And we all loved having him around...


We spent many wonderful Christmases together and enjoyed every moment, constantly wishing that we could roll back the clock and enjoy them all over again...

We would occasionally go out for dinner, or lunch and talk the afternoon away...

He had a joy...mostly of his family...but also of sports, fishing, going on trips...and sometimes trips that were SUPER "spur of the moment". One time we decided to go to Wyoming...just because...and requested their company. At the drop of a hat, they were packed and ready to go.

Unfortunately for us...Cass got sick. He'd have occasional seizures which would result in hospital stays for long periods of time. As a family, we all thought that his wish of moving to Hawaii should be granted...and they moved in November 2009 to Oahu. Before they left, we had a surprise "going away party" for Jennifer and Cass...and they were definitely surprised!!! Here they are right when Grandma Carmen (who secretly traveled out from Caliornia), surprised them and danced at their party...

On Father's Day this year, this most wonderful man had his most recent round of seizures...

Damon decided to head out to Hawaii to be with his family. We were told Cass would most likely make a full recovery, so after staying out there for 4 days, Damon came back home.

Then, a few weeks after Damon got home...without the doctors detecting... Cass had a stroke while still in the hospital that wiped out half of his brain. After many family meetings...they decided to let Cass "go" and be free from the pain he was feeling. The entire family gathered together in Oahu...and surrounded Cass. They truly are such a loving family. You could just feel it in the room.

On August 22nd around 9:55pm...with Jennifer, Matt and Tanya in the room...Cass slipped peacefully from this life to the loving arms of our Father in Heaven.

We miss Cass so much and are comforted by the knowledge that we have of eternal families and eternal life. He is still with us. We feel him each day. His mark has been left on our hearts forever. We will miss his sweet belly laugh and loving arms around us upon each greeting. Until we meet again and with so much love...

Canyon Drive...

The mountains look amazing, so we decided yesterday to go on a Sunday drive up the canyon. We found this awesome picture spot... and it took FOREVER to get a decent picture of the kids because they kept hearing "big huge bears". One time in particular, Damon opened up the car door, said "get out" to a bee he was swishing out of the car, then slammed the door...and Micah jumped off the rock completely freaking out that there was a bear right behind him...

So, we went back to the car, reassured them that everything was ok...then got a quick shot of the older kids...

And...one of Josiah with his most awesome smile...

We'll be going back up the canyon next weekend, so hopefully the kids won't freak out again about the bears:)

A Little Practice...

So...the other day Bria and her friend Claire were over playing. They are SUPER cute friends. Bria decided first that she wanted to have a "spa day", then a "nail day"...but ultimately settled for "just doing makeup" and asked if it was ok. I told them as long as they didn't make a mess...it was fine with me. About 30 minutes later, they came out of Bria's room looking like this...

It was SO funny! There I am thinking my little girl is putting on makeup all cute, and they come around the corner looking like that:) They are so funny together. It was such a great makeup job that Bria has decided to be a "dead bride" for Halloween. A little makeup practice never hurt:)

Awesome Shot!

Man alive...our kids are really doing well with soccer this year! Last week all 3 of them were SO close to making shots...but no luck.

Today, Micah was on FIRE! He made 2 goals during his game today. This video is the first of his goals. The boy he's running next to plays indoor soccer in the winter, so he has a little more experience than Micah. Just watch how he gets "handled"!!!

Micah made his 2nd goal when I had to leave to get Colton. 2 games at the same time and a hubby that works...need I say more? Anyways, I was told that his second goal was amazing as well! I can't wait for next week!!!

Oh...and I know that Micah is still young enough for small goals...although he looks like a giant compared to the rest of the kids...but if you know me at all, you know how much I love soccer! It just makes me happy that my kids love it too...and that they're enjoying it!

Josiah

Our little Josiah just turned 1 1/2 today. We can't believe how quickly he has grown!

At a year and a half Josiah...
Loves to be tickled
Cries every time someone in our family says "bye" to him
Has the cutest belly laugh
Loves to chase and be chased
Loves animals...especially dogs
Runs really fast
Still has the cutest dimples we've ever seen
Hates the movie theater
Loves to eat
Loves to scream...especially if you take a toy from him
Laughs at everything Micah does
Strongly dislikes cold water
Loves the wind and laughs when it hits his face
Runs to his daddy whenever he comes in the door
Climbs on mommy first thing in the morning
Gives the best hugs and kisses
Loves to dance and play on the piano
Kicks the soccer ball and throws toys like a pro:)
Says "yeah" to every question you ask him
Says "yuv ya" among many other things...that's just my favorite
Will raise his hand if you start a question with the word "Who"
Is the sweetest little boy around!!!

We love you Siah and are so glad that your sweet spirit continually blesses our family!!! Happy Year and a Half:)

Leprechaun Day...

Today has already been so much fun! The Leprechaun came for a visit:) He made us green pancakes, green eggs, colored all the toilet water green, left the kids a pot of green and gold candies, and messed up the Leprechaun trap that the boys had been working on. Micah said the Leprechaun messed up his room. He also said that the reason he keeps tripping is because the Leprechaun is invisible and he keeps stepping infront of him:) There have been discussions about how tall the Leprechaun is...and if his name really is "Lucky". Kids are so great! Such a fun holiday!!!

We have the kids all dressed in green, and the traditional corn beef cooking away...I love that the kids get so excited about holidays and traditions we are forming! It's fun that they believe...cuz it wouldn't be any fun if they didn't! Here's another picture of the kids before heading off to school...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! We really hope the Leprechaun visited YOU!

I'm ALIVE...

On March 4th I asked the kids to "Put on a play for me". Totally off the top of their heads, nothing planned...and it was SO funny! Super short...but funny! The more we watch, the funnier it becomes:)

*Don't mind the messy, mis-matched room...we've inherited some things and don't know what to do with them yet:)

Funny Laughs...

Last night the kids were being wild...to put it lightly:) So, I decided to record their "Funny Laughs". Enjoy:)

Daddy/Daughter Dinner

On Saturday, Damon and Bria went to a Daddy Daughter Dinner.

They had fun eating and doing the "Chicken Dance":) Bria's table won the contest to see who could tie a tie on their dad the fastest. They had a great time!

A Whole Year...Really???

Our little Josiah is officially A YEAR OLD!!!I still can't get over his yummy cheeks and gooey smile! Josiah is such a wonderful baby and we are so blessed to be his parents!

At a year, Josiah...

Loves to be tickled.

Loves to walk around in his walker.

Likes to get into drawers and cupboards and throw things all over the floor:)

Loves to climb up the stairs...he's quick!

Loves to eat!

Loves his bottle.

Loves his own room:)

Loves to babble. He is a talker! He says, "I uv ohh" when he gives hugs, and I have a video to prove it:)

Loves to give hugs and kisses.

Loves to bang on our windows with very large objects...

Loves to play. Especially with animals or puppets with life-like faces on them. He'll hug and kiss them, and it's so cute!

Loves to go on a walk, or to the store. He's a good "errand buddy":)

Still has the CUTEST dimples and cheeks...and smile that I have ever seen.

Still gets stopped everytime we're out...and I'm hoping SOON that people will realize that it's not completely appropriate to kiss my baby and touch his face:)

Still has the 3 teeth, but that 4th is coming in any day now.

Loved his first cupcake!!!

Laughs and smiles at almost anything.

Josiah...we love you so much and have been blessed to have you in our lives this year! You are a joy! We love you to pieces and can't get enough of you! Happy Birthday little man:)

Let the Parties Begin!!!

Today, our little girl turned 8 years old! How did this happen SO fast!?!? She really is growing up before our eyes!
Yesterday I took Bria up the canyon for a photo shoot of her in her baptism dress. Even though it was Freezing, she was a great sport...and...we got some cute shots of her. Here's one of my favorites...

Then, this evening we celebrated Bria's birthday. Call me crazy but we had a LOT of girls over...(this was taken after 2 girls had left)

We had a great time getting our hair done, painting our nails, watching the "Hannah Montana Movie", and eating popcorn, pizza, cake and ice cream. Loud? Yes! Fun? Yes! And overall...we had a wonderful day celebrating our Beautiful daughter! Happy 8th Birthday Bria!

11 months...

My little baby boy is 11 months old today!

This picture TOTALLY cracks me up because it completely shows his chubbiness! At 11 months Josiah...
Will copy you if you stick out your tongue or wave.
Copies sounds that you make. I really think he says, "Look at this"!
Crawls like a mad man...even up the stairs
Walks along furniture.
Loves bottles and "people food".
Loves jumping on the trampoline...in my arms of course!
Weighs a WHOPPING 24 pounds and 7.5 ounces!!!
Wears 12-18 month clothing.
Says, "BaBa" (bottle), "Ba" (ball), "Mama", "Dada", "Uh Oh", and screams when he wants more food.
Could eat ALL.DAY!
Has an infectious laugh.
Has 3 teeth, and one about to make an appearance.
Is stopped every time we're out for comments on his hair, or his chubbiness, or his dimples...
Has the cutest dimples ever!
Is loved by all!
We love you Siah! Can't believe it's almost been a year!

*And...a very Happy Birthday to my brother Chuck! We love you and hope you had a great day!!!

Sunday...

Poor Colton started feeling sick yesterday after church. High fever, and apparently...very tired. Just before dinner, I found him on the couch like this...

Hopefully he'll feel better really soon!!!

We were so happy to be able to have dinner with Damon's parents last night. It's always good company! Here is my favorite picture from Sunday...

Josiah just loves his Grandma Jenny!

Lunch...

Right after we took Colton to Preschool, and Micah to Kindergarten...we decided to have lunch with some FUN people:) My BIL Todd, niece Kiera, and Kiera's roommate Connie...Tucanos was YUMMY! Especially the BBQed pineapple! MmmmmMmmm!

These pictures are priceless:) Sorry Connie, I couldn't resist! Between Todd taking something from the waiter that wasn't his, and Connie's "germ-a-phobeness", we had a super fun lunch!

Thanks for a great afternoon guys!
OK...so get this...I went to pick up my niece the following week for a lunch date, and we see this in the parking lot at BYU...

Seriously, it made my day!!! I'm so glad that my niece lives so close to us! Lunch dates are the BEST! Thanks Kiera!

Preschool...Here we COME!

Colton started his 2nd year of Preschool this year and LOVES it! Here he is with his teacher Miss Sherrie on "Meet the Teacher Day"...

And before heading off for his official "first day of school"...

Colton LOVES school! Especially art, recess, and story time.

Micah's First Day of Kindergarten:)

I guess it's better to post about Micah's first day of Kindergarten now, then never...right???
So, here's Micah before heading to the bus stop...

At the bus stop with the neighbor kids...They were SO excited!!!

Here he is getting on the bus...

And YES...I am one of "those mom's" that follow their kids to school:)

Here I am with Micah before sending him off for his BIG day...

Here's Micah with his teacher Mrs. Story. He loves her!

I can't believe my kids are growing up so fast! Micah loves school! He is an excellent reader and loves to learn! YAY for school:)

Pretty Sad...

Yep...that's me...I'm "pretty sad" with my blogging aren't I?!? I have missed blogging about so many important events that I am going to try to catch up on...

For now, I wanted to post a picture of Josiah, because yesterday he turned 10 months old! I can't believe how fast the time has gone!!!

At 10 months, Josiah loves to crawl, laugh, eat...(especially corn & sweet potatoes), go for walks, drink from bottles, and babble. He started crawling about a week ago, has 1 tooth and one that's almost breaking through, and says little things like..."dada", "ma", "ba"...for bottle, and as of today "Uh Oh". Never have I been stopped so many times while we're out, by people who just have to comment on his chubby cheeks, fat thighs, cutest dimples, or crazy fuzzy hair:o)

We love this little boy!!! He is all over the place, but we wouldn't have it any other way!!! Happy 10 months Josiah!!!

9 Months...

This little guy is 9 months old today!

Josiah is an amazing little boy!!! Here's what he's been up to...

He loves water, and went swimming for the first time 2 weeks ago.

He says, "DaDa", an occasional "MaMa", and screams when prompted.

Falls asleep on his own without a pacifier.

Finally started eating baby food, and loves it!

Likes cheerios, graham crackers, bananas and peaches.

Claps when you say "YAY"!

Cuddles when he's tired.

Is at the brink of crawling.

Got his first tooth last Saturday:o)

Has an infectious laugh that we can't get enough of...

And...has cheeks and dimples that go on forever:o)

Happy 9 months little one! We love you!!!