Back to school and Aunt La...

My beautiful sister recently visited us from Louisiana.

We had so much fun having her here, but it made us realize how much we miss her and wish that we weren't separated from so much distance. We LOVE you, La!

The kiddos went back to school and I am sitting here wondering where summer went.  They were all so excited for their new year.  Mara is in 4th, William is in 2nd and Anna started kindergarten.

All I have to say is the house is insanely quiet and still haven't started working on the intense list of to do's that I have.  Oh well, someday right?

I still can't believe that my baby is old enough for kindergarten. I am so proud of all them.

Anna the artist...

My little Anna is an artist.  She loves to draw things to that make her feel happy. This picture below is something that she painted at artist camp this summer.  She also took party in an acting/ talent camp.  They did a small play, Matilda and a talent show.  She showed off her art work for her talent and did an amazing job in the play with 2 parts that she memorized and spoke with a perfect British accent. 

I have a feeling that this will not be her last time on stage! Way to go Annie!

This is her talent show artwork.

 

UP and Down...

ummmm..... When all 23 of us decided to hike up to Mount Timpanogos Cave, I didn't remember how crazy of a hike it was... LONG, HOT and STRAIGHT UP HILL!!!  I think that they last time I did this hike, I was maybe 10 years old.  I am not sure what was worse, the climb up, or the descent down... Not to forget that I had just ran a half marathon the day prior.... Not really sure what I was thinking. BUT, all things considered, it was so much fun and the kids had a great time.

We just won't be doing that again for at least another 10 years. ;)

Block party...

A block party just isn't complete without....
A HUGE smoker for brisket...

 A bounce house for the kids!

 Amazing chalk art...

 rides in the golf cart...

 wonderful friends...

 a BIG HUGE mess to clean up afterwards...

AND Finding Nemo on the big screen in the back yard!

5 straight days...

We surprised our kids again this past May with a trip to Disneyland!  They had NO idea.  We literally picked them up from school and put them in the car.  It was SOOOOO much fun.  When we go to Disneyland, we go!  Meaning... we are there for 5 straight days with no breaks, open to close!  YES!!!! It's the ONLY way to do it!

Video of the surprise won't download for some reason, so I will figure it out and post later!

Cheers!

One proud mama...

I have a lot to brag about regarding this kiddo!  She has amazed me over the past year at the talents that are shining through.

This was Mara's first year competing in gymnastics.  She did it with flying colors!  She placed first overall in 5 out of 7 meets and made it to regionals in Las Vegas!  She placed 5th in regions on bars!!! 5th IN THE REGION!! That included all of California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico!

 She also ran her first 5k and did amazing considering she didn't train.

I'm so proud of her and wish to scream it to the world!

Love you Mara!

What we have been up to...

Spring/Summer...
Because I apparently don't' know how to blog anymore (;)), here is a quick version of what we have done in 2013 this far....

 We surprised our kids with a trip to Disneyland.... LOVE their faces!

 Our trip was sooooooo amazing, and I even got to be there on Mothers Day!  BEST MD EVER!

 B and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary!  Love this  man more today, than the day I married him.

 We painted our house and I LOVE it!  I feel like I should live on the beach, but I guess the Daybreak lake will have to do!

 Mara and I went to NYC!!!!  She LOVED IT!  We had so much fun!

I have truly been trying to soak up the fact that I am a stay at home mom again.  I missed it more than I ever would have thought. More to come!