Happy 1st Birthday, Parker!

Party face!
Checking out his Birthday presents...this kid got SPOILED!

The aftermath of the cake (the pictures are in reverse)

I thought he was done and then he stuck his feet in.

Party decorations... I hung some of my favorite pictures of Parker off the chandelier

Birthday cake for Parker to destroy

Party favors

Cupcakes

Party Time, for Parker is one! I can't believe it, my little baby is one. I know that sounds so cliche', but it's absolutely true. Parker has been such a pure joy to have in our family. Within the last couple months his little personality is coming out. He is thoughtful and watches very carefully to figure things out and then he sets out to do them. I know I am biased because I am his mom, but he is one smart little cookie...too smart for his own good. Parker loves to snuggle and gives the best kisses and hugs. He reserves the most tender ones for me- he pretty much has me wrapped around his little finger. P-dawg loves to eat, he out-eats his older brother quite frequently. Parker also LOVES music, he gets his groove on whenever there's a catchy tune playing. We have been so blessed to have this tender, spunky little spirit in our home. We love you Parker and hope you have a Happy Birthday!

Happy Easter 2011

Happy Easter! We hope your day was wonderful. We sure enjoyed our Sunday together. It started off with Jack running into our room with a mouth full of chocolate saying "Mom and dad, someone left this egg with TREATS inside for me, by my bed!". The day continued with more and more and then some more chocolate and treats. We had a fantastic time at church. In primary we learned all about Jesus and the Resurrection in this fun egg opening game. Rob and Parker joined me in my class as "subs" in the senior primary and Jack was in his class in junior primary. I think I am going to have to adopt that egg thing...it combines the fun of a spring celebration with the most important reason for the season, Jesus Christ. Then Rob got on a plane and flew to France, and me and the boys continued to celebrate without him.

Costco Waffels

Dear Costco Organic Freezer Waffles,

You looked so GOOD in the store, and even the "sample" I had of you was good, but the second I have brought you into my kitchen you have been nothing but disappointing. This morning your dance with the toaster was nothing less of a disaster, you came out either burnt or soggy. The idea of having you in a pinch on those rushed mornings is an idea that doesn't seem to produce any of the delicious results I had hoped for. I had bought you for a healthier alternative to your counterpart the eggo... guess I'll have to go back. See you later Organic Costco Waffle- no more for me thank you!

Sincerely,

Me

Maui 2011

We ate LOTS of shaved ice (Jack's favorite flavor- RAINBOW)

Having a picnic :)

Family photo shoot at the Luau

Brothers!

Nap time on the beach

Toes in the sand

Jack finding his way through the aquarium

The BIG tree

Hiking in the bamboo forest

Blowing kisses

Riding the train at the Plantation

We just returned from a family vacation to Maui, Hawaii. We had SO MUCH fun! The kiddos were fantastic, the weather was dreamy and the beach was marvelous. We spent our time relaxing on the beach swimming in the pool and just being together.

Arizonia 2011

playing the Wii...one of our favorite activities
Ryan (the birthday boy) at the park

check out our SHADES!!

What could be better...chocolate in your tummy (and on your mouth) and playing at the park! Jillian Alice you are sweeter than sweet!

Cheryl

Cool Dude!

Alex showing us his mad climbing skills

Grandma Debbie LOVING having all the grandchildren together

Jack striking a pose

Parker was the Birthday entertainment...put a baby on the table and what else do you need.

Ryan's request was these cupcake cones with vanilla pudding filling for his Birthday treat...they were sure yummy!

Josh setting the table for one of our gourmet meals

The time spent in Arizona was SO much FUN!! We couldn't get enough of the sunshine and the company. As usual Josh and Cheryl were gracious hosts and extreme chefs. This is the first time we made the drive, I usually can find some decent fares to fly down, but not this time. So we made the trek...thank heavens my mom was with me!

We spent our time reconnecting, eating, playing at the park, having sleepovers every night, taking long walks and trying to run :). We had a birthday party, a cookout and just loved every minute of our time there. The drive home was long to say the least, but all things considered the kiddos did a great job.

I have always been impressed with my brother Josh, he has been a great example in my life. That hasn't changed at all. I came away from their home with a renewed respect for not only him but Cheryl as well. They are conscious and involved parents. They are taking charge and making some hard choices that are paying off in their children's lives. I left there with a desire to be a better parent- to be a better person. Thank you, thank you for the great time and for all the things that I learned while in your beautiful home!

Jackson Hole 2011

Ice sculptures in the town square...very cool!
Snow Angels

Snowshoeing up the Death Canyon trail

Grandpa, Grandma and Jack ready for the trail

A month SERIOUSLY!!

I can't believe it's been an entire month since I posted last. Let's just say we've been gone a lot ;). There is a lot to catch-up on. Life has been flying by at lighting speed and I'm just trying to keep up.

Since the last post we've been up to hang out in Jackson, WY for a wintry weekend and then for a week spent visiting family in Arizona. We went from 5' of snow to 85 degrees and loved both extremes. In the interim Rob's been in and out of the city, we've been keeping busy doing laundry, playing with toys and taking trips to the Zoo and the Children's Museum. Parker is now crawling and refusing to eat any type of baby food. He is pulling himself up on things and trying to crawl or jump out of everything. He wants to walk SO bad...his little head has the bruises to prove it.

Jackson is LOVING school and is having so much fun playing with Lego's (the star war versions). He has started soccer again and we've been outside riding his new bike every chance the weather will let us.

I was released from my music calling of 4 years and put in the primary as a teacher to the 9 year olds. I am LOVING primary! I adore the children and I am learning SO much about the basics of the gospel. It feels so good to return to your roots and review some of the things in the most simple form that you haven't studied about for a while.

Rob seems to work, work and work some more. His travel schedule has let up in the last two weeks, but it will pick-up next week again. He was able to get to the golf course with his siblings to try out his new set of irons that he got for his birthday and hit a movie on a "man date" while we were away in Arizona.

We are SO looking forward to Spring weather so we can get into the garden and play outside. Life is full and we are truly blessed!!