tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40557133959912253492024-03-13T13:27:10.288-06:00Danielson Familyjeff*kristen*brennan*brooke*jadyn*reganKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-71323758368257490742011-07-14T21:05:00.000-06:002011-07-14T21:05:16.072-06:00Arizona Trip 2011<div align="center">We took our annual summer trip to Arizona this year and had a blast!</div><div align="center">We did lots of eating, playing, and haviing fun with family.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7mq0I7M9zrF7QqqDXVyGs6lqIGu-4mqLQedg7MlsxhMeypUge8kTJbxi5ssjw6Pvd4x63REpw4s4pRbqIBFmJQyJSbGnWKYW7M4wqae43yWAHfp9QPa4dtFOelElVqvN58YrB8oo2uY/s1600/trolley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7mq0I7M9zrF7QqqDXVyGs6lqIGu-4mqLQedg7MlsxhMeypUge8kTJbxi5ssjw6Pvd4x63REpw4s4pRbqIBFmJQyJSbGnWKYW7M4wqae43yWAHfp9QPa4dtFOelElVqvN58YrB8oo2uY/s320/trolley.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One night, Laura and I took the kids to downtown Scottsdale to ride the trolley and hang out at the mall. We had a good time. Miss Arizona was there and Regan just ate up the chance to have her picture taken with her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-YvMRB3-Dwl2SUh9srWSN4wBSFwINBMc70G-680nQfZslZg3BCT2Xe4Gtreii_tw-OEqm8nNMrY48mTVrEEjLu5OhcvmkNOw1kNgm8YO2wWv7vdej7atYxJtKG4JkM8nKL8qKsX6e5I/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-YvMRB3-Dwl2SUh9srWSN4wBSFwINBMc70G-680nQfZslZg3BCT2Xe4Gtreii_tw-OEqm8nNMrY48mTVrEEjLu5OhcvmkNOw1kNgm8YO2wWv7vdej7atYxJtKG4JkM8nKL8qKsX6e5I/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, cousin time wouldn't be complete without signing karaoke, telling jokes, having a dance off and doing skits. I love to see how creative these kids are together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeyfw6iXz5tHMTURMPhH0uHPANf-JKhCD9Rq7Amkog6LEidn5yIWaC1YL8zPJBYrE9RfOZQnU6DNWeBcLNGRi4RMHVCmYXgkHHMhWxyyMULX3ipe2PK8lIyNDV8MmSFv_NdomhOhZseY/s1600/iceblock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeyfw6iXz5tHMTURMPhH0uHPANf-JKhCD9Rq7Amkog6LEidn5yIWaC1YL8zPJBYrE9RfOZQnU6DNWeBcLNGRi4RMHVCmYXgkHHMhWxyyMULX3ipe2PK8lIyNDV8MmSFv_NdomhOhZseY/s320/iceblock2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One night before Jeff came into town, I had the chance to have the kids all to myself. We ended up going to the park at 8 pm when the weather finally cooled down to 104. We had fun playing on the play ground, then I decided we should all go roll down the hills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-9WwwG7XkY/Th-kix_d-7I/AAAAAAAABJQ/Ts0cSx_79l8/s1600/iceblocking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-9WwwG7XkY/Th-kix_d-7I/AAAAAAAABJQ/Ts0cSx_79l8/s320/iceblocking1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To our great surprise, someone had left a bunch of ice blocks down at the bottom of the hills. I was so excited! I had the kids go to the truck and get the towels out of the back. I got to introduce them to ice blocking! We spent a good hour and a half sliding down the hills on the ice blocks. We had SO MUCH FUN!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX1dPjAPdEs/Th-kzzP1dpI/AAAAAAAABJc/wO5mlXuyvlc/s1600/swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX1dPjAPdEs/Th-kzzP1dpI/AAAAAAAABJc/wO5mlXuyvlc/s320/swimming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course we spent a lot of time swimming. It's so nice swimming with the family it the hot summer. Made me wish we had a pool. I especially enjoyed watching the head stand contests and synchronized swimming that Laura, Sarah and Rebecca did. Always entertaining.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_595_Vn9zg/Th-k2smYeaI/AAAAAAAABJg/yRKc3o147Aw/s1600/shirtmaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_595_Vn9zg/Th-k2smYeaI/AAAAAAAABJg/yRKc3o147Aw/s320/shirtmaking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Laura was constantly coming up with cute crafts for the kids to do. We even got to paint our own 4th of July t-shirts! On the 4th of July, she had the girls make gumball necklaces in red,white,and blue. She and Rebecca and I painted nails in patriotic colors. And, Laura did the girls' hair super cute with festive ribbons. My sister is so creative. No wonder why she's the favorite aunt. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Saturday before Independence day we went to downtown Mesa to enjoy a city party with games for the kids, a visit with George and Martha Washington, and fireworks. We had a great time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY54IUHUV4SCRnR2m6jnyPUkJWwqxzs7byzxnDg_z41E3WiUKi6AM0iLnYnTSGlvEkZPsHyOTcDKYgbjcT1vQxGPttPeR1h9g2zhrQhF-__nUi69_stQLEnIEFVkKqF1ONdIAPL6cbcE/s1600/4thofjuly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY54IUHUV4SCRnR2m6jnyPUkJWwqxzs7byzxnDg_z41E3WiUKi6AM0iLnYnTSGlvEkZPsHyOTcDKYgbjcT1vQxGPttPeR1h9g2zhrQhF-__nUi69_stQLEnIEFVkKqF1ONdIAPL6cbcE/s320/4thofjuly1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The morning of Independence day, Laura had us over for breakfast. She made delicious french toast with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream topped with her special syrup. YUM! We later went swimming, had their super fabulous Krazy Subs, then went back to mom's house for games and yummy food. Grandma Willis even came to join us for the fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oVV348FN4o/Th-k749nP8I/AAAAAAAABJo/gm-z3Z203Ss/s1600/4thofjuly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oVV348FN4o/Th-k749nP8I/AAAAAAAABJo/gm-z3Z203Ss/s320/4thofjuly2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After games, we went to go watch fireworks and then came back to set off some of our own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O83xrdm2F5o/Th-k9fA2taI/AAAAAAAABJs/A0c5ann6Xis/s1600/4thofjuly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O83xrdm2F5o/Th-k9fA2taI/AAAAAAAABJs/A0c5ann6Xis/s320/4thofjuly3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids also got to have a fun day with my mom for a special one on one time with Grandma at the Science museum. Just waiting for her pictures of that. The kids absolutely loved spending time with her. They had a ton of slumber parties with their cousins. Aunt Joyce and Uncle K.C. were in town when I first got there. We had lots of fun lunches, dinners and movie with them and my Aunt Janet and other cousins. I got to see some of my friends, Elizabeth, Mitch, Heather and Jennifer, that I love. But, like always, time went by way too fast. There wasn't enough time to do everything and see everyone I wanted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kYZjeRIgXU/Th-lDOoN2AI/AAAAAAAABJw/-T8-T9umH-s/s1600/lasat4thjuly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kYZjeRIgXU/Th-lDOoN2AI/AAAAAAAABJw/-T8-T9umH-s/s320/lasat4thjuly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What I absolutely loved more than anything, was seeing how cute the older cousins were with my younger girls. They played with them, took care of them, and were just so dang cute. I am so blessed with the most amazing family. We had a great time. </div><div align="center"></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-79325481890874183312011-07-13T20:33:00.000-06:002011-07-13T20:33:31.947-06:00Lost Tooth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Regan Finally Lost Her First Tooth!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bg9LOM0O_OQ/Th5TL1tFN6I/AAAAAAAABJI/Lrp5-PJ_nyk/s1600/Finally+lost+her+first+tooth%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bg9LOM0O_OQ/Th5TL1tFN6I/AAAAAAAABJI/Lrp5-PJ_nyk/s320/Finally+lost+her+first+tooth%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center">Regan has been anxiously waiting to lose her first tooth. She's been asking for months when it would happen. Funny thing was, her tooth wasn't even very lose. Apparently all it took was trying to open the Ranch dressing bottle with her teeth! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The next day... she was in my bathroom, looking at her self in the mirror, and said with a very thick twang, "Now I really look Southern!"</div><div align="center">Super Cute Southern Girl.</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-89946482696055641732011-06-13T18:20:00.000-06:002011-06-13T18:20:11.603-06:00March 2011<div align="center">March was a very busy month. Brennan turned 15 and had his friends over for a sleepover. He also got his driving permit and is enjoying scaring the life out of us as he learns to drive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIMo76F26s8/TfaivhP_X8I/AAAAAAAABI0/im1Mw1_r7Qc/s1600/Brenbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIMo76F26s8/TfaivhP_X8I/AAAAAAAABI0/im1Mw1_r7Qc/s320/Brenbday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bryce Sharp, Sam Thomas, Brennan, Mason Wills and Val Ault came to party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8rmClT_iqU/TfaiyiWTTGI/AAAAAAAABI4/FAmswHV6E_4/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8rmClT_iqU/TfaiyiWTTGI/AAAAAAAABI4/FAmswHV6E_4/s320/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> March 6th was my 41st birthday. It happened to land on a fast Sunday this year, but Jeff did a good job making it enjoyable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQC9Mh9qzA/Tfai3zUe2mI/AAAAAAAABI8/TFiE6hZ_lrc/s1600/snowdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQC9Mh9qzA/Tfai3zUe2mI/AAAAAAAABI8/TFiE6hZ_lrc/s320/snowdays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We had EVEN MORE snow days in March. It was the most snow I've ever seen while living here. It was so crazy. But we enjoyed every minute of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kS0DTmkqN0/Tfai6UktS-I/AAAAAAAABJA/-jZUvKQZ5nI/s1600/littlepiggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kS0DTmkqN0/Tfai6UktS-I/AAAAAAAABJA/-jZUvKQZ5nI/s320/littlepiggie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Regan's Kindergarten class had nursery rhyme day where they all recited a nursery rhyme of their choice. Regan picked "This little piggy went to market". She had a bit of stage fright and messed up the ending a little, but she looked so darn cute it didn't matter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRsor77zAv4/Tfai83fCNcI/AAAAAAAABJE/JespgMQuD4s/s1600/Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRsor77zAv4/Tfai83fCNcI/AAAAAAAABJE/JespgMQuD4s/s320/Eagle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brennan organized and did his Eagle Project. He decided to collect shoes for an organization called Soles4Souls. This organization sends used shoes to different countries in need including those who have been effected by all the natural disasters that have been so prevelent lately. He was told that these particular shoes were going to be sent to Haiti who had been hit severly by an earthquake last year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ended up having about 80 amazing volunteers between two Saturdays show up to help distribute bags to neighborhoods, then collect the bags full of shoes the following Saturday. Brennan also set up collection boxes at 3 church buildings and a couple of boxes at Valero Oil Refinery where Jeff works.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls were such good helpers too. Anytime we got a new bag of shoes, Regan and Jadyn were on top of things wanting to sort through the shoes and rubberband them together to keep them organized. Brooke was good at running around with her friend Alyse to collect all the shoes. It definitely was a family project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most amazing part of it was that the second week when we were supposed to go collect the shoes, it was storming real bad that morning and was predicted to keep storming all afternoon. We just prayed like crazy. The Lord definitely answered our prayers. It was storming as we gathered together, but as soon as it was time to leave to collect the shoes, the storm passed. We were SO blessed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall he collected 1, 920 pairs of shoes!!!!! It was AMAZING!!! We all enjoyed helping him and knowing that all the hard work was for such a worthy cause. A few weeks later, we loaded them up in a trailer and drove them to Nashville where Souls4Soles has a warehouse. It was a great experience. We're so proud of Brennan for all of his hard work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-16792596843537250752011-06-13T16:27:00.000-06:002011-06-13T16:27:37.541-06:00February 2011<div align="center">In February, we had more snow days. We had lots of fun making a snowman, and doing s'mores in the fireplace. Snow days were fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgRC5lg7uu0/TfaNoycsOII/AAAAAAAABIo/wALEdPzoClo/s1600/snowdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgRC5lg7uu0/TfaNoycsOII/AAAAAAAABIo/wALEdPzoClo/s320/snowdays.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div align="center">Valentines Day we had a fun dinner of heart shape pizza and lots of pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeKGjee2PZo/TfaNrV4wWyI/AAAAAAAABIs/qtkXVzqKvy8/s1600/valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeKGjee2PZo/TfaNrV4wWyI/AAAAAAAABIs/qtkXVzqKvy8/s320/valentines.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Regan dressed up for Grandma Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IItUWh8jkeg/TfaNtU-RrtI/AAAAAAAABIw/UIt6bljLzjc/s1600/westerndance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IItUWh8jkeg/TfaNtU-RrtI/AAAAAAAABIw/UIt6bljLzjc/s320/westerndance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls had a Western dance at school. Lots of fun with line dancing, food, and hula hoop contests. The girls had me do the contests for parents. I have to say, even though I hadn't hula hooped since I was a kid, I did real well. Who knew I could still do that?</div><div align="center"></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-70151370361783158602011-06-13T16:02:00.000-06:002011-06-13T16:02:22.242-06:00Catching Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I am way far behind...so I'm gonna do my best to catch up for the year. It's gonna be a lot of work, but here we go. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In January my mom came to visit! We had fun playing games, eating out, seeing a movies and visiting an Antebellum home. We loved having her here!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jOTNygEqk0/TfaHeK0m1sI/AAAAAAAABII/An1_fwz67ds/s1600/momvisit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jOTNygEqk0/TfaHeK0m1sI/AAAAAAAABII/An1_fwz67ds/s320/momvisit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also took a day trip up to Nashville. It was the first time Jeff has been able to go with us. We had a good time showing him around.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOGbPAwlcs/TfaHg-Nec_I/AAAAAAAABIM/9wTRqkp84YE/s1600/nashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOGbPAwlcs/TfaHg-Nec_I/AAAAAAAABIM/9wTRqkp84YE/s320/nashville.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On New Years Eve we let the kids have friends over to celebrate. We had cheese and chocolate fondue then went outside to light fireworks. It was a nice family way to bring in the New Year. Lots of fun!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxwvMm5GrrQ/TfaHj57d9WI/AAAAAAAABIQ/vOFc4PXi0hE/s1600/newyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxwvMm5GrrQ/TfaHj57d9WI/AAAAAAAABIQ/vOFc4PXi0hE/s320/newyears.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-6196695586735901082011-01-09T19:26:00.005-07:002011-01-09T22:48:08.937-07:00Christmas 2010 and Brooke's 11th birthday<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 2010 was busy as always. Before Christmas I got to go on a field trip with Jadyn and her 4th grade class to the Pink Palace. We had a good time together and enjoyed Mexican food for lunch after. I love spending one on one time with my kiddos! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I also got to go to Regan's kindergarten class to do a craft with them. Here's a picture of us together that day. She's the cutest reindeer ever! I was also in charge of Regan's Christmas party for her class since I'm room mom. I then went to Jadyn and Brooke's class parties the next day. Always fun.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpp3sBIAvI/AAAAAAAABHM/NPLHOxu8Edg/s1600/beforexmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpp3sBIAvI/AAAAAAAABHM/NPLHOxu8Edg/s400/beforexmas3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a completely different note: I am usually not a person who ever wears hats. I just didn't think I looked very good in them. I finally decided to cave in and buy one.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The girls got one too. Have to say...BEST THING EVER!! Who knew I didn't have to do my hair if I wore a hat. Now we wear them ALL THE TIME. Guess I better get us some more. :)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas 2010 was much quieter than normal. It ended up being just us and Jeff's parents. Christmas eve we went to Jeff's parents house for a yummy dinner and the missionaries joined us. </span></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpt-jAgqLI/AAAAAAAABHU/Fe2tE1uFZJk/s1600/xmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpt-jAgqLI/AAAAAAAABHU/Fe2tE1uFZJk/s320/xmas1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids had a small piano recital and then we did the nativity. Since it was just my kids, Grandpa and Jeff got to help out. Brennan got to play a double role of sheep/wise man. I think they were super cute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpvWZgsorI/AAAAAAAABHY/fN3PW9Ta6u0/s1600/Nativity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpvWZgsorI/AAAAAAAABHY/fN3PW9Ta6u0/s320/Nativity2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afterwards, we took the missionaries out to look at Christmas lights and then went home to have the kids open their Christmas Pajamas. Jeff and I were a little tired in this picture. Definitely must be Christmas.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpvwa1fhdI/AAAAAAAABHc/Vq-txMlS_LE/s1600/Xmaseve4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpvwa1fhdI/AAAAAAAABHc/Vq-txMlS_LE/s400/Xmaseve4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day we woke up a little before 6 a.m. to open presents, and had Jeff's parents over for our traditional breakfast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpwiAOw_9I/AAAAAAAABHg/tYYACGGhjQo/s1600/xmasmorn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpwiAOw_9I/AAAAAAAABHg/tYYACGGhjQo/s320/xmasmorn5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of the day was spent playing games, going to a movie and eating more delicious food. You may not be able to tell by the pictures, but we also got a little snow Christmas day. Even though it didn't stick, it's always exciting for us when we get snow. Had a semi-white Christmas!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSqb-T3w50I/AAAAAAAABH4/9OOwQXU1lkU/s1600/xmas6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSqb-T3w50I/AAAAAAAABH4/9OOwQXU1lkU/s320/xmas6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two days after Christmas was Brooke's 11th bIrThDaY!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSqcW5Egb4I/AAAAAAAABH8/x7YRCuRIy-0/s1600/brookbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSqcW5Egb4I/AAAAAAAABH8/x7YRCuRIy-0/s320/brookbday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Unfortunately, we have been battling sickness the whole month. Poor Brooke got my gunk of ear infection, cough, wheezing, no energy and raspy voice the day before her birthday.Since Brooke gets jipped a lot having her birthday so close to Christmas, she had only had one party so far in her life and had planned a slumber party. We ended up taking her to lunch at On the Border Mexican food and did a little shopping. That wiped her out. So we got her home to take a good nap, drugged her up and had the party anyway. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpydt0vqFI/AAAAAAAABHs/h-Z33gMxyXo/s1600/Brookebday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSpydt0vqFI/AAAAAAAABHs/h-Z33gMxyXo/s400/Brookebday2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had Brooke's closest friends over which ended up being perfect. They had fun eating fondue and pizza, playing games, watching movies and just being goofy. It all went really well. No drama and Brooke had a great time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before Brooke went back to school, we ended up redecorating her room which was part of her present from us. She didn't want a little girl horse room anymore. She has now graduated to a big girl room. It was fun to do with her, but made me a little sad I admit. It's hard to see my little girl grow up. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSp9MOjI0wI/AAAAAAAABH0/JDi5FljhTDw/s1600/brookeandjadyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSp9MOjI0wI/AAAAAAAABH0/JDi5FljhTDw/s320/brookeandjadyn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a picture of Brooke and Jadyn back in 2002 when Brooke was two and Jadyn was 8 months old. When I look back at this picture, I'm amazed at how quickly time goes by. I wish I could just pause time for a while because it's going by way too fast. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But Brooke has grown into such a sweet young lady. I'm so proud of the choices she's made and am so happy to be her mom.</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-23741207780390267212011-01-06T14:47:00.003-07:002011-01-06T14:54:39.984-07:00Family Pictures November 2010<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY2NJTEt2I/AAAAAAAABGs/Z82sGH9koFM/s1600/fampiccollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY2NJTEt2I/AAAAAAAABGs/Z82sGH9koFM/s400/fampiccollage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were blessed to find a fabulous photographer for our family pictures this year. I met Stephanie Moore at Regan's dance class and we became fast friends. Turns out she's a Tempe, Arizona girl too! I knew I liked her. Here are some of the pictures she took in our little square in downtown Collierville.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3THV6anI/AAAAAAAABG0/RaXTKyZH58Y/s1600/fampic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3THV6anI/AAAAAAAABG0/RaXTKyZH58Y/s400/fampic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3ahHVhNI/AAAAAAAABG4/mXZWCyGaOfI/s1600/fampic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3ahHVhNI/AAAAAAAABG4/mXZWCyGaOfI/s400/fampic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3ebhHZFI/AAAAAAAABG8/AElKqF0mUJg/s1600/fampic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3ebhHZFI/AAAAAAAABG8/AElKqF0mUJg/s400/fampic4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3kkaMr6I/AAAAAAAABHA/8oeCPmAjKDg/s1600/fampic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY3kkaMr6I/AAAAAAAABHA/8oeCPmAjKDg/s400/fampic5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY5-0Wm5xI/AAAAAAAABHI/MgTAlaVwvU8/s1600/fampic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSY5-0Wm5xI/AAAAAAAABHI/MgTAlaVwvU8/s400/fampic6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely love these photos and am so happy to be able to keep forever! </span></div> <br />
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</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-78861460595934422152011-01-05T15:51:00.000-07:002011-01-05T15:51:50.667-07:002nd Part of October 2010<div style="text-align: center;">The second part of October was busy. For the third year in a row I participated in Race for the Cure to raise money for Breast Cancer research. It has become so important to me since I've had friends, especially my best friend, Elizabeth Cluff, diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This year, Brennan, Brooke and Jadyn decided to do it with me. As always, it was a wonderful experience! They even had a pink port a potty to sign. Jadyn wrote Elizabeth's name and Brooke wrote Sister Phyllis Nelson, her primary teacher's name for everyone to see two of our favortie survivors!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwXw2-oAI/AAAAAAAABGg/VVjJ-RleHME/s1600/Raceforthecure2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwXw2-oAI/AAAAAAAABGg/VVjJ-RleHME/s320/Raceforthecure2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> On the 25th, our baby Regan, turned 6. It's hard to believe she's 6 already! I really don't want her to get any older. Sometimes I wish I could stop time. I brought her lunch at school and had a family party with her that evening. The green dress is the one her kindergarten class provides the birthday child. She loved it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwjp8qSHI/AAAAAAAABGo/d5kG1mJ7qms/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwjp8qSHI/AAAAAAAABGo/d5kG1mJ7qms/s320/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This year, Halloween was on a Sunday. So, our ward had the trunk or treat the day before. The kids had a good time. Brooke was a Cereal Killer with boxes of cereal glued to her shirt with plastic knives stabbing them. Brennan was The Doctor from Dr. Who, his favorite television show. Jadyn was a twister board game, and Regan was a witch. On Sunday, Halloween, we met at Jeff's mom's house for our traditional Halloween dinner where everyone brings a scary dish to share. I brought a craft for the kids to do. They all had fun and didn't even miss going out trick or treating. Good times!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwdWcwENI/AAAAAAAABGk/fU8crwXMklY/s1600/halloween2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TSTwdWcwENI/AAAAAAAABGk/fU8crwXMklY/s320/halloween2010.jpg" width="320" /></div></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-17622456437520969052010-10-29T20:53:00.000-06:002010-10-29T20:53:54.021-06:00Fall Break in Washington DC<div style="text-align: center;">This year for fall break we decided to take the kids to Washington D.C. and LOVED it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt-Hw_TqLI/AAAAAAAABFo/_T-39UiHQmw/s1600/smithsonian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt-Hw_TqLI/AAAAAAAABFo/_T-39UiHQmw/s320/smithsonian.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We rented a house in Arlington, Virginia close to Mt. Vernon. The first day we spent most of the day visiting the Air and Space Smithsonian as well as the Smithsonian of American History. You can literally spend all day there. We also got to see a few monuments. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9KhVdBvI/AAAAAAAABFY/813r-oGQEs4/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9KhVdBvI/AAAAAAAABFY/813r-oGQEs4/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That night we took the Metro Subway to Silver Springs, Maryland to meet my cousins Mark and Melissa Bradshaw along with Mark's wife Jamie and cute baby Courtney. We had such a fun time laughing, remembering our dads and talking about old times. Seeing them was the highlight of our trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9ba1KjAI/AAAAAAAABFc/OvIRofqRNnA/s1600/mtvernon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9ba1KjAI/AAAAAAAABFc/OvIRofqRNnA/s320/mtvernon2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next day we woke up and went to Mount Vernon. George Washington sure had a beautiful piece of property. It's absolutely gorgeous. We had a good time seeing his home, teaching the kids about the colonists and slavery. It was as fascinating as I remembered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuD23bAugI/AAAAAAAABFw/bH0P7jfaTYM/s1600/arlingtoncem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuD23bAugI/AAAAAAAABFw/bH0P7jfaTYM/s320/arlingtoncem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We then drove over to Arlington cemetery. What a humbling experience it is to be in that sacred place and see the names of so many who have fought to maintain the freedom we have in this Country. Truly awesome. From there we jumped over to the Jefferson Memorial. Very cool. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuEpZp6TGI/AAAAAAAABF0/L3uePJeay2U/s1600/dadwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuEpZp6TGI/AAAAAAAABF0/L3uePJeay2U/s320/dadwall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next day we took the metro down to D.C. again and started another day of MASS amounts of walking! We first went to the National Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial where I was able to show the kids my Dad's name on the wall of fallen officers. The strange thing about being in D.C. was that the whole time I kept having this huge urge to run over and see this memorial. I kept feeling like my Dad was there and I needed to hurry up and see him. Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood there with my family. There were so many names of so many people who had lost their lives just like my dad and knowing there were loved ones attached to those names who have suffered like my family had. It was an incredible experience. I am so glad I got to share that with my children and Jeff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9CWalZmI/AAAAAAAABFU/z9E22vRbHuQ/s1600/monuments2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt9CWalZmI/AAAAAAAABFU/z9E22vRbHuQ/s320/monuments2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We then went walking to the Capitol building, then the Washington Monument, then over to the Jefferson Memorial. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuG7fgWBDI/AAAAAAAABF4/UpRMDyZqw0Q/s1600/monuments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMuG7fgWBDI/AAAAAAAABF4/UpRMDyZqw0Q/s320/monuments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You know, when you just look at them all lined up in a row, they don't look very far apart. We found out we were wrong. HOLY COW! It was major walking. But worth every step for sure. The kids were great. Regan was the only one to complain, but she didn't complain much. Thank heavens we were smart enough to bring a stroller by that 3rd day. Afterwards we hit the Smithsonian of Natural History for our last stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt93Wxp4jI/AAAAAAAABFk/DjN43V1xMB0/s1600/dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TMt93Wxp4jI/AAAAAAAABFk/DjN43V1xMB0/s320/dc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall, our trip to D.C. was exhausting, but worth it. I love being in that city. It reminds me of how much our founding fathers were guided by our Heavenly Father, how much we are blessed to live here, and how grateful I am for all those who have sacrificed so much to allow us our freedom.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We LOVED Washington, D.C.</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-74782846448977689752010-10-17T20:47:00.000-06:002010-10-17T20:47:07.883-06:00Field Trips and Other Things<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">October began with General Conference. Jeff gave a talk in church about ways to get the kids involved with General Conference. One of the ideas was to set up a tent like the people watching King Benjamin. So, we did. Add Halloween candy to the mix and it was a great and peaceful conference. The kids loved it.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLutkqkP-iI/AAAAAAAABEc/zESP6mapEm8/s1600/conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLutkqkP-iI/AAAAAAAABEc/zESP6mapEm8/s320/conference.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a man in our ward named Phil Coley who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Garrets disease). He and his sweet family have been suffering a lot. His wife Stephanie put together a team to do the race for ALS cure. We thought it would be a great experience for the whole family...and it was. It was incredibly moving to see those suffering with the disease in their wheel chairs participating as well as the people walking in memory of those who have passed because of this horrible disease. I'm so glad we did it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLutycOTk8I/AAAAAAAABEk/2iG9d94c6Ok/s1600/ALSwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLutycOTk8I/AAAAAAAABEk/2iG9d94c6Ok/s320/ALSwalk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is Regan's baby named Molly. These past few weeks she has informed me that I am her Grandma and I am to take care of Molly while she's away at Kindergarten all day. I have to report to her at the end of the day all the things I've done with her. Regan even gives me instructions of how to take care of her. Very cute. But I wasn't expecting to be a Grandma so early.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLut7vQeJPI/AAAAAAAABEo/BXI0WmO8ZoU/s1600/grandbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLut7vQeJPI/AAAAAAAABEo/BXI0WmO8ZoU/s320/grandbaby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brooke had a field trip with all of the 5th graders at her school. We took tour buses to downtown Memphis. We got to see lots of the historical sites of Memphis including where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and St Jude's hospital along with many other stops. We stopped for lunch at a park that was close to Jeff's work, so he was able to join us for that. One of the traditions is for the kids to go to A. Schwab's store where the kids all picked out goofy hats to wear. They loved it. It was a very interesting trip, but long. It totally wiped us out!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuvwFdxQ2I/AAAAAAAABE8/6_sV2a4WvEg/s1600/brookeFTrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuvwFdxQ2I/AAAAAAAABE8/6_sV2a4WvEg/s320/brookeFTrip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regan had clown day in Kindergarten. I completely forgot about it until the last minute so this is what we ended with. Brennan had dress up days every day of Homecoming week at the High School. He really got into it. This was his choice for tacky day. Silly kid.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuuHEIAZcI/AAAAAAAABEs/Fy3tHtVFoMI/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuuHEIAZcI/AAAAAAAABEs/Fy3tHtVFoMI/s320/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regan's Kindergarten class also had their first field trip. Regan was so excited to go on it and on her first bus ride. She woke up at 4:30 in the morning because of it. We went to the zoo. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuudXLo4uI/AAAAAAAABEw/zpLZotxcsmA/s1600/zoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuudXLo4uI/AAAAAAAABEw/zpLZotxcsmA/s320/zoo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The zoo was decorated with all of their Halloween stuff. The weather was absolutely gorgeous that day. We had a wonderful time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuueNpbw0I/AAAAAAAABE0/9xvP2TV1_MU/s1600/zoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuueNpbw0I/AAAAAAAABE0/9xvP2TV1_MU/s320/zoo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jadyn and Regan had parent night at the dance studio where we were able to come in and watch them. The girls just loved it. But poor Regan was still suffering from lack of sleep and the trip to the zoo. That girl was tired. She sure did fall asleep quickly that night!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuukME5iOI/AAAAAAAABE4/NX1F5uAwzOY/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TLuukME5iOI/AAAAAAAABE4/NX1F5uAwzOY/s320/dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ended up rushing home to put her in bed. When I got back to watch Jadyn, I completely forgot to take a picture of her. Sorry J.J. That girl is fun to watch. She sure has some good hip hop moves and really knows how to shake her booty!</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-2758452800541629292010-10-12T18:59:00.000-06:002010-10-12T18:59:03.687-06:00Words of Wisdom Continued<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wish I was a grown up or a Grandma because then I wouldn't have to be careful because they're perfect. At least most of them....or some of them. Ask your phone how many people have made it to the Celestial kingdom. - Regan </span></span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-64590120687472014162010-10-08T21:56:00.001-06:002010-10-08T21:58:15.968-06:00Words of Wisdom<div style="text-align: center;">It's later than a pickle in a pineapple! - Regan age 5</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-34290900726499089682010-09-30T16:10:00.000-06:002010-09-30T16:10:07.424-06:00More of September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that we're back to a schedule, we're also back to running around like crazy to all the activities we're all involved in. The kids have started piano & choir again which have us running before and after school. Jadyn and Regan started dance class. Regan started a tap/ballet combo class that she just absolutely loves. Jadyn started a hip-hop class so she can shake her little booty. J.J. just eats it up when the teachers pick her to dance in front of the class. They both seem to be enjoying it a lot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUEF-74wEI/AAAAAAAABDg/MlFeEqP-k6I/s1600/Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUEF-74wEI/AAAAAAAABDg/MlFeEqP-k6I/s320/Dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been super busy running everywhere, being room mom for Regan's kindergarten class, and volunteering down at the school. This year for the school fundraiser they did a read-a-thon. One day the girls got to dress as characters from a book. Brooke picked the girl from "Because of Winn Dixie". Regan picked "Fancy Nancy" and Jadyn picked a pirate from a story she made up. (Creative Girl!) Another day, they had everyone come in their pajamas. They also asked for volunteers to come in their pajamas to read to the classes. I went and read in Jadyn's class. The kids seemed to really enjoy seeing parents be silly.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUDq4Dr0XI/AAAAAAAABDc/w1L9BEDPloE/s1600/readathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUDq4Dr0XI/AAAAAAAABDc/w1L9BEDPloE/s320/readathon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September 20th was the anniversary of the day my dad was shot and killed as a police officer in the line of duty. Although it has been 23 years since he died, it is still an extremely difficult time of year for me. I miss him terribly and wish he were here to see these grandkids of his and be involved in our lives. He would absolutely love this time of his life. I was really emotional this year about it and don't really know why. I guess even though years and years go by, it still doesn't take away the sadness of what could be and what I miss. But this year I decided to celebrate my dad's life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUEO0vmu6I/AAAAAAAABDk/u-7GLcRuHWU/s1600/Sep+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TKUEO0vmu6I/AAAAAAAABDk/u-7GLcRuHWU/s320/Sep+20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, for dinner we had medium rare steak, loaded potatoes, and salad which is a meal my dad made on special occasions. I talked about memories I had growing up with my dad. One of those was going tubing down the Salt River with him. We floated down the river with big inner tubes and my dad would toss us pop and Ding Dongs and other junk while we had fun. So for a snack we ate Ding Dongs in his memory. We sang some of the songs my Dad would sing with us while camping. We played Swat the Fly like we used to sometimes for Family Home evenings. And, we danced around while we listened to my Dad's CD of the group he sang in when he was in his 20s. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm glad I got to share those memories with my kids so they could know their Grandpa better. I'm pretty sure he was laughing with his crazy laugh as he was watching us from heaven.</span></div><div><br />
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</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-2434130833862632762010-09-10T13:37:00.000-06:002010-09-10T13:37:33.975-06:00Everything Since Then<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as we got back from Arizona, we came home to find the Skipper cousins in town! The kids had so much fun being together again. When Laurie and Dave and the kids lived here, these kids were very close. Each one of Laurie's kids has one of our kids close in age. They love being together and are super goofy! Demonstration below:</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBR7WbXqI/AAAAAAAABCc/qoSlqcI8T_g/s1600/Skippercousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBR7WbXqI/AAAAAAAABCc/qoSlqcI8T_g/s320/Skippercousins.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's McKay and Brennan doing their usual...video games. Actually, we were quite impressed with these two boys. When we got back, we had temperatures of 104 and tons of humidity. David was building a deck in the back of Jeff's parents' house and asked them for help. They were very hard workers despite the horrible weather! As always, we were so sad to see them go back to North Carolina. We miss having them live by us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBdOS6KII/AAAAAAAABC0/ps3s_dtMLQU/s1600/DSC03627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBdOS6KII/AAAAAAAABC0/ps3s_dtMLQU/s320/DSC03627.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a few days after that, the kids had their first day of school. Brennan started High School (which I'm still in denial about), Brooke 5th grade, Jadyn 4th grade and our baby Regan started Kindergarten. What a spread! Regan was so excited to start school and was very ready. She even had me just drop her off at the curb outside of the school as she walked in. She absolutely loves school. She's a little torn because she misses all the mommy time she's used to having, but she loves being there. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBeoVI8NI/AAAAAAAABC8/7fPk3_JpzdA/s1600/1stdaykinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBeoVI8NI/AAAAAAAABC8/7fPk3_JpzdA/s320/1stdaykinder.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am experiencing a bit of an empty nest syndrome. My house seems so quite and lonely without the constant chatter and singing that she does. Everyone keeps asking me what I do with all my free time. I just laugh and say, "What free time?" Between getting up at 5:30 every morning to take Brennan to early morning seminary, being room mom, volunteering, kids before and after school activities, all my other daily chores and gym time, I still haven't found free time. That's okay though. I like staying busy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBaK_vEYI/AAAAAAAABCs/5OgLUBXPqEs/s1600/jj9birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBaK_vEYI/AAAAAAAABCs/5OgLUBXPqEs/s320/jj9birthday.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On August 15th, our little Jadyn Joy turned 9! Boy how time flies. She ended up having a birthday weekend. On Friday of that weekend she had her friend Melissa Ault over for a sleepover. I took them to get candy and a movie. They had pizza and painted their nails and had lots of fun. The next day Jeff and I took her clothes shopping, to lunch and then to get her ears pierced. Sunday was her actual birthday. She had lots of yummy food to eat all day, had Grandma and Grandpa Danielson over for dinner and had homemade German Chocolate Cake. I think it was a successful birthday weekend.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBrnl_5xI/AAAAAAAABDM/GMcGwqVYh8Q/s1600/jacksontn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBrnl_5xI/AAAAAAAABDM/GMcGwqVYh8Q/s320/jacksontn.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One weekend we were bored so we went to Jackson, TN which is about one hour away just to do something different. We went to lunch at an AWESOME Mexican food restaurant and spent time at the family fun center bowling and playing miniature golf. We then went and had banana splits and shakes at the old time ice cream parlor. It was a nice change of scenery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBi5pqQ0I/AAAAAAAABDE/fL2LdPYlUN8/s1600/hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBi5pqQ0I/AAAAAAAABDE/fL2LdPYlUN8/s320/hiking.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These past few weeks the weather is finally cooling down and we've taken full advantage of it. We've done lots of hiking and family walks and picnic. Last Saturday we went to Herb Parson Lake for a 5 mile hike that ended up being a 7 mile hike. Don't know how that happened, but we enjoyed it anyway (for the most part). And the kids were troopers! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBTzEp6LI/AAAAAAAABCk/MbVQ9ifgtrc/s1600/chicpox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TIqBTzEp6LI/AAAAAAAABCk/MbVQ9ifgtrc/s320/chicpox.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday night Regan kept complaining about being itchy. I just assumed she got attacked by bugs while on the hike. But by Monday (Labor Day), she had more and more spots in more and more places that looked a little funny. As we examined her closer, we realized that they weren't bites at all. Our poor baby had Chicken Pox. Jeff took the other kids over to his parents' house for a BBQ and Regan and I stayed behind. All week she kept getting more and more spots despite the two vaccines she had to prevent it. Luckily it wasn't that bad of a case. She was very itchy but never got sick. I think we both enjoyed having her home from school. We did lots of reading, snuggling and playing games. I hate that she had chicken pox, but was glad to have some chatter in the home again.</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-9856151182362636452010-08-21T20:47:00.000-06:002010-08-21T20:47:07.626-06:00Trip to Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer we spent a little more than 3 weeks in Arizona and had a great time! Jeff was working his crazy work schedule, so I braved the trip there with just me and the kids. Fortunately, the kids are great to travel with. We made it with no problems and enjoyed our time on the road.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little after we got there, Laura had her 39th birthday. We went with her best friend Mary to get a pedicure and then met Brent for lunch. I hope she had a fun birthday because I sure had fun celebrating with her. I really am blessed with the best sister in the world!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/THCCLTLUMoI/AAAAAAAABCM/jL2Ces9PpVk/s1600/laurabirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/THCCLTLUMoI/AAAAAAAABCM/jL2Ces9PpVk/s320/laurabirthday.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whenever I go home, I always feel like I never have enough time to do everything I want or see everyone I want to see. Luckily I got to see some of my closest friends this time and LOVED it! We got to meet with Mitch and Elizabeth Cluff a few times. I love being with them. Always enjoy their company. Got to enjoy lunch with her and Steve Wright from my old single's ward days too. So fun!! I got to have breakfast with some of my favorite girls from High School - Heather Andreasen Biggs, Jennifer & Jill Bott and Andi Clark Gooch. I always enjoy doing breakfast with them and catch up on everything that has happened in our worlds. Another highlight was reuniting (most of) the Session Brothers and Session Sisters! Our little gang had so much fun together through all the years we've known each other. Lance, Beau, Lynda, Shelly and I and our spouses met at Tim Knollmiller's home and had a great time reliving the good old days. I LOVED being with all of them again. Just wished Karla and Rob could have joined us to complete the gang. We missed them. It made me realize once again how I really have been blessed with the most AMAZING friends in my life! Lucky me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8I0JrHy0I/AAAAAAAABBM/KOi2pJlgRIQ/s1600/PN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8I0JrHy0I/AAAAAAAABBM/KOi2pJlgRIQ/s320/PN1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course no trip to AZ would be complete without lots of swim time! We had so much fun being in the pool enjoying silly dives and chicken fights. Laura even got some synchronized swimming going on.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8I6bnNspI/AAAAAAAABBU/vuMteIiV_5I/s1600/pn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8I6bnNspI/AAAAAAAABBU/vuMteIiV_5I/s320/pn2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course we also had to spend A LOT of time at Laura and Brent's Krazy Sub. WE LOVE KRAZY SUB!!! This year they added a new menu item....Krazy Kookies. Two homemade cookies stuffed with Thrifty's ice cream in the middle. SO YUMMY! And of course my kids had lots of fun with their cousins doing talent shows, shopping at the mall, playing the dollar store game and hanging out. They all get a long so well. Todd and Jen moved up to California recently, but luckily for us Jen came down with the kids so they had them to play with too. They really love each other. And I love how sweet and kind the older cousins are to my little ones. Regan got really attached to Rebecca and cried every time she wasn't around. All of them are the best!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JFF4HUzI/AAAAAAAABBk/WZI4nVYOJ_w/s1600/pn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JFF4HUzI/AAAAAAAABBk/WZI4nVYOJ_w/s320/pn4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One Saturday we all took a little day trip up to Payson and then to the Natural Bridge. Payson was absolutely gorgeous that day. We went to the park to have lunch and goof around and play games. It rained a little while we were playing games, but we didn't get any of it. The temperature even dropped down to 68 degrees for a while. It was so nice. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JPy3xgPI/AAAAAAAABB0/PZ2FgmGBeyA/s1600/pn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JPy3xgPI/AAAAAAAABB0/PZ2FgmGBeyA/s320/pn5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afterwards, we went to do a short hike down to the Natural Bridge. It was a great little hike and very pretty. We even found a bush loaded with blackberries that we picked. Laura was the champion of blackberry picking as she would jump smack in the middle of the bushes. And even though we all got scrapped up and dyed with blackberry stains, it was all worth it when we got back to my mom's house and Brent made us some fabulous blackberry cobbler. YUMMY! Loved that day!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JWMucjyI/AAAAAAAABB8/jnDqPXI5KAk/s1600/PN6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JWMucjyI/AAAAAAAABB8/jnDqPXI5KAk/s320/PN6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff had his 38th birthday and we celebrated our 16th anniversary while there. My wonderful sister was nice enough to watch the kids for us as we went over to Scottsdale and stayed a night at the Westin Hotel there. It was great! The hotel staff was super friendly. The room was big and gorgeous. The grounds were beautiful. Unfortunately the weather didn't quite cooperate. Monsoon season hit. The hotels have a bunch of awesome pools and even a lazy river. Jeff and I got all ready and got to the pool, stepped in the lazy river just in time for them to kick us out because there was lightening. That was a bit of a bummer. But we ended up doing a little shopping and then stuffed ourselves at </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PF Chang's for dinner. We grabbed a slice of cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory then went to a movie. The next morning we got a late check out and finally enjoyed the pools until we left to go and help decorate for my cousin Kelsey Passey's wedding. Great way to celebrate our anniversary. Laura is the best!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8Jn1loeUI/AAAAAAAABCE/5-2t3gz42RQ/s1600/anniversary16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8Jn1loeUI/AAAAAAAABCE/5-2t3gz42RQ/s320/anniversary16.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our last day there we got to go to Kelsey and Craig's sealing in the Mesa temple and then go to their reception. Everything was beautiful...especially the bride! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JA6EBsGI/AAAAAAAABBc/BriIpz66BYM/s1600/pn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JA6EBsGI/AAAAAAAABBc/BriIpz66BYM/s320/pn3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved being able to see all my Utah Aunts, Uncles and cousins and spend time with them. I wish I could see them more. I am blessed with the most wonderful family a girl could ask for! Right after the reception we loaded in the truck and headed home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JIpkENfI/AAAAAAAABBs/6S8WwkyTt1c/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TG8JIpkENfI/AAAAAAAABBs/6S8WwkyTt1c/s320/wedding.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, it was a wonderful trip!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-36218825318648548162010-08-06T16:26:00.000-06:002010-08-06T16:26:07.731-06:004th of July Collierville Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year we stayed in Collierville for our 4th of July. It was a lot different than our usual time in Arizona...but it was great.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIrkhelDI/AAAAAAAABAc/38OA8fvYk5U/s1600/4th+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIrkhelDI/AAAAAAAABAc/38OA8fvYk5U/s320/4th+collage+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 4th of July was on a Sunday this year, so we did most of our celebrating on Saturday the 3rd. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIuWoWAXI/AAAAAAAABAk/oXE4YpMxS3s/s1600/4th+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIuWoWAXI/AAAAAAAABAk/oXE4YpMxS3s/s320/4th+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went over to Jeff's parents house after a day of swimming and had a yummy BBQ. The cousins had fun playing together and enjoyed ice cream and playing games.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIx5m4a4I/AAAAAAAABAs/osEb6kn2dDM/s1600/4th+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIx5m4a4I/AAAAAAAABAs/osEb6kn2dDM/s320/4th+3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We later headed to the park for the fireworks show. Not as spectacular as the one in Arizona, but it was still enjoyable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIzXQv1KI/AAAAAAAABA0/oD245-8sOYY/s1600/4th+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyIzXQv1KI/AAAAAAAABA0/oD245-8sOYY/s320/4th+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Sunday (the actual 4th) we set of our own fireworks that we bought in Mississippi. That was pretty fun. Regan didn't enjoy it so much at first, until we gave her her own sparkler. It was so cool seeing all the fireworks go off all over our neighborhood from all the neighbors. Awesome Show! </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyI1lOJvAI/AAAAAAAABA8/ioGHhnEecM4/s1600/4th+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TFyI1lOJvAI/AAAAAAAABA8/ioGHhnEecM4/s320/4th+5.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, it was a great day celebrating our freedom and the country we love!</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-14913561721008875862010-07-06T19:23:00.000-06:002010-07-06T19:23:02.121-06:00Summertime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been busy so far this summer and have been having a great time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a quick catch up for June. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brooke go contacts. Caught a frog. Went visiting teaching with me </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">down in Mississippi. She and Brennan have both been learning how to cook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, that means more cookies and brownies we have to try to resist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's been super helpful this summer and I'm grateful for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUhbQGqcI/AAAAAAAABAE/y9Y2E9Pxd9U/s1600/Brookecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUhbQGqcI/AAAAAAAABAE/y9Y2E9Pxd9U/s400/Brookecollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Jeff's company had a party at a golf and games type of place. It was a lot of fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids got to have their faces painted. Petting zoo. Bumper boats. Race cars. Laser Tag etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as lots of food to eat. It was fun just being together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUjj7-7vI/AAAAAAAABAM/99cKKYc7YuE/s1600/companyparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUjj7-7vI/AAAAAAAABAM/99cKKYc7YuE/s320/companyparty.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The girls went to Vacation Bible School where they learned to share the Word like Bees. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They had fun making crafts, playing sports, singing songs and learning the differences</div><div style="text-align: center;">between our church and other people's faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUpXDjcVI/AAAAAAAABAU/m6gzyMpF9tk/s1600/bees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPUpXDjcVI/AAAAAAAABAU/m6gzyMpF9tk/s320/bees.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've also been filling our days with lots of other things. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This was our trip to the Children's Museum while Brennan was off to Scout Camp.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls had a really fun time.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPN-22t6AI/AAAAAAAAA_0/twhZ0czqXUY/s1600/picnik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPN-22t6AI/AAAAAAAAA_0/twhZ0czqXUY/s320/picnik1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We've also gone to movies, swimming, crafts, the library as well as trying to teach </div><div style="text-align: center;">these kids to serve others. So far it's been great. Can't believe how fast it's going.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPOCZ6G7HI/AAAAAAAAA_8/yVf64lcYxBQ/s1600/Picnik+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/TDPOCZ6G7HI/AAAAAAAAA_8/yVf64lcYxBQ/s320/Picnik+collage2.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-74400381026868150582010-05-21T16:02:00.001-06:002010-05-21T16:03:27.263-06:00Graduation Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regan had her end of the year preschool program and graduation. It was adorable as you can imagine. The kids did little skits and sang songs. Loved it. Afterwards, they had a little picnic for the families outside on the lawn. It was a gorgeous sunny day in the 70s. Beautiful. Regan had a great time in preschool this year. She cried any time she couldn't go. Hope that stays with her in the years to come!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cAU08cUfI/AAAAAAAAA_E/3YphoFda5A0/s1600/Regan+Preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cAU08cUfI/AAAAAAAAA_E/3YphoFda5A0/s400/Regan+Preschool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today Brennan had his graduation from middle school. It dawned on me recently that we will only have him at home for 4 more years. That really freaks me out. That's not much time at all. Time flies way too fast. I can't believe our little boy is growing up and isn't much of a little boy any more. He's gone through a voice change and a growth spurt. Doesn't even sound like himself anymore. We're so proud of him for all he is. After graduation, we got to grab a beverage with Jeff and then I took him for steak at lunch. He then got to go pick out his own graduation gift. He picked a wii game...of course!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cAWoWtFhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/LB-CGq1rWGc/s1600/bren+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cAWoWtFhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/LB-CGq1rWGc/s400/bren+grad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are some random photos I found of the girls. They really are beautiful. I feel so blessed to be the mother of these 4 children.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cATGdR0oI/AAAAAAAAA-8/B_EMrJ5iRDI/s1600/Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_cATGdR0oI/AAAAAAAAA-8/B_EMrJ5iRDI/s400/Girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-70584510272683583062010-05-17T17:43:00.002-06:002010-05-17T17:46:17.687-06:00May Fun<div style="text-align: center;">Been busy with end of school year stuff and pure laziness mixed together. I love that combination. Brennan and Brooke both had choir concerts. I love hearing my children sing! Jadyn and Brooke had Field Day...but I didn't get good pictures of any of that. BUT, I did get some pictures of our fun this past weekend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSdHbXfrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/GHyEbPvdEq0/s1600/redbirdsgame1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSdHbXfrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/GHyEbPvdEq0/s400/redbirdsgame1.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jeff's company gave us tickets to the Redbirds Minor league baseball game. We took the kids to our favorite Mexican food restaurant beforehand and got there a little late. Unfortunately, all the points scored for the whole game happened in the innings we missed. The kids were pretty bored. But it was a gorgeous night and we were together! No more 90 hour work weeks for Jeff, so I was loving every minute. After the game was over, they had a fireworks show that was pretty dang good. The kids liked that part. It rained a little, but it was still so enjoyable all being together. I love my little family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSa8SR8AI/AAAAAAAAA-k/RChB8zC99FQ/s1600/redbirds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSa8SR8AI/AAAAAAAAA-k/RChB8zC99FQ/s400/redbirds2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today we got to go over the my friend Amy Smith's home with some other friends. They have a heated pool. Still, I'm an Arizona wimp. I don't go in unless it's very warm. But Regan and her friends LOVED it. It's the second time we've been able to go so far. And although I now have to load up with SPF and sit under the umbrella more, I LOVE being out in the sun with friends enjoying the weather and good company! I love my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSfh7CaPI/AAAAAAAAA-0/hoVC8iOpKJM/s1600/Having+fun+by+the+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S_HSfh7CaPI/AAAAAAAAA-0/hoVC8iOpKJM/s400/Having+fun+by+the+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Regan in the middle with her friends Addisyn and Jalynn. Cutie pies!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-15970205495133541142010-04-28T16:02:00.000-06:002010-04-28T16:02:47.470-06:00Spring has Sprung!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jeff is still busy working his 90+ hours a week so it's just me and the kiddos on the weekends. The weather has been gorgeous (mostly). We definitely have to enjoy it while we can.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9isy8IUmQI/AAAAAAAAA-E/xAcMk0IewPU/s1600/collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9isy8IUmQI/AAAAAAAAA-E/xAcMk0IewPU/s320/collage+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Since there's not much to do in Memphis, I decided to take the kids on a day trip to Jackson, TN about an hour from here. They have a cute little village with miniature golf, an old fashion ice cream parlor and little shops. It took us 2 hours to play 18 holes of mini golf, but we had a fun day. Gotta change it up a little in life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9is-izsKeI/AAAAAAAAA-M/9wVXzgr_xZA/s1600/Picnik+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9is-izsKeI/AAAAAAAAA-M/9wVXzgr_xZA/s320/Picnik+collage+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Brooke's class had a field trip today at the zoo. I got to have my friend Tiffanie Emerson drive with me. We had such a good time. The weather was absolutely beautiful and sunny. 72 degrees for the high today. I loved being there and having some girl time with Brooke.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9itKKhc1KI/AAAAAAAAA-c/l1unkrRmaCI/s1600/zoo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9itKKhc1KI/AAAAAAAAA-c/l1unkrRmaCI/s320/zoo+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here Brooke is with her sweet friends Alysse and Sarah Emerson. The girls were super goofy but had fun. We then got to enjoy a yummy lunch together and get her checked out of school for the rest of the day. I love days like today!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9itGuLMF1I/AAAAAAAAA-U/MDpk_ULmjaM/s1600/zoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S9itGuLMF1I/AAAAAAAAA-U/MDpk_ULmjaM/s320/zoo2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-17520846759043073542010-04-10T16:18:00.000-06:002010-04-10T16:18:18.807-06:00Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Easter was wonderful! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At church, the activity day girls organized an easter egg hunt for the children. They did a great job filling eggs and hiding them. Even had brownies and water for an extra treat. They had such a good time hunting for those eggs. It was so cute.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S8D03StezOI/AAAAAAAAA90/HgDUe-5exd4/s1600/Picnik+Ward+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S8D03StezOI/AAAAAAAAA90/HgDUe-5exd4/s320/Picnik+Ward+Easter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff has been in the middle of a shut down at the refinery. He's busy again working his 90+ hours a week. We haven't seen him much in the past month. Luckily, he came home in time to take me to a late dinner and then color eggs Saturday night with the children. The kids sure love it when he's home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S8D09H_14tI/AAAAAAAAA98/Z9LXTQp28NE/s1600/Picnik+Easter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S8D09H_14tI/AAAAAAAAA98/Z9LXTQp28NE/s320/Picnik+Easter+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Easter Sunday he surprised us and was able to stay home all day! This is the first time he's been home on Easter for the past 4 years. It was SO nice!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff's parents went to visit his sister in Dallas, so we just did dinner on our own. My back is still sore from the surgery, so I wasn't really up for hosting. But that didn't stop me from being excited to do Easter dinner. We had homemade muffins with eggs for breakfast. Ham cooked with a cranberry orange sauce,homemade dinner rolls, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans with bacon for dinner. THEN... carrot cake made by scratch for dessert. YUMMY!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a quiet and peaceful day as we got to listen to conference and hear the words of our prophet, remember the Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior, and be together as a family. WONDERFUL!</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-83757930127485971542010-03-24T15:04:00.000-06:002010-03-24T15:04:53.790-06:00Preschool Field Trip<div style="text-align: center;">I love days like today. Beautiful sunny day - 72 degrees outside. I got to lather myself up with sunscreen (of coarse!) and go on a field trip with Regan's preschool group. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They had 2 police officers block traffic as we walked as a group from the preschool to our cute little downtown square a few blocks away. The kids walked hand in hand in the cutest little line you ever did see.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, they got to eat ice cream on the gazebo that sits in the middle of the square while the mom's visited. Afterwards, we walked over to the fire department on the square. The firemen were very kind and let the kids </div><div style="text-align: center;">go through the fire truck. For some odd reason, Regan wanted nothing to do with that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6p7ZY4TAEI/AAAAAAAAA9c/4aUu73-yF5Q/s1600/preschool+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6p7ZY4TAEI/AAAAAAAAA9c/4aUu73-yF5Q/s320/preschool+picnick.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The kids then lined up and walked over to view the post office and then walked back over to the preschool. Such a sweet and simple field trip. The kids loved it! I loved it! These are moments to remember.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6p7hHRr2TI/AAAAAAAAA9k/YnwiTV4hzQQ/s1600/DSC03318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6p7hHRr2TI/AAAAAAAAA9k/YnwiTV4hzQQ/s320/DSC03318.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-63901607864075641832010-03-19T13:04:00.000-06:002010-03-19T13:04:31.745-06:00Melanoma is NOT for the faint of heart - WARNING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months ago, Jeff's boss went in to get his moles checked and found out he had Melanoma skin cancer. Which got Jeff and I thinking that we should probably get ours checked out too. Jeff saw a mole in the middle of my back that he was a little concerned about. After making a trip to the dermatologist, she did a biopsy of the same mole Jeff was worried about. A week later, I received a phone call confirming that that mole was melanoma skin cancer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kinda made me sick to my stomach just knowing I had cancer, but I knew I'd be okay. Luckily I have two wonderful friends who have been on this same journey. I was able to talk with them and realize what I was in for. So last Monday I went in for a scheduled surgery to cut out the melanoma. As I already knew, Melanoma can be an extremely dangerous cancer. If not caught early, it is fatal. Fortunately, Jeff caught it early. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melanoma is a tricky cancer. The cancer cells don't really stick together. Some like to go off to the sides. So, in order to make sure they got it all out, they cut a large area. Dr. Tuli ended up cutting a big diamond shape in my back that ended up being about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide and about a half an inch deep. Since they just numb the area that they cut, I was awake the whole time and got to see my diamond shape skin put in the dish that would be sent off for more testing. It was really weird, but interesting. They ended up cutting all the way down to my back muscle. Jeff got to see it all. AND AMAZINGLY.... he did NOT faint!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> After they cut the diamond shape out, they pulled the skin together and then sewed it all up. I ended up with this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6PC6FuPl6I/AAAAAAAAA9M/x38Y7Cz4SmY/s1600-h/DSC03305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S6PC6FuPl6I/AAAAAAAAA9M/x38Y7Cz4SmY/s320/DSC03305.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have since learned that every little movement that I make seems to be connected to my back. Every reach, every stretch, sitting, even walking....which makes it so sore. There doesn't seem to be a comfortable position to sleep or sit in. Every thing is connected to the back. Yesterday was the first day that I could move enough to dress myself without any help and shampoo and do my own hair. Today I seem to be paying for it though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel sorry for my kids. This week has been spring break and they've had to stay home and not do much. They have been amazing though. I am so proud of them. They are being extra loving and attentive and extremely helpful. They have really stepped it up! Love those kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And all in all, I really can't complain. It hurts, but it could be a lot worse. I don't have to do chemotherapy or radiation or anything. That is a HUGE blessing! And most of all, I still have my life. It may be a life that is different that before. Staying out of the sun is going to be a MAJOR adjustment for me! But, I'm grateful. A little pain can teach you a big lesson. </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-80699910592704720432010-03-12T16:03:00.000-07:002010-03-12T16:03:21.124-07:00BIRTHDAYS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of February, Jeff sent me to Arizona for an early birthday get away. I had the best time. The weather was in the 70's and sunny. It was gorgeous. So nice to go home and warm up. I filled my days with family, eating, movie, games, more family and friends. Everything I love! I even got to speak at Ethen, Elizabeth's son's baptism.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since it was close to my 40th birthday, my sweet sister and dear friend Heather Biggs put a party together for me. We met at Laura and Brent's sub shop once it closed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-JB8Gn8I/AAAAAAAAA8c/D4c4yeBa5C0/s1600-h/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-JB8Gn8I/AAAAAAAAA8c/D4c4yeBa5C0/s320/Picnik+collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Laura is amazingly talented and decorated the place super cute with pink and green balloons, centerpieces, etc. The place was darling. She even blew up pictures of me through out my life, connected them with ribbon and made adorable garland for the walls. It was fun for everyone to see themselves in the pictures too. She is so awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-NHpmSkI/AAAAAAAAA8k/6R8_AbZFk0c/s1600-h/picnick+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-NHpmSkI/AAAAAAAAA8k/6R8_AbZFk0c/s320/picnick+collage+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I was surrounded by family and friends. Some friends that I hadn't seen in way too long of time. We played a game of music from the 80s, enjoyed visiting and super yummy food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-QZbcwgI/AAAAAAAAA8s/YW4LLQ4PXuc/s1600-h/Picnik+collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-QZbcwgI/AAAAAAAAA8s/YW4LLQ4PXuc/s320/Picnik+collage+3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I LOVED every minute of it. I have been so blessed with such amazing friends and family through out my life. HUGE BLESSINGS!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-SuHRMzI/AAAAAAAAA80/gzIrt4pTqGM/s1600-h/Picnik+collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-SuHRMzI/AAAAAAAAA80/gzIrt4pTqGM/s320/Picnik+collage+4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was just THE perfect trip ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-VbG1FJI/AAAAAAAAA88/TV-j-SO5MFc/s1600-h/Picnik+collage+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q-VbG1FJI/AAAAAAAAA88/TV-j-SO5MFc/s320/Picnik+collage+6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day after I got home, Brennan turned 14!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy cow. I cannot believe my little guy is 14. It's so scary how fast time goes by. Brennan chose to have his traditional chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Then he chose breakfast burritos for dinner and Jello cake for dessert. That night, he and I went to the movies together. It was so fun to have some one on one with the birthday boy. AND look at that cute birthday sign below. My amazingly talented sister made it. It is so darn cute. We got good use of it right away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q973VsF8I/AAAAAAAAA8M/886kJwZt3II/s1600-h/picnik+brennan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5q973VsF8I/AAAAAAAAA8M/886kJwZt3II/s320/picnik+brennan.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later that week, I went down to Mississippi to have my hair done by my dear friend Mary Berry. She surprised me by having my other camp friends, Kriss Norris and Alayna Weiss there to celebrate my birthday. Alayna brought our favorite Mexican food. We had so much fun just laughing and chatting away while Mary made me beautiful. Wish I took pictures. Dang it! I just LOVE those girls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5rBNjvrewI/AAAAAAAAA9E/s3qOfVROzeM/s1600-h/Picnik+kris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S5rBNjvrewI/AAAAAAAAA9E/s3qOfVROzeM/s320/Picnik+kris.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Friday of that week, my most awesome friends here had a birthday lunch for me. We went to our Italian food joint and had more laughs, conversation, and yummy food. SEE WHAT I MEAN? I have THE BEST friends!!!!!! I was so spoiled.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On my actual birthday, Jeff decorated the kitchen so cute with 40 decor everywhere. It was so fun. We also woke up to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. So, after eating my birthday strawberry shortcake for breakfast....we went HIKING!!! I loved it. And even though Brooke was making fun of me for being so old the whole way, it was so fun. Later we enjoyed lunch and movies with the kids....then date night with Jeff. It was FABULOUS!!! I couldn't have asked for a better 40th birthday. I felt so loved.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055713395991225349.post-13586694540287200272010-02-08T15:14:00.000-07:002010-02-08T15:14:02.855-07:00What a Winter!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been a crazy winter. We have had 4 snow days and record low temperatures for the month of January. We have been FREEZING! Yes, I know I'm wimpy. But give me a break. I'm still an Arizona girl at heart. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFiGCsMQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/LJABtnXzOT0/s1600-h/DSC03204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFiGCsMQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/LJABtnXzOT0/s320/DSC03204.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brooke had fun with her dad doing a science project on distillation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFoDSy-PI/AAAAAAAAA5k/3XW5A7OJqr8/s1600-h/DSC03211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFoDSy-PI/AAAAAAAAA5k/3XW5A7OJqr8/s320/DSC03211.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brennan made the honor roll for the semester! Woo hoo!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFvJ2LZaI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ld0D1bJ70_Y/s1600-h/DSC03213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CFvJ2LZaI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ld0D1bJ70_Y/s320/DSC03213.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I helped Brooke's class make 4 fleece blankets for Youth Village where the children don't have any blankets. That was quite entertaining watching them. But they did a good job.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CF2QHJN6I/AAAAAAAAA50/Fan3vauqFXY/s1600-h/DSC03215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CF2QHJN6I/AAAAAAAAA50/Fan3vauqFXY/s320/DSC03215.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've had school cancelled 4 times so far. Once we didn't have hardly any snow. Two days we had a major ice storm. It was gorgeous seeing the city in ice. BUT, we had major problems and damage because of it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CF9jnSa3I/AAAAAAAAA58/Qxmi1OInTlE/s1600-h/DSC03217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CF9jnSa3I/AAAAAAAAA58/Qxmi1OInTlE/s320/DSC03217.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a picture of the city tree that is behind our fence. It got so weighed down with ice, it came crashing over our fence breaking it and our fence and covering the swing set. Hopefully they'll be out soon to fix it all. We also had a few days of several hours with no power in our city due to trees crashing on the power lines. We had tons of trees down all over the place. The longest period of time without power was 7 hours starting at 10 pm. We were very grateful for our handy generator that night! BE PREPARED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHV8FTlWI/AAAAAAAAA7E/KQPKoBmGen4/s1600-h/DSC03223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHV8FTlWI/AAAAAAAAA7E/KQPKoBmGen4/s320/DSC03223.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We woke up today to another cancelled day of school because of snow. This time, it was real. Kinda funny because it took us all by surprise. Nobody was really expecting it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHgQDM12I/AAAAAAAAA7M/qO6JcHcEyFY/s1600-h/DSC03222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHgQDM12I/AAAAAAAAA7M/qO6JcHcEyFY/s320/DSC03222.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think we ended up getting a good 5-6 inches though and had so much fun.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHmGKVjRI/AAAAAAAAA7U/_RQLBVbZvnA/s1600-h/DSC03227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHmGKVjRI/AAAAAAAAA7U/_RQLBVbZvnA/s320/DSC03227.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regan made me proud and actually played in it longer than she ever had before.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHrqNhl-I/AAAAAAAAA7c/Ol10x0S_K8I/s1600-h/DSC03229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHrqNhl-I/AAAAAAAAA7c/Ol10x0S_K8I/s320/DSC03229.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brooke built herself a little man.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CH3uSpqUI/AAAAAAAAA7s/hRLl1da3pxw/s1600-h/DSC03235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CH3uSpqUI/AAAAAAAAA7s/hRLl1da3pxw/s320/DSC03235.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jadyn lasted about 5 minutes. But she still looked cute.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHxLLD6FI/AAAAAAAAA7k/nkg7VIXWvnw/s1600-h/DSC03232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CHxLLD6FI/AAAAAAAAA7k/nkg7VIXWvnw/s320/DSC03232.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brooke and Regan were brave enough to make snow angels.</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CH_PuI75I/AAAAAAAAA70/k7PNLxUpZLA/s1600-h/DSC03236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CH_PuI75I/AAAAAAAAA70/k7PNLxUpZLA/s320/DSC03236.JPG" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jadyn is such a momma's girl.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CIFzAs-9I/AAAAAAAAA78/xEZhFJiTQOQ/s1600-h/DSC03238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CIFzAs-9I/AAAAAAAAA78/xEZhFJiTQOQ/s320/DSC03238.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brooke and Brennan ganged up on me in a snowball fight.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CIMoiNN3I/AAAAAAAAA8E/rgmT_nOlxrY/s1600-h/DSC03244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xLAGVmES0Tc/S3CIMoiNN3I/AAAAAAAAA8E/rgmT_nOlxrY/s320/DSC03244.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, we had so much fun...but so not equipped for snow. Without proper snow clothes and gloves, it is so cold. It's fun being able to have snow just a couple days a year though. But, I have a feeling we haven't seen the end of it yet.</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13821737180035805978noreply@blogger.com5