Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Brian and I took the kids over to our favorite sledding spot this morning. It was a blast! Last year Ella was too small to handle the cold, so I was the self-appointed babysitter. Well, I now know what I have been missing out on. This hill is awesome! A little scary for me, but still a blast. Tess is so out-of-control...she just freaks me out. She flips off the sled and flops around like a little noodle. I guess that why the little dare-devil never gets hurt...and boy can she stick a landing like I've never seen. It's hysterical! Zach met up with his buddy Zack over at the hill and they had Tons-o-Fun! Lauren has been blessed with her Mommy's natural-born athleticism (you know it!)...the girl can ride! :-) Ella gave up on the whole idea of using a sled (the first time down she got way too much snow in her face). She preferred to slide down the hill on her bottom....it really was adorable!

Well, enjoy the pictures...have a great New Year everyone! Love, Kim

Zach

Lauren

Tess

Ella

Christmas Day 2008

It's hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone. The kids have been anticipating this day for soooo long!! It's so great for Brian and I to see their faces light up and to experience their joy...to be a kid again, huh? Well, we are so grateful for all of our many blessing, especially this special time of year where we can reflect on the birth of our Savior. We hope that you all had a "Magical" Christmas. Enjoy...

Ella's Birthday

December has been a crazy month for our family, and I'm sure many of you can relate. Among the "normal" Christmas Season festivities, our family celebrates 4 out of 6 of our birthdays. Brian and Zach on the 11th, Ella on the 21st and then Lauren on the 31st. So, we have been having lots and lots of fun! When we were celebrating Zach's birthday, I asked Ella if she was excited for her birthday. I asked her if she wanted to have our usual family dinner and she told me "Mommy, I want to go to McDonald's for my birthday and play in the Play Place and I want Sandra and Zoey and Colton and Sydne to come and play with me." I could NOT believe that my little baby had it all planned out. She told me where she wanted to go and who she wanted to be there...I just thought that was Hilarious! My little baby is not really my "little" baby anymore. She surprises me everyday...I can't believe how grown-up she acts! Her birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and so the kids were all dressed nicely...what a good opportunity to take some more photos, huh? Well, here are some photos of our birthday girl on her special day...Enjoy!

Then...

and Now...

Her Birthday Party at McDonalds

Her Birthday

Zach's Birthday Fun

This year for Zach's birthday he wanted to go to "Jump on It" again. The kids love to go there and jump, jump, jump....I guess they really miss our trampoline during the winter months. We invited 5 friends to come along and they were all on their best behavior. After jumping we took the kids to Pier 49 Pizza and then Zach went to pick out his birthday present...a new Wii game. The boys had a blast coming back to the house and playing the Wii and then we had enormous cupcakes and ice cream for dessert.

It's hard to believe that my little boy is 11 years old. I can remember the day Zach was born like it was yesterday...I do believe that our baby boy has been the best birthday present I have ever given to my sweet husband. Yes...Zach was born on Brian's birthday. This year Brian was not feeling very well and was unable to jump with the kids....poor guy, he just sat there most of the time with his head on the camera bag. He's finally feeling better now, but after almost a week with this "bug" I didn't think he was ever going to shake it. Well, until next time...love and hapiness - Kim

Baby Zach

Summer 1998-6 months old

Zach and his buddies

Kyle, Colton, Caden, Jose, Zach and Zack

Zach and Zack wrestling

Ella, Tess and Lauren having a blast

Our Birthday Boy

Zach's Arrow of Light

Zach earned his Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts...this was the last thing he could earn as a cub scout. Now, my little boy has entered the 11-year-old scouts. We are so proud of him and are so grateful to his WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL Scout Leaders. The Cub Master went out of his way and made Zach this cool Arrow of Light sign that he can hang in his room. Good job Buddy, we love you!

Our Family Photo Session

We were finally able to have our yearly family photo session! The kids were unusually cooperative and I think we got some good ones. Here are some of our favorites...

Thanksgiving

I know, I know...it's been FOREVER! I am so sorry. I have started working and I can't seem to figure out how to get everything done. So, let's go back to Thanksgiving...we had dinner at my mom and dad's and everything was DELISH! Michael and Bekah came down so that meant all 8 grandkids and 6 adults at mom and dad's...that was a first for all of us to be there at the same time. It was so nice to all be together and I am so thankful for my family. I don't know what I would do without them...they are so patient and understanding and I love them more than words can describe. (Even mom, ha, ha!) Speaking of, she is doing amazingly well and she goes next week for her 6 week post-op check-up. She had to have all of her, as she would say "old-lady stuff" removed/repaired....all you women know what I mean. As for my job, I started working while the kids are at school. My neighbor across the street owns her own internet business and I have been helping out (just for the holiday rush). You should all go and check it out...her website is http://www.littledressupshop.com/ She has cute, cute stuff for girls AND boys. Anyhow, my baby girl has been doing extremely well with this hard transition. She comes with me on some days, and is tended to by my neighbor on the other days. I believe this has been harder for me than her. Well, before Brian gets off the treadmill and has to start his class...I better go and figure out what we are having for dinner. Until next time...Love and Happiness, Kim

the "Adult Table"

the "Kid Table"

Ella and Colton chatting ...

Big D