Owen's Big Day

This is Owen, and he is my youngest nephew. Today is a very special day for him and his family. This morning they will be sealed together in the Newport Beach, California Temple. I am so sad to be missing this, but hope they all know how much I love them and miss them. They have been waiting a long time for this day and I am so thrilled that it is finally here. We love you Owen and you couldn't have picked a better family!

How cute is he?

Grace's Birthday Celebration

Gracie had a GREAT birthday!

(despite the birthday cake incident)

We ate dinner with her Oma & Poppy (my parents) at California Pizza Kitchen. She loved the bread and is always a fan of pasta.

Then we went back to their house to open presents.She got more into it when she noticed that we made great reactions once the presents were open. It quickly became a game and she immediately learned how to react just like us! Such a little mimic!Grace got tons of her favorite things, bracelets, purses, movies and books. She had a great time and loved showing us her new gifts.

What a day!
Thanks Oma & Poppy for celebrating with us!

Who Cries Over Cake?

Apparently, she does!
It didn't even get better once the candles were blown out. We tried getting her to at least take one bite of cake, since last year, that's all it took for her to realize how yummy it was. That didn't even help. It actually made it worse. She just thought we were feeding her poison or something. I just don't get it. Oh well, that's Gracie for you!
*this is not a good picture, but it says it all

Birthday Girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!
We love you!

"The Box"

Why are they always more entertained with the box then what's inside it?

1st Day of School

Jackson was so excited to get back to preschool. I think we all were a little bit.
He was lucky enough to have the same teachers he had the year before so everything was very familiar. It definitely makes the first day of school easier for everyone. No tears for this kid!

If you got it, flaunt it!

Letter Writing in Style

Hide and Seek

On many Sunday nights, we play a few games of Hide and Seek. Most times, the kids get super hyper and run all around the house getting as worn out as possible (which is our goal). This Sunday was no exception! However, Jackson is getting much better at hiding. He used to always pick the same three spots and usually give himself away before we even got there. If you take too long trying to find him, he'll usually run out to announce where he has been. There were a few times where we'd be walking around the house saying, "is Jackson in his room?" and then you'd here "NO!" coming from Grace's room. It's progress!
As the night went on, he started getting more creative with his hiding spots (and stealing a few ideas of where mommy was hiding the time before). On the last round, we walked into his room to see the little feet coming out from under his bed. After standing in his room, for a good minute, trying to control our laughter, he finally tried to curl his feet ever so quietly in. Way to go Jackson, your Hide and Seek skills really are the "bestest."

Time Out!

Grace has a REALLY bad habit. Most of you don't need to worry that this could affect you or your children someday as she seems to focus this bad habit strictly on Jackson. She bites him! Yep, that's right, she's a biter. Not only that, but she is smart enough to only do it when we are not in the room. Granted she does not do this on a regular basis, but I think one time is too many. I can't say he doesn't always deserve it, but honestly, .... why biting? So, the very few times we've been able to catch her we are quick to reprimand her in hopes of putting a stop to this nonsense. For whatever reason, she listens to Kelly so much better than me and actually takes him seriously. Who would have thought!
I know I shouldn't laugh when Gracie get put in "time out" by Kelly, but ... how could I not. She would never sit there for me or like that for that matter. I think he now does it just because it makes me laugh so hard.

"SORRY!"

Jackson's Tagged

1. What is something mom always says to you?
"Say good things"

2. What makes mom happy?
"Jackson" & "when I am being good"

3. What makes mom sad?
"When I'm grumpy"

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
"When you tickle me"

5. What was your mom like as a child?
"A laughing girl"

6. How old is your mom?
"22. I forgot how many you are."

7. How tall is your mom?
"So tall"

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
"To play with me"

9. What does your mom do when you are not around?
"Doesn't play & not be happy"

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
"Being nice"

11. What is your mom really good at?
"playing, finger painting, not kicking, your pretty good at everything"

12. What is your mom not so good at?
"Not drawing dragons on pictures"
(although I have never tried, apparently he knows my limits)

13. What does your mom do for her job?
"Be nice about taking care of me"

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
"guacamole"
( I didn't know that)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
"That you are always nice and good to me"

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Nobody. Your my mom."

17. What do you and your mom do together?
"paint, play and play trains and cars"

18. How are you and your mom the same?
"Because we got made from Jesus"

19. How are you and your mom different?
"Because we got made different, silly"

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
"You hug me and kiss me and read me stories and do all kinds of stuff with me"