Some older pics of my family just until I can post some new Christmas pictures.

I almost forgot

We went with some good friends to Arches over UEA. We had a blast! Jared and I weren't planning on going and then my friends and I talked him into going the day of. Jared and I packed everything and were ready to leave within 3 hours. It was so much fun. My kids didn't even know. They came home from school and we said get in the truck we are leaving for 4 days. They were so excited. Our friends' kids are around my kids' ages and play together often. It was an awesome trip. Thanks friends for the invite!

We Love Halloween

We had a great Halloween day. Amelia decided to dress up as Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz. (her favorite book) Sara wanted to be Cleopatra. (perfect) Nic (any guesses) was of coarse a pirate. And Colby almost turned into a baby girl but instead was a baby ninja. (cute) Amelia, Sara, and Nic all dressed up for school. Sara and Amelia had their party the last hour of school. Which Sara said wasn't fair to make a kid wait so long for so much fun. I cant help but agree. Nic's pre school had a Halloween party and he brought home lots of goodies. I tried to tell him he didn't need to trick or treat now but he didn't agree. When the time for trick or treating finally arrived Jared took the 4 kids and set out. A couple hours later I was wondering if they were coming back. They did eventually come back with tired feet, smiles and tales of friends and scary statues that came alive and who had given the best treats.

Look how much i've grown!!

My kids had gotten their school pictures back a few weeks ago and when I started to change out the pictures from last year I realized how much my kids have grown. I forget how long 12 months is and how much can change. Amelia and Sara are now young girls instead of little girls and Nic is still a little boy but is in pre school now. Amelia, Sara, and Nic are loving school and excelling. I hope they will always enjoy school. But suddenly I am wondering when they could have grown? It must have been when my back was turned. Don't kids usually stick their tongues at you when your not watching?

1st grade 2007 - 2nd grade 2008
6 years old - 7 years old

1st grade 2007 - 2nd grade 2008
6 years old - 7 years old

3 years old 2007 - 4 years old 2008

Colby Turns One!

Colby turned 1 on the 27th. We had a small family party on Saturday. Colby was a little shy and wasn't sure what to do with all the attention. He wouldn't blow out the candle but loved the cake. He loved his new toys. He finally has a new toy that wasn't nic's. He was excited. After opening his first toy he didn't want to put it down to open the next present. Its a good thing he only had 3 to open or else we would have been there all night. I cant believe it has been a year. Colby seems to be a little bit shy around people. But when he is at home he thinks he is the boss. He is always telling everyone what he thinks and will yell at you if you do something he doesn't like. But is soft hearted at the same time and his feeling get hurt easily. I cant imagine our family without Colby. Sara is a great big sister to Colby. She is always protecting him. They have a great bond. Amelia loves to play with Colby. She is always the first to volunteer to take him when I am doing something and he is crying at my feet. Nic is excited to not be the little one anymore. He is rough and tough with Colby and I cant wait until they can play ball, ride bikes and just be best buds together. Colby has completely won over Jared's heart. Colby is the first one Jared has bonded with so fast. I love to see Jared rocking Colby to sleep. And for me Colby is another peace of the puzzle for our family. I could have never imagined that I could have so much room in my heart to love one more. But my heart keeps growing. We love you so much Colby.
Happy Birthday!

First day of preschool.

Nicolas was so excited to start preschool. I of course was a little nervous. I didn't know if he was ready for a three day preschool. He has a hard enough time sitting and watching cartoons or a movie the whole way through. He never has really liked to color or read long books. (By long books I mean longer than 5 pages and short sentences.) He doesn't even like to go to primary because he hates to sit and sing songs for an hour. So I was so excited and nervous for him. Well Nic wanted Jared to drive him and so Nic told Jared it was time to go and of course Jared took his own time and Nic was going to be late. Then I called Jared on their way to remind him to walk Nic to the door for his first day and my fears were right because when I called, Jared was already on his way home and he said he couldn't walk Nic all the way to the door because class had already started! So of course I am imagining my poor scared baby boy walking into class all by himself with no support! I thought about locking Jared out of the house and not letting him in until he went back to school to make sure Nic was okay. But of course I didn't and was counting the minutes until I could go and save this sad boy who I knew was traumatized. So two hours finally went by and my mom and I went to pick him up and the first thing he did when he saw us waiting for him was smile his big boy smile and wave with his whole arm. When he had gotten into the car he told us excitedly about his day and all the new friends he had made. He even said he couldn't wait to go back before I could even ask him! The things I spend time worrying about end up being the things that I don't need to. Crazy.

Walking Walking and Walking

First day of second grade

Sara was really excited. She had a hard time sleeping the night before. Her teachers name is Mrs. LeBarron. The school offers a morning art class and Sara wants to get up earlier to attend! Sara was nervice that she wouldn't have anyone to sit by at lunch. After school she told me she sat by 4 other friends. And was glad she didnt sit alone. She is so cute. I was glad that her fear wasnt a concern any longer. She had a great first day.

Amelia was excited for school also but was way too cool to admit it. She really only likes school because of the social side of it. She loves her friends. She came home and said she didnt know many kids in her class. So I asked her who she knew and she named about 10 different names. Then I said well that sounds like alot of kids that you know in your class. Then she said well I dont know everyone of my class mates! I told her she has all year to get to know them. But I am sure it will only take a few days. Her teachers name is Mrs. Rhodes.

Nic rides bike without training wheels!!

Nic's training wheels were falling apart and all bent up. So Jared decided it was time to take them off. Nic jumped on the bike and took off. It hasn't even been a week and he cant get his bike to go fast enough. He peddles so fast and his bike cant keep up. He even tries to do tricks. His first stunt was going down over the curb. He tried to go up over the curb next and flew over the handle bars onto the grass! It was funny. He didn't even cry. He is my big big boy. He is growing too fast. I swear just yesterday he was learning to roll over.

Colby is Walking!!

Colby has been walking for the past week. I am excited and sad all at once. I want him to learn and grow but wish it wasnt sooo fast.

Nic's 4th Birthday party.

Nicolas wanted a pirate bithday party. He invited all his best friends. They played in the back yard in the pool. We went on a tresure hunt had ice cream and cake then opened presents. We had a great time.

Derek and Megan were married in June, here are some pics of my kids from their special day.

Swimming, Boating, Camping, and lots of summer fun.