Family Pictures

I wanted some Spring photos, so I loaded up the camera, the tri-pod, and the family and headed down to Knights Ferry. (Where else?) These are just a few of my favorites. Isn't my family beautiful?

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday Evyn!

We gathered at the ranch for an Easter ham dinner. After the meal Papa took the grandkids for a ride on the John Deere and while he was gone the Easter Bunny came and hid eggs all over the yard! The kids went crazy climbing trees and searching bushes on a mission to collect eggs! After that Uncle Eric and Aunt Laurie brought out the parachute and the missionaries joined in on the fun with the kids. We also sang to little Evyn who just turned one! It is so hard to believe that a year has already passed! Easter was wonderful and I want to thank all of the hands that put it together! You know who you are, and you know that I love you!

Here's all of the grandkids lined up from oldest to youngest (missing Camille and Dominick):
Lucas, (holding baby Jacob, the youngest) Garrett, Maryn, Paris, Tayler, Brenden, Billy, Sophia, Layla, Royce, Morgan, Evyn. If you are wondering what all of the silly faces and arms are; they were acting like monkeys. Auntie Brooke was making her famous animal sounds in hopes of keeping their attention.

Oakdale Rodeo Parade

We are blessed to be living in the "Cowboy Capital of the World!" Every year we sit curb-side eating doughnuts and watching the parade. This year the kids were feeling extra festive and decided to dress in their cowboy best. Sophia danced to all of the music while Brenden did his best to eat more doughnuts than anyone else.

Knights Ferry Picnic

This year's Spring gathering to Knights Ferry was a lot of fun! The wild flowers were beautiful and the sun was warm. After the BBQ we took a walk as we always do. Lucas, Garrett, and Brenden wanted to try out the water so they tore off their pants and jumped in. They quickly realized that the water was plenty cold! Grandmother made cup cakes for all of the kids and delicious cobbler for the rest of us. I certainly love Grandmother and Grandpa. They are such a strength in this family and truly a blessing in all of our lives.

Brooke's Baby Shower

Saturday April 4th, 2009 we FINALLY held a baby shower for Brookie and baby Jacob. We gathered at Aunt Elizabeth's house for a delicious dinner followed by games and dessert. I found myself in the back yard watching the cousins play together. They are always so excited to see one another. They are truly the best of friends. I wish that I had some pictures of Brooke and the actual shower to share, but I can at least tell you that Brooke looked beautiful as always and the shower was a lot of fun. Thanks to all of my sisters that did all of the work and refused to let me help. Next time it's my turn! I love you guys!

Third Place is Not Too Shabby!

Paris was given the opportunity to compete in a spelling bee involving multiple schools. She studied very hard and her hard work paid off! She walked away with the Third Place trophy! Her friend Kaeli also took part in the competition, so Kaeli's mom Tasha and I took our wonderful daughters out to a McDonalds lunch and Cold Stone ice cream afterward to celebrate! I am so proud of you Paris!

A Sonic Party!

On March 28th, 2009 Brenden was honored with a Sonic themed party for his 7th birthday. He has been crazy about Sonic the Hedgehog for months now, and wanted a Sonic party more than anything else in the world. Because Sonic is a "vintage" character, it was impossible to purchase any party item featuring the beloved hedgehog, so.... we got creative! I drew and then painted life-size versions of Sonic the Hedgehog and his nemisis Dr. Eggman. We played "Pin-the-Ring-On-Sonic", and defeated Dr. Eggman by popping the balloons that he used to hide the "chaos emeralds." I also hand made a pinata in the shape of the "Master Emerald." At the end of the party the kids took turns smashing it. (I'm new to pinata making, but apparently I used more tape than necessary because each kid took multiple turns!) We had Sonic colored cup cakes and kool-aid. My awesome friend Rickie came to the rescue and delivered ice cream cups at the very end of the party! The day turned out to be quite hot, so the ice cream hit the spot! Thanks again Rickie! The party was a blast and I had a lot of fun putting it together for my one-of-a-kind little man.