Waldron Family

Bobble head boy

2011-10-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Graham will be 3 months old in two days. It goes so fast yet seems like so long ago that he was born. He is getting so big and really interactive. He is so smiley and happy. He's kind of quiet like Kylynne was. He doesn't really babble or coo yet but we have gotten him to laugh a few times and it is so darling!
We call him the bobble head boy because he loves to sit up as much as he can but isn't strong enough to hold his head straight up all the time. He'll be doing really well and then start to wobble and bob his head. The kids think it's so funny! He loves to sit in his bumbo seat that Grammy gave us and loves all the attention he gets. When he's not getting enough attention he is sure to let us know.
He is sleeping through the night and has been since he was 1 month old. I thought for sure it wouldn't last but so far he is still doing great. We'll see if things change as he starts teething which he may be soon. Maxwell cut his first two teeth at 3 months old (the day we blessed him) and Graham is starting to get really drooly and chews on his fist constantly, so we'll see.
We sure love this litte dude and are so happy he is in our family!!

I had to include this picture because this is classic Graham. He always has his eyes open wide observing his older brother and sisters and this is usually when his head starts to bobble.

This next picture just shows how much attention he gets. The kids are constantly smothering him with hugs and kisses (not to mention Mom and Dad). Kylynne loves to get in his face and say "Hi" in the most high pitched voice, which scares him half the time. We are LOVING having another boy. Maxwell can hardly stand waiting for him to be old enough to play with. Love our little Graham the Man!!

Toothless Twins

2011-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mia and Eva have both lost their two front bottom teeth. Mia lost hers and then within a couple of weeks Eva lost hers. Love this picture, they are both missing the same tooth :)

Eva lost her first tooth at Maxwells soccer game. She was eating pirates booty and felt something hard in her mouth so she spit it out and it was her tooth. I gave her a ziploc bag to put it in but she kept taking it out to look at it and accidently dropped it in the grass. We looked and looked but couldn't find it. She was so upset about losing it so we decided to write the tooth fairy a note so she would know where to find it... and what do you know, the tooth fairy did find it and left Eva a dollar. She was SO excited!!

Eva

Mia

Love my sweet girls!!!!

Oceanside 2011

2011-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Every year in September for the last 5 years we have taken a family trip to Oceanside. It's become our family tradition and it is so much fun. Get ready for a marathon of pictures. I have a couple hundred pictures from the trip and tried to put mostly my favorites but there are so many cute ones.
To start our trip we headed to Newport beach and took a ride on this fun beach cruiser. Everyone was staring at us. I'm sure seeing all these little kiddo's crammed on this little car with Casey and I must have been a sight. The 3 girls in the front were giggling and laughing the whole time and then Casey, Maxwell, Graham and I were in the back. I wore Graham in the baby carrier and Casey and I peddled. We had lunch at the super delicious pizza place Bj's... Um, can I just say pazooki, yummmm!!

After the bike ride we had to get treats at the taffy shop behind the bike rental. If you're ever in Newport beach and are looking for a place to rent bikes Balboa bikes was the best price and the owner gave all the kiddo's candy for free and let us take as much time as we wanted on the cruiser.

We happened to be there over Labor day this time and so most of Casey's family came down to Oceanside and hung out with us. We played at the beach and pool and had a bbq that night for dinner. We miss being close to the Waldron clan and were so happy they came down to spend time with us.

Uncle Brandon and sweet little Lola

Maxwell and Cousin William looking at the sand crabs they caught

Silly cousin William

Lunch time... it was really cold on labor day, we even got a little rain.

Uncle Brian knows how to put these boys in their place

Auntie Jackie and Kylynne

Mia

Cousin Karen

Love this!

coming back from the pool

We spent a day at Sea World this year. It was a lot of fun up until all the power in southern California went out. The power went out just as the Dolphin show was starting so we didn't get to see that or the Shamu show. Luckily they gave us passes to come back another day so we're hoping to go back in December when we're there for Jeff and Karlas wedding. The best part about the whole Sea World day was when they realized the power wasn't coming back on anytime soon they started handing out ice cream and popsicles from each of the little ice cream stands. We all ate our weight in ice cream that day and were we ever sick!!

Cutest face ever!! She was so sad that she couldn't go on the rides because she's not tall enough

More time at the beach
Eva
Mia

and of course the boys had to get in their traditional baseball game on the beach
Another thing we do every year is end the week with a delicious home cooked meal. We always get a bunch of crab legs and bottled orange cream, rootbeer and cream soda to drink and the kids love that they get their own bottle. Eva's the only one that doesn't like crab legs so Casey made some yummy bbq chicken for her then we sliced up some watermelon made some rice and corn on the cob... Yum!!
It's always so much fun and always goes so fast. This year was a little more chilly than the last couple of years but it was still super fun! We hope that this tradition will last through the years and that it's something we can always look forward to doing as a family.

First Day of School

2011-10-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

Maxwell started a week earlier than the girls did. I don't know why they have the kindergarteners start later but it was really frustrating for the girls because they were so ready for school to start. They would ask me everyday after Maxwell started when they were going to go to school. We have the girls in seperate classes and it has been so good for them. I am excited to see how they will grow as individuals as they spend time apart and build their self confidence and identy as a person and not just as a twin.
They all have really great teachers and are doing really well. We just had our first parent teacher conference for the year and it's awesome to see how much they have learned in such a short amount of time. They have all grown so much this year... where does the time go!

Waldron Family Reunion

2011-10-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Every August on the 1st Saturday of the Month we have our annual Fred and Ruby Waldron family reunion (my father-in-law and his siblings). This year the reunion was held in St. George and because it was so close Casey convinced me to go even though I was only 10 days post partum and had a bad case of mastitis. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we went. This year they did a really fun pirate them complete with pirate paraphernalia and activities. We stayed in the same house we stayed at when we had our siblings retreat in June and it was really fun to be with Casey's family. The cousins all had a great time playing while the adults visited.

Each Waldron sibling and their offspring were responsible for putting together a family t-shirt so that everyone knew who belonged to who. They Floyd Waldron family had the best shirt there(of course) :)

10 day old baby Graham... Does the face on his shirt look familiar?? ....Grandpa Floyd

Mia, cousin Karen, Eva

Cute little Kylynne (couldn't get enough beads... obsessed much?)

Maxwell and cousin William

A little more than half of the cousins that were there

Kylynne, Daddy, Maxwell and cousin Caleb

Not the best family picture, but the best we could get!

I am a MOTHER!!!

2011-09-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

So, I've had a lot on my mind the past 10 months. Pretty much since I found out I was pregnant with baby #5. My emotions have been up and down and all over the map. I have wondered "how am I going to do this" so many times it's amazing I'm still sane.
Knowing this, Casey gave me some wonderful books for mothers day this year. "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson and "A mothers book of secrets" by Linda Eyre and Shwni Eyre Pothier. Both are excellent books which I would definitely recommend. They are easy reads and they helped me to realize that I need to give myself a break sometimes and just enjoy the moment instead of thinking about all the things that I can and should do better. Because the more I spend time thinking about those things the more I realize that my deepest fear is that I will FAIL as a Mother. And not just kind of fail but fail miserably! I'm sure all parents feel this way at different times in their lives. But I found myself so consumed with the thought that I was going to fail that I think sometimes that anxiety has made my parenting even worse.

Before I had children, success as a parent meant to me that each child would grow up as the most perfect version of themselves. That they would be kind and loving, respectful, responsible, and everyone's best friend. That they would have self confidence and morals, integrity and a relationship with our Father in Heaven that was so in tune with the spirit that they would never make a bad choice. They would all grow in the gospel and serve missions, marry in the temple and have their own beautiful children free of heart ache and struggle. HA!

The thing that I didn't understand before I had children was how HARD it was going to be. Sure, I knew it was going to be hard but NOT THIS HARD. And of course it's hard because all things that are worth anything ARE hard. They challenge us and force us to grow and learn and stretch us to the edge of breaking, but that's how we learn and it's the ONLY way to get back to our Father in Heaven which, for me, IS the goal.
Of course I still want all those things for my children but I now understand that those things don't come without a price. I do want my children to be good, trustworthy, honest, loving people but I don't want them to breeze through life without pain, heart ache and struggle because those growing pains are required for us to learn and re learn. I have to let them make choices and also deal with the consequences of those choices. (that's the hard part)
I can't be their "savior" and shelter them from heartache because I would also be keeping them from becoming who they can and will be.

Maxwell said to me a couple of weeks ago "Mom, I wish I could stay 7 forever!" And in that moment I wanted it too, but then the thought occurred to me that we grow up so we can experience life, make mistakes and keep making them until we learn from them and that's the ONLY way to reach our ultimate goal of eternal families and to live in the presence of God.

I was talking with a dear friend the other day and venting about my daily frustrations as a mother. I was feeling so defeated that I said "Maybe I'm just not the right mother for these kids because I don't know how to parent them." and then the spirit whispered to me... And that's why YOU ARE their Mother, because they are here to teach you and stretch you and help you grow... tender mercies of the Lord.

Life with 5 children 7 and under has been busy, challenging and so rewarding. Each child brings so much love and so much sweetness to our home.
My house is more messy than it's ever been. I can't seem to stay on top of anything. There are always clean clothes on the couch that need to be folded, dishes in the dishwasher that need to be put away, toys to be picked up and beds to be made. Most days I'm living minute to minute trying to get through it some days not even having time to get myself showered and dressed. But through it all, with out fail, there are those moments that I want time to stand still. I want to savor the giggles and snuggles and excitement. I want the children to stay just the way they are in that moment forever. I want to remember the way their voices sound and the way their eyes shine when they laugh. I even want to remember the way their little lips quiver when they are sad... again, tender mercies of the Lord.

Being a mother is what I have ALWAYS wanted to be and now that I am, as hard as it is at times, it is THE BEST and most MEANINGFUL thing I will ever do. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am truly blessed to be an influence to and give guidance to these 5 AMAZING little people.
And though some days I would like to live Satan's plan and force them to choose the right, I know that I can't ;)... I can only pray with every breath that I will be worthy of the spirit so that I may know what they need individually at all times.

I know I've made mistakes and I'm going to keep on making them, but today I DON'T feel defeated... Today I AM what they need... Today, I AM their MOTHER and I am forever GRATEFUL that the Lord has enough confidence in me that he has entrusted these perfect little spirits to me knowing that I would mess up from time to time but also knowing that if I stay close to Him that He will make me worthy of the task and BLESSING of being their MOTHER!!!

Graham the Man

2011-09-19T20:22:00.001-07:00

Graham Gary Waldron was born July 27th, 2011 at 12:09pm. My due date was July 24th and although I was expecting to be overdue and not particularly in favor of the idea of being induced (after the crazy experience with Kylynne's induction) after lot's of prayer, thought and talking with my Doctor I decided to be induced.
I went into the hospital at 7:30am checked in, filled out paperwork, got my IV and was ready to see my doctor. The wonderful Dr. Jones (who also delivered Eva and Mia) checked me and said I was at about 4cm and broke my water at about 9:30am. I got my epidural around 10:15am and never felt any real painful contractions, by this time I was only at about 5cm. After some minor dips in my blood pressure and some dizziness the nurse gave me a little bit of oxygen and some medication to bring my blood pressure back up and then said to let her know if I felt any pressure in my bottom or if I felt the need to push. At about 11:30 I started feeling a lot of pressure down there so I pushed my call button and she came in to check me. As soon as she did she said "you ready to have a baby, cause it's time to push but you'll have to wait a few minutes for Dr. Jones to finish up a delivery. I think it was about 15 minutes later when he came in. Two big pushes and baby boy Waldron was born at 12:09pm. He came out crying and continued to cry and cry for about an hour. I couldn't get him to nurse or be comforted at all so I handed him to Casey and Daddy's magic touch was all it took. Casey rocked him (or bumped him - all you Waldrons know what I'm talking about!) and he finally calmed down and fell asleep.
He was my biggest baby at 8lbs 10oz and 20 1/2in long (and man did I feel it!)

As many of you know it took us about 10 days to decide on a name. That is a long story!!
Graham is a sweet boy and has already changed SO MUCH! I have lot's and lot's of helpers all the time, sometimes too much!

I wondered how Kylynne would take it because she is normally very much a daddy's girl but the last couple of weeks before I had Graham she became VERY clingy to me. I think she knew she was about to lose her place as the baby.

I have been nursing but have been giving bottles as well because my milk supply hasn't been the greatest. The kids LOVE helping and feeding baby. They are all SO excited when it's their turn.

Right after his first bath

Graham slept with us in bed, something I NEVER thought I would do but he slept so much better those first few weeks. It was the best thing ever waking up to this little angel snuggled up next to me. We got lucky somehow and he started sleeping throught the night at about 4 1/2 weeks old and has been since, so he sleeps in his bed now but still in our room.

Kylynne is still very much a daddy's girl and always has to get in on snuggle time when Casey is holding Graham.... He loves it!

1 week

Mia

Eva

He's growing so much and starting to smile and coo. He is so sweet that I just have to kiss him every second I can get. We LOVE having another boy and are so excited he is in our family. It looks like this little dude is going to have brown eyes, yay, I'm crossing my fingers they stay that way!!

Our little Scooter

2011-06-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

While we were on our couples retreat in St. George my wonderful parents took care of our children. Friday evening they took the kiddos to jump on it with their cousins. About 10 minutes after they arrived my nephew accidently jumped right onto Kylynne's leg and she broke both bones. My awesome parents took care of everything and it was so comforting knowing they were the ones caring for her. They even kept their plans for the weekend and took all the kids to Idaho to visit with their cousins and see their newest cousin blessed that Sunday. After a weekend of TLC with Grammy and Poppy we were anxious to see her. My Mom said she was such a trooper the whole time and really did well considering her discomfort.
The Pediatrician recommended we see an orthopedic doctor because of the nature of the brake and the proximity to the growth plate. We had to wait about 5 days for all the swelling to go down before she got her hard cast.
She has been SO good the whole time. She really has done well and reminds us a few times a day "I can't step on my leg."
While waiting for the swelling to go down she got to lay with her leg propped up and enjoyed lots of movies, books and snuggle time with Mom and Dad. The first couple of days we were home from our trip all she wanted to do was sit with me and snuggle (which was so wonderful) I didn't get a thing unpacked or done around the house but it was worth it, she just needed me close and it was so sweet.

(Waiting for the Orthopedic doctor to come in and see her.) The whole time we were in the waiting room she absolutely LOVED all the attention she got from everyone and had to tell everyone the story of how it happened and then had to finish by telling them she was going to get a pink cast.

She was SO excited to FINALLY have her pink cast (we got the last one!) The Orthopedic doctor said that she's not supposed to walk on it at all but that she only would have to have it for 4 weeks instead of the 6 weeks we thought she was going to have it. The brake was only about 2cm away from her growth plate but thankfully it missed it so we don't have to worry about any surgery or complications. We get another xray next week to see how things are healing.

Since she got her hard cast she has been getting more and more mobile everyday. The first day or two she still kept it pretty still but has since started crawling around and climbing on things. She still won't put any pressure on it which is good. I want her to be cautious at least until next week when we have it xrayed again and see how things are healing. She lost her balance one afternoon while trying to pull herself up on a chair and stepped back on it and cried pretty hard.

It's pretty cute to see her scoot around on her bum and crawl on her knees. She has been so so good but I can tell some days by the end of the day she's pretty achy and uncomfortable so I'll give her a little Ibuprofen. She gets super frustrated sometimes too not being able to get around or do the things that she wants to do. Those are the times that are the hardest because she wants me to hold her and carry her but since I'm about 5 weeks away from delivery its been a challenge for me. Although I'm grateful that I have felt good this pregnancy and have been able to do as much for her as I have been.

I really have LOVED all the snuggles and hugs and down time with her. She is a such a lug though and all the up and down the two flights of stairs in our house a dozen times a day has been tough but maybe it will get this baby to come early or even on time instead of late! :)

We have been taking lot's of walks in the stroller this week and going to the park so she can swing, because that's all she gets to do. We have been to a different park everyday this week and have enjoyed literally miles of walking.

The older children have been such a help getting her things and getting me things and helping to carry things when we go out. And they all love taking their turn to push her in the stroller. They have been great sports about walking every day. It's been a good thing for all of us.

The day after it happened (I think) my mom said Kylynne looked at her and put her hands on her face and said... "it's not your fault." Which, I think, she knew exactly what she was saying. Kylynne is definitely a sensitive girl and she often says, "it's ok mom." She told me right after the doctor finished up putting her hard cast on "it's ok mom, it's all better now!"

She is such a sweet little girl and we are so happy she is part of our family. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE or little Ky Ky!

Couples Retreat

2011-06-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the four oldest siblings in Casey's family, along with their spouses, got together for a couples retreat. Three of the seven married kids coudn't make it... we missed you D & K, B & K, and T & R :)
Our brother in law's parents have a beautiful vacation home in St. George that we were able to stay at together (Thank you Bill and Annette).
We got there Wednesday night and stayed until Sunday afternoon. We spent time hiking, eating, laughing, playing games, eating, swimming, eating, sleeping in, watching movies, going to the temple, eating, relaxing, talking, shopping, staying up late, enjoying each others company and eating some more. I felt full the entire trip - time for a body detox!!
It was so much fun being together for 4 days with no distractions and NO KIDS!! We were able to completely relax and enjoy visiting with no interruptions - something we rarely get to do.
I am so grateful to have married into such an AMAZING family. It's always awesome being together and was so great spending time with my honey before the baby comes.

Thank you so much to all of our family members who took care of our 16 children, without you the trip never could have happened. Specefically thank you to my amazing parents who so willingly took a break from their own hectic lives to help us. Even with baby Ky and her injury (post to follow) not skipping a beat and doing all that you did. We love you so so much and hope you know how much our children absolutely adore you. Thank you for loving them and caring for them.

Next time hopefully all the marrieds and "soon to be marrieds" can make it and we can make it a tradition. Love you guys... Thanks for a great time!!

The whole group at the St. George temple

The dessert was so beautiful!!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

I love Easter Sunday... It's such a wonderful time to reflect on the priceless sacrifice our Savior made for all of us as well as the fact that He is risen!!!
We tried to focus the day around the Savior by listening to a talk by Bruce R. Mckonkie (thanks mom for the copy). As we listened the children were all surprisingly quiet and after is was over Maxwell said "Mom, I listened to the whole thing." So I asked what he learned from the talk and he said "I already knew that Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane and that he was resurrected." Then Eva piped in "Yeah, and that he died on the cross for us." Yesss... (happy parent moment) they do listen!!

I am so grateful for the life that our Savior lived and the incomprehensible sacrifice he made for me personally. He does know each of us individually and loves us unconditionally. He lives to bless us and direct us back to him.

In the car on the way home from church Mia said "Why do we have to go where Jesus is? Why can't he just come to where we are." then Eva said "Yeah, I want him to be in our family and not with anyone else."

Happy Easter!!!

Randoms...

2011-04-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

- So today I took Eva to the Pediatrician for her kindergarten physical. I decided to have them go separately because it's a little chaotic taking both at the same time and I really wanted to make it fun and have some one on one time. Eva was so cute and talkative the whole drive there. She's such a chatter box when you get her one on one. She told Dr. Wilcox all about the things she likes to do. She did awesome with shots and left with a smile. She's still lingering just under 35 pounds like she has for the last year and is about 20th percentile for height and weight. She is starting to write really well and loves to draw and color. She writes her name on EVERYTHING! She LOVES to sing and dance can usually be caught in the middle of one or the other at any given moment just like her sister. They are such a great duo. She had to tell Mia all about what to expect when it's her turn to go to the doctor on friday. :)

Eva

- Mia and Eva are into talking about getting married right now. Today Eva said "first the boy and girl have to dance and then they get married". Obviously they have been watching too many disney movies. Last night Eva said "Mom, I don't know who to marry." I told her she had lots of time to decide. and not to worry about it to much yet. That then started a whole conversation about what kind of person they should marry. "Someone nice, of course" Mia said. Followed by "Like a boy that can cook dinner for the kids when I can't." Good quality :) "We should only marry someone who's going to be a good daddy... like our daddy." Then Eva said "Yeah, our dads a good dad!" I just love our conversations.

Mia

- Maxwell has been busy with a competitive soccer league for the past few weeks which he absolutely LOVES!! That boy has more energy then he knows what to do with so soccer has been great. He plays 3 times a week for 2 hours and it's still not enough. The other day he looked at Casey after practice and said "Dad, I want to play soccer at BYU when I grow up, like you." Casey of course had a smile from ear to ear hearing that. Although, neither of us want him to feel like he has to or that we'll be disappointed if he doesn't.

He had his patriotic program at school last week. It was so fun hearing all the first graders singing songs that I sang at that age, I love it. It brought tears to my eyes as they recognized all the men in the audience who have served our country as the children sang "God bless the U.S.A." and waved their little flags.

Maxwell just finished the 100 book club at his school, we are so proud of him and the great student he is. He earned a t-shirt and a free pass to Seven Peaks water park.

Maxwell with his teacher Mrs. Hulme after the patriotic program. We absolutely LOVE Mrs. Hulme. She has been the perfect teacher for Maxwell.

- Kylynne is our little munchkin girl. She wants to go outside everyday and has at least one fit a day because she wants to go out and push the stroller or ride her bike. (oh how I miss CA for this reason) On Sunday she went out in the snow for 30 minutes and wouldn't come in until she was absolutely frozen. She is such a sassy little girl but on the flip side as sweet as can be. She doesn't have a problem standing her ground with her 3 older siblings.

Kylynne loves to "swim", as she calls it. We call it taking a bath, but she does get her fair share of swimming in too!

One of my favorite things she says when she's a little uneasy about something or feels unsure she'll say to us, "I gochyou" as she holds tight to us.

- I have been struggling lately with my patience and find that when I'm tired, which feels like most days, my patience is even less. I was talking to my wonderful neighbor yesterday who has raised 8 boys and she gave me some good advise and referred me to a book called "scream free parenting" So, I ordered it on amazon today and am looking forward to reading it. It teaches parents how to let their children have freedom to make choices knowing ahead of time what the consequence is going to be. Letting them make the choice and taking the blame off of you as a parent and helping them understand that they chose the consequence when they chose to disobey. So, we'll see. I could use all the help I can get.

I want my children to make choices based on morals and doing it because they understand that its the right thing rather than just based on threats or fear. Every parents goal, I'm sure.

- Casey just spent all of his free time for the last couple of weeks digging a 15 foot hole in the ground next to our house to access the broken sewage pipe that caused the two floods in our basement right before and right after Christmas. We got two different quotes, one for $8,000 and one for $6,000 to do the dig and repair the pipe. Well, not having the money to pay for it, he said he was going to do it himself. At first I was a little worried about him doing it but later figured why not... doing all the work himself saved us a lot of money. The actual pipe repair itself only cost us $189, what a difference. We had help from our awesome neighbors and our brother in law. I am so blessed to be married to such an amazing man who isn't afraid of hard work and blesses us daily with his love. I am one lucky girl!

Starting the dig. Maxwell enjoyed helping too, for a little while

This was after the pipe was repaired and the fill dirt was packed around it, right before they started to fill the hole. The picture doesn't do justice to how deep it actually is.

Almost finished filling it back in... and so tired. What a man!!

Happy Birthday Grammy Karen!!

2011-03-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the birth day of one of the most influential women in my life. My dear mother in law Karen.

Karen had the most wonderful spirit about her. She had this AMAZING smile and contagious laugh. She had so much LOVE to give. She was incredibly UNSELFISH. She was always giving of her time to anyone and everyone. She GENUINELY cared for everyone she met. She wasn't ashamed of who she was and was NEVER afraid to be herself even if it meant looking silly in front of others. She ALWAYS stood up for her belief in family and in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an ADVOCATE for her children in every situation and LOVED her husband with a passion.

She wasn't perfect, none of us are. She made mistakes, as we all do. She lost her temper and yelled and argued with others about insignificant things, as we all have.
But the things that she did RIGHT, those or the things that stay with me, in my heart, FOREVER.

The most important thing she did for me personally was raise a WORTHY and RIGHTEOUS son. She encouraged her son to be the best version of himself he could be in every aspect of his life. She taught him about INTEGRITY, HONESTY, RESPECT, LOYALTY, FRIENDSHIP, HARD WORK, and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

She was so great at making any occasion special for those she loved. Whether it was a birthday, valentine's day, Christmas, baby shower, graduation, sporting events, etc. and always knew how important it was to make others feel like a million bucks.
When Casey and I were dating she always asked if he had money to take me out, if he was "spoiling me" and made sure that he was treating me with RESPECT.

She LOVED life and enjoyed it to it's FULLEST. She didn't need a reason to take a vacation or pull the kids out of school to do a fun activity. She wanted to live life and enjoy every MOMENT.

She absolutely ADORED all of her grand babies. She would take every moment to ROCK and SNUGGLE, even when she wasn't feel her best. She found so much JOY in life and in those she LOVED and she radiated that LOVE to everyone she came in contact with.

The spirit of who she is and the life she led, gives me strength when I wonder "how I'm going to be a mother to 5 children and do it right". The strength of her SPIRIT lives in all of us and helps us make good choices and live better lives.

There is NO DOUBT in me that she is aware of each of her family members. She LOVES us still and lives on doing an incredible and important work.

I also truly feel that she has a deep love for the woman that has most recently joined our family as a help mate and companion to her eternal sweetheart. She has an eternal perspective and no doubt has welcomed Shelly's roll (my new mother in law) in the life of our family, though it is not perfect, we are working on it.

Thank you Grammy Karen for the woman that you are and for the life you lived. I am FOREVER changed because of the influence you have had in my life. I LOVE you.

It's a.... BOY!!!!

2011-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

So, as some of you know we usually don't find out at the ultrasound what we are having (with exception of the twins). We enjoy having it be a surprise.
Well, Maxwell has been talking about his little brother in the present tense for about a year now. He is always saying things like "When my little brother comes..." For example, when we moved back to Utah and we were getting his room unpacked he said "Mom, we need to get a bunk bed, so that when my little brother comes, he can sleep on the bottom and I can sleep on the top." He would talk about it so often in normal conversation that before I was even pregnant I would have people we knew ask if I was expecting.
We decided to tell the children we were pregnant on Christmas day. We wrapped up a pair of white baby shoes and let them open it. After they tore the bag open they all just kind of looked at me puzzled. I said "do you know what that means?" Maxwell said "You want me to help my brother tie his shoes??" "Yeah, so what does that mean?" I said. "You want me to help my brother put his shoes on??" "So, what does that mean?" I said again. Then it hit him. His face was so great!! "You, mean right now?" as he looked at my stomach. "Well, just a couple of weeks after you turn 7, in July." All the of them were so excited and it wasn't even a question of boy or girl? it has always been a boy if you asked Maxwell.
When I found out I was expecting the first thing I said to Casey was that we had to find out the gender of this baby, because if it's not a boy Maxwell's going to need some time to adjust.

When we went to the Ultrasound on Monday. As we walked in the ultrasound tech said "So, are you finding out what you're having?" Maxwell said "It's a brother." and Mia said "Yeah, we have to many sisters, we need a brother."
When it came time to find out the tech said "Well, you're getting a brother" pointing to his little boy part. Maxwell yelled... "I knew it!" as he held my hand. His face was absolutely priceless, smiling from ear to ear. He did know it, no doubt.
Later that day he hugged me and kissed my belly and said "Mom, I just can't believe we're getting a brother... Kylynne's still going to be 2 when my brother comes and you'll be too crazy trying to take care of two babies, so you take care of Kylynne and I'll take care of my brother."
He can't wait. He's even got the twins calling the baby "Maxwell's brother".

We are so very excited and feel overwhelmingly blessed by this wonderful news. Some how it feels complete... Though I can't say for sure yet if this is our last, this precious baby boy was absolutely meant to be in our family. We are all so HAPPY!!

I know, I look further along than I really am... Baby #5 will do that to a girl!

We're 5!!!!

2011-03-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Eva and Mia turned five the day after Valentines day. I remember that day like it was yesterday, it hardly seems possible that it's been 5 years already.

The day before I delivered them I was running around with my 1 1/2 year old Maxwell in tow, trying to get some last minute Valentine's day errands done. As I walked in to the store a man looked at me with Maxwell on my hip and said "Wow, you look like you're ready to pop any minute!" As a matter of fact I had been in labor all day. Lot's and Lot's of contractions only about 5 or 6 minutes apart but nothing painful at that point.

I woke up at about 4am still having contractions, still nothing painful but I was freezing. I could not get warm my teeth were chattering I was shaking so hard. I had remembered my mom saying something about getting the shakes in labor but I didn't remember feeling that with Maxwell so, of course, I called my mom to see what to do. She said that maybe I should go to the hospital and that they would come up and stay with Maxwell. When I got to labor and delivery they said that I was running a fever of 103 and that they were going to start IV antibiotics and call my doctor. So they admitted me and after a short time my doctor came and broke my water and I got my epidural.
The moment they wheeled me into the operating room (standard for a twin delivery in case of emergency c section) I was flooded with the most overwhelming feeling of love and strength. There was no doubt that my recently passed mother in law Karen was saying her goodbyes along with many other great woman that had passed on. Immediately I began to cry as I had never felt anything like that in my life. The nurse next to me asked if I was ok and said I shouldn't be nervous. I looked at her and told her "I was just excited" not being able to even explain what I was feeling. I delivered my two beautiful girls at 9:51am and 9:58am. Mia came first weighing 5lbs 8oz and Eva was pulled out by her feet (guess she enjoyed not feeling so cramped with sister gone) weighing 5lbs 6oz. They were perfect and healthy.
Home from the hospital they brought that same feeling I felt in the hospital with them. The veil was so thin and the Lord knew I needed the strength to care for my 3 babies.
Eva and Mia have always been so sweet and such great friends. They have brought more joy to us than I can even express.
The twin connection is so cute to watch as often times when asked a question one of them will answer for both of them. They are always together and find strength in each other.
One day a few months ago while playing dress up I said to them "What beautiful princesses!" Mia looked at Eva and said "I wish I was as beautiful as Eva." Then Eva looked at Mia and said "I wish I was as beautiful as Mia." They both giggled and I said "You are both beautiful, I wish I was as beautiful as you two are." They just smiled :o)
Eva definitely is my little snuggler. One day she came and hugged me and said "Mom, I just can't stop hugging you, I love you so much!" Melt my heart.
Mia really looks out for Eva and plays the "big sister" role. She is usually the one to give in when they fight and let's Eva have her way.
They are both growing so much. I am looking forward to the fall when they will go into kindergarten. Only because I look forward to having them in different classes so that they can start to develop self confidence and individuality. They do so well together, I want them to be just as confident as individuals.
We love our little Eve's and Me's... Happy Belated my sweet Sissies!!

Mia

Eva

Celebrating on Valentines day at Tucano's as a family. Our server brought them Birthday sunday's

The Giggle twins

Kylynne's 2!!

2011-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

So we're having some computer problems right now and it took me FOREVER just to get these pictures uploaded. They are in no particular order because after being so frustrated just trying to get them uploaded, I don't have the patience to try to put them in order... So, Here are pictures from Kylynne's birthday as well as some random picutres of her.

Kylnne is an absolute JOY!! She LOVES to sing, LOVES to dance and is happy almost all of the time. She is totally into the "Princess Bride" and will sit with her older brother and sisters and watch the whole thing. She LOVES to talk on the phone (play phone, my phone, my ipod, maxwell's walky talky etc..) She's the total treat and gum girl and has a sixth sense for finding it and sneaking it. She is such a snuggle bug and loves to climb into bed with mom and dad in the morning. She is a total Diva and has to have sun glasses, jewelry, a "pretty girl" (a.k.a a hair bow) or something girly on all the time. She absolutely LOVES shoes and can almost always be found with a pair of someones shoes on especially her older sisters dress up shoes or her light up shoes from Grammy. She is our only child who has thrown a fit when it's time to leave church (nursery), usually it's the other way around. She is such a social bug. She is talking non stop and I am amazed daily at how much she picks up from all of us. She speaks well and in full sentences and loves to make us laugh. A couple of weekends ago while driving home after dinner as a family Maxwell said "Dad, it's 9 o'clock". Just then Kylynne looked over at Maxwell and said, in a completely irriated voice, "I KNOW!" We all started laughing so hard.
She loves to see her cousins and aunts and uncles and grammy and pappa.
She makes us laugh everyday and melts our hearts when she says "I love you!"

Our family wouldn't be complete without her. We love you so much Kylynne!! Happy Birthday!

Celebrating with brownies and ice cream at Grammy and Pappa's

Kylynne is my little buddy on Wednesday and Friday mornings while her 3 older siblings are at school. I am loving the one on one time with her.

"I wear my sunglasses at night"

So sweet!

Our family Birthday breakfast tradition. Home made waffles and ice cream. With buttermilk and chocolate syrup. She chose Kiwi and banana's on the side. She LOVES kiwi!

Little Miss Diva herself!

Kylynne woke up the morning of her birthday and asked over and over to go to Cabella's. That wasn't really in the birthday plan but we had to do it, since that's what she wanted. She sat in this little camping chair and said "Cheese Mommy!"

Well... I thought about it anyway.

2011-01-08T21:03:00.001-08:00

So we haven't sent a Christmas cards out since Maxwell's first Christmas 6 years ago. I really meant to do it this year, but the month of December got away from me and it never happened. SO, here are the pictures we were going to use, taken by my wonderful sister in law Autumn. Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season. Now for my new years resolution... to blog more.

Pumpkin patch and Halloween

2010-11-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

I know, I know... Two posts in one week, or one month for that matter!

So we did the traditional pumpkin patch which was a lot of fun and everything was free, BONUS! There was a pumpkin carving contest, games, pumpkins and free krispie kreme donuts. In case you weren't sure... I LOVE everything about the fall in Utah, even the way it smells outside, so BEAUTIFUL!

This year Halloween didn't really feel like Halloween. All the events leading up to it were awesome! But Halloween night was a little bit of a let down. It started pouring rain at about 3pm and didn't stop until about 8pm. The sidewalks were practically void of trick or treaters.
We went to our ward trunk or treat at 4pm which was moved inside because of the rain. The kids walked from classroom to classroom.
Kylynne wasn't sure what she thought about it at first but it didn't take long for her to figure it out and when she did if someone in front of her in line stopped or even slowed down she would push them forward and say "move". She dug right in to each bowl like she wasn't ever going to see candy again. Since the rain was not letting up even a bit, we went to my parents house to wait it out. I think there were only about a dozen or so knocks on their door. When the rain finally stopped it was late and time for the chungies to get to bed... they didn't mind though, they had eaten all the candy they wanted :0)

I really lucked out this year, the kids all wanted to wear costumes that we already had. Kylynne would not stand up she kept doing this funny slouchy thing.

The best part of the night... reading stories with Grammy!

Stewart falls and Timpanogos Cave

2010-11-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the Naylors (Casey's sisters family)came down from Ogden and spent the weekend with us. Two days back to back we hiked. The first day we hiked Stewart falls which is 4 miles round trip and then the second day we hiked timp cave which is just under 3 miles round trip (I think). The kids were such troopers and all walked the whole way, except for baby, but she did walk a lot. The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful with fall in full swing. It felt so good to be outdoors in the fresh air spending time together as a family. I didn't realize how much I missed Utah until we got back. You can't beat the views from the mountains no matter how beautiful the beach is :o)

Starting our hike to Timpanogos Cave

Inside the Cave

On the way up

Hiking to Stewart Falls (I can't remember why Mia was mad)

The leaves were beautiful and the cheeks were kissable!!

Yay, we made it!

Utah

2010-08-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

So it's official. We have now moved to Utah which most of you probably know. It's been a crazy leap of faith for us. Hopefully I can keep it together while my better half is working hard in California until he can find a job here in Utah.
Maxwell starts school on wednesday (which is what brought the kids and I here without Casey in the first place) and he is having a little anxiety about it. It's been the hardest for him I think and it makes me sad.
I haven't been the most patient or loving mom doing it all on my own and I feel bad about that too. It's hard cutting myself some slack when I feel so guilty about losing my patience with the children.
I just hope they're not scarred for life from this whole experience. All I can do is my best and sometimes I worry that's not enough.

For now it is what it is, there's no changing that. So thanks to all of our friends and family who have helped us, supported us and prayed for us. We feel your love and encouragement and know that through our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ we will pull through this stronger, better people.

Who's who?

2010-07-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know... Do you?

Lazy days of summer...

2010-07-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

It's been so cloudy and cool for the last week so when the kiddo's woke up this morning and looked outside they yelled "oh my gosh, it's a sunny day" and immediately ran out in their pj's to ride their bikes. After playing in the hot sun for a little while they were all sticky and sweaty so I put the sprinkler on and grass and they had a blast!

Mia

Eva

Taking a break to warm up for a minute

Kylynne even got in the action

Cheese!

On your mark...

Get set...

Goooooo.....

Cute little Eva E

Maximus!

Yummy

Awe to be a kid again...

Fathers and sons camp out

2010-07-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Maxwell loves any and all things that include his Daddy. Now that school is out he is constantly asking when Daddy is going to be home and why Daddy has to work so much. He wants to be by his side all the time. They had a blast at the father and son camp out. They got to shoot guns, play cards, eat yummy food and of course stay up late and get up way to early. Uncle Dave and cousin Caleb and Jacob came out to go with them and Uncle Brandon and cousin Hudson came too!

Uno anyone?

Maxwell and Caleb have turned into a couple of show offs. They are always making funny faces and comments about how they are "looking good" as they bob their head in a cocky manner. Two peas in a pod these two... check out those muscles!

My two best Babes!

Ballerina Pary!!!

2010-06-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

Mia and Eva's best friend Tessa turned 4 on May 2nd and had a super cute ballerina party. Shelley and I made tutu's for all the girls that came and they all looked so cute. Thanks for letting us share your birthday with you, we love you Tessa!!

Mia making her bracelet

Eva's bracelet

Most of the girls

Cute little Kylynne

Getting instructions on how to pin the crown on the ballerina

Mia and Eva refused to go alone to pin their crown on the ballerina

The birthday girl

Shelley's cute neighbor girl came over in her point shoes and taught a quick dance to the girls... which they LOVED! Great idea Shelley.

Happy Birthday Dear Tessa, Happy Birthday to you!!!

More baseball pictures

2010-06-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

The U-6 Dodgers played a great season and had some awesome plays their very last game. We all enjoyed baseball season and the new friends we made. Maxwell learned a lot and is looking forward to playing again next year.

Hey batter, batter..... Swing!!!

2010-05-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Maxwell has absolutely LOVED playing baseball this spring. He is such a natural athlete (just like his Daddy). He has been watching his uncle Brian play baseball at Costa Mesa High for the last couple of years and he has picked up a lot of the things the boys on the high school team do. One game he got up to bat and told Casey that he wanted to bat lefty (he is normally a right handed batter.) and so he did and he got so many good hits batting left handed that he played the rest of the game that way. He is such a sports nut... he lives and breaths sports.
It's so much fun as a parent watching my babies do something they truly love. That look that they give you when they have success... priceless. When he looks at me to make sure I'm watching followed by a thumbs up... there's nothing better, it melts my heart :o)

Pitch me a good one coach!

PERFECT!

rounding first base

Give it up to coach Casey... It's not easy coaching ten 5 year olds

YEEE HAAAWW!

2010-04-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Our stake had a daddy daughter dance for 3 to 11 year old's and their Daddy's. They had a square dance hoe down and they had the best time. The girls were so excited about it all week and thanks to my wonderful sister in law, Amber, the girls had darling little outfits. They got to play horse shoes, guess the number of peanuts in the jar, eat lunch and of course dance. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch them.
While They were gone Maxwell and I had a little date of our own while Kylynne napped. I let Maxwell choose what he wanted to do and of course of all things he wanted to play wii sports together. After a game of bowling, golf and baseball he chose In n' Out for lunch and he used the $3 that Grammy sent him in the mail to pay for it like a big boy. He looked so cute ordering his cheese burger and then pulling out his Lightening Mcqueen wallet to pay. He was so proud of himself. (thanks Grammy)
On the drive home Maxwell asked me this question "Mom, why didn't you go with the girls to the dance?" Me: "because it was a daddy daughter date so just daddy and sisters went and you and I got to have a mother son date." Maxwell thought for a minute and then said "Mom, what's a date?" Me: "Well, it's like when Mom and Dad sometimes have a date just the two of us and we get to go somewhere and do something fun together by ourselves." Maxwell "Oh, I don't know why but I pictured when you go on a date that you dress up in fancy clothes and you float up in the sky on a circle... I don't know why I pictured that."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud, he has watched one to many Disney movies.
Later that night when he was getting into bed he asked if we could have a date once a week or once a month. I told him we could probably do it once a month and maybe he could take turns having a date with daddy too (He was really excited about that idea) so he said "we better sit down tomorrow and put it on the calender."
I'll take it while I can get it. Who knows how much longer he's going to want a date with his Momma. AAaaaahhh, moments to cherish.

Kylynne LOVES baby dolls! She is always hugging, kissing and rocking them. Her newest thing is to sing to them. I have never seen a baby love baby dolls like this girl does... It's so sweet.

Baby Ky Ky....

2010-04-23T08:46:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would show off the latest pictures taken by my sister in law Kim. She is an amazing photographer and is very reasonably priced. She has such an eye for photography and is very talented and artistic. Check out her website at tickledpinkstudios.blogspot.com Thanks Kim we LOVE them!

That's what she said....

2010-03-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't blogged in awhile. Part of me is over it and part of me doesn't want to make the time to do it although I like doing it because it helps me feel connected to people when I don't have time to talk to distant friends and family as much as I would like.

I never just write anything, 'cause I figure most people just skip over that part and go strait to the pictures anyway (I'll admit, I'm guilty of doing that sometimes). So this post may just be for me, wanting to write something for no reason at all.

This week I have been particularly emotional, although those of you who know me well wouldn't be shocked by that. Casey and I celebrated our tenth year wedding anniversary. Wow, TEN years! When we were newly weds ten years seemed so very far away. It also seemed that in ten years we would be established in a home and settled in with children, a good job and the life that I often dreamed of as a child. Even five years ago when life was so much simpler, another five years seemed like it would bring so much more stability, consistency and maturity. Now we are here. I look at our situation and feel lost, unsure and anything but consistent and stable. It feels like we should have it all together. That we should know with a surety by now what we can expect for the next 50+ years. We should have a home and be a part of a community that we can feel connected to and involved in and that our children would be settled and confident in their lives. It feels like we should be confident in our parenting and in our ability to be self reliant and to have the attitude that would allow us to make things happen for ourselves.
I know that this thought is one of blissful ignorance and that there's no possible way to go through life without the lessons that bring us to our knee's.
Even as I sit here typing away, I am 100% confident in the things that I do know. Though so much of the before mentioned gives a person security it doesn't necessarily bring peace. And though I am struggling with finding my footing on a daily basis, I do have peace. I have a knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and I have confidence in where I fit in His eternal plan of happiness. I have a righteous and loving husband who would do anything to make sure I am happy and safe. I have four beautiful children that fill my life with more joy than I knew was possible. And I have family and friends that surround me with their support and love on a daily basis.
So at the risk of sounding cliche... to say that life isn't what I dreamed it would be, would be inaccurate... It's SO MUCH MORE!

"One's life.... cannot be both faith filled and stress free... Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, "Lord, give me the experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which make Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy... Real faith... is required to endure this necessary but painful developmental process"
Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Life teaches us lesson after lesson with no exception... and that's what she said!

Two wheels, flowers and baby Ky...

2010-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Maxwell has really been putting off learning to ride a two wheeler. Every time we would ask him if he wanted to learn he would say no. So finally a couple of saturday's ago Casey just took his training wheels off and told him that it was time to learn. At first he kept saying he didn't want to so I turned to Mia and Eva and said "ok, then which one of you wants to learn?" Mia said she did so Maxwell quickly jumped up and said "No, I'm going to do it." and that was all it took. The first time he tried he did it all by himself. He is still a little wobbly but he is doing really well. This was his 3rd time doing it by himself. He has since learned to turn around and use his breaks and even get started by himself. It's amazing what a little bit of confidence can do.

2010-02-26T08:48:00.001-08:00

Casey knows how much we all love chocolate so for Valentines day he got each of us a box of chocolates from See's (my favorite!). The kids were super excited to get their very own box. My favorite flower is a tulip so Casey got me and each of our girls tulips. Mia and Eva were so excited. Thanks baby for being my Valentine 11 years running... Love you!!

2010-02-26T08:41:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday when Casey was getting ready to get the kids in the shower he turned it on to let it warm up and then left the door open and went to get Maxwell and came back to this...

My baby is 1

2010-01-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my sweet little baby girl is one year already. Where did this past year go? Kylynne has been such a joy to our family. She has come into our family during a difficult time and has been nothing but happiness for all of us.
She has grown from a very quiet and observant baby to a very loud and active participant. She was such a quiet baby who hardly even babbled or cried and now she has definitely found her voice. She is always happy and absolutely adores her older brother and sisters. She has a special connection with Maxwell and always lights up when she see's him. He was the first person to make her truly laugh and he is constantly smothering her with hugs and kisses.
Kylynne is crawling like crazy and tries to pull herself up on and climb on everything she can get her hands on. She will stand on her own for a few seconds and it is only a matter of time before she is walking. She gives the best hugs and kisses and loves to blow kisses too! She claps her hands and waves hi and bye bye. She says mama,uh oh, da, and ba ba(bottle) Her favorite things to eat are black beans, corn, peas, bananas, cheerios and gold fish. Her favorite toys are her glow worm given to her from her cousins in Idaho and her mega blocks piano. She also loves to snuggle her blanket made by my good friend and can't sleep without it.
Her sweetness and unconditional love brings me so much peace and gets me through the hard days.
We love our bayabia Ky Ky and couldn't imagine our lives without her. Happy Birthday Little Sweet Sweet!

Birth day

2 Weeks

4 Months

5 Months

7 Months

8 Months

10Months

11 Months

12 Months... Birthday kisses

Aunt Katie and Uncle Dave gave Kylynne this baby doll and she would not let go of it. She rocked it and kissed it.

Giving kisses to the baby doll

Yummy!

Clapping for herself!

So cute!

More pictures to come....

Why do we even try?

2009-12-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

You asked for it!

2009-12-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

So the twins can turn any sound into a song to dance to. Some of you asked to see a video of the girls dancing to the sound of the washing machine agitating... well here it is!

Breakfast with Santa, Snow Day and a trip to the North Pole

2009-12-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats Donuts and hot chocolate for breakfast topped off with a visit from the jolly old elf himself.

Mia

Maxwell

Eva

Patiently waiting for our turn with the big guy

Cute little Kylynne

Mia

Many of the surrounding cities have a Saturday "snow day" in the month of December. After breakfast with Santa we went straight to the park and were lucky to be some of the first there. The children had a blast sledding, jumping in the many bounce houses, making holiday necklaces, writing letters to Santa, riding the train, throwing snow balls and playing games. If we can't have a white Christmas we'll take the next best thing.

Our city puts on a Polar Express train ride every year. This is our 3rd year going and it never disappoints. So after being warn out from playing in the snow we went home for lunch to refuel and then went to get our tickets for the Polar express. After riding the train to the North Pole we got to decorate cookies, color pictures, and eat more sugar! Of course Santa was there and gave out jingle bells to all the children that sat on his lap... I don't know how he does it all :o)

This was a great start to our Christmas celebration. We had a great time and the best part is that it's all FREE!!

We are so excited for this holiday season and the joy and excitement it brings. As enjoyable as all the Christmas activities are, we are the most excited about celebrating the birth our our Savior Jesus Christ. It is because of His birth and mortal ministry that we are so richly blessed with the knowledge of His gospel here on earth.

We wish all we love a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!

Dave and Tonya's Wedding

2009-11-11T14:10:00.001-08:00

The Wedding day was so perfect. The weather was a beautiful 60 degrees and the fall leaves were spectacular! Tonya looked gorgeous and Dave was smokin' hot! They are such a perfect couple... they fit so well together. We are so happy for them and so happy to have Tonya join our family. We love you guys!

Dave and Tonya and all the nieces and nephews

Kylynne and my sister Meggen

at the temple

Pappa taking the kids for a walk or maybe it's the other way around ;o)

Halloween

2009-11-04T10:52:00.001-08:00

So this year I decided to get creative and be that mom who made costumes (the mom I NEVER thought I would be, not that it's bad, it just wasn't me) But I caught some crazy creative bug and thought it would be fun. I, of course, did not make the wings but I did make the tutu's and the sash's. Halloween night we went out to Katie and Dave's (Casey's sister) house and had dinner and trick or treating with them and Dave's brothers family.
So here are a bizillion pictures of our halloween week.... enjoy!

Miss Eva tinkerbell

Miss Mia Rosetta (tinkerbell's friend from the movie)

Cute little cousin Jacob as Woody

Miss Kylynne (enjoying her cheerios while everyone else got candy)

Had to get a shot of them running from door to door, Maxwell was practically out of sight

Our kiddos with the Naylor gang

Mister Mario Brother himself

taking halloween treats to friends

I think we carved 7 pumpkins this year.

Pumpkin patch

And since we missed Poppi this Halloween due to a trip to Utah, Autumn and Cody decided to carve their own Halloween tribute to our very own "Fatal Floyd" (Floyd worked in traffic investigation for the Costa Mesa police department.) I gotta say, they did an amazing job, looks just like him!

Fall is in the air

2009-10-19T21:28:00.001-07:00

Utah is the most beautiful place in the fall. There aren't many places I would rather be in the month of October. Being in California I have really missed the changing of the seasons. It worked out so perfectly that Dave and Tonya decided to get married last week. Their wedding day was perfect. The leaves were beautiful and it was a sunny 60 degrees... GORGEOUS!!!

I will post pictures from the wedding soon:o)

2009-10-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Autumn took some darling pics of Kylynne tonight and I just wanted to give you all a little preview... they turned out super cute! Thanks so much Autumn :o)

Toothless Joe....

2009-10-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

So Maxwell is losing teeth about as fast as Kylynne is getting them. He has had 3 teeth that have been loose for a couple of weeks that have literally been hanging on by a thread and he finally lost them all within about a week. Last week he came home from school with a tooth in his pocket. He said it fell out while he was eating lunch and the school nurse gave him a little treasure box to put it in for the tooth fairy.
Later that day he pulled the first of his two front teeth and then friday after school he pulled the other one out.
His two top permanent teeth are already starting to grow in.

The dentist said that most kids don't usually start losing teeth until they are about 6 but when a child gets his teeth at an early age he will lose them early too. He got his first two teeth at 3months of age and has now lost 5 teeth total.

I can't help but smile when I see his smile... he's so cute. The best part is how a talks with a lisp now, I love it!

It's official.....

2009-09-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

My little "Fancy dancers"

2009-09-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

So of course as a parent I am living through my children. A gal in our stake has a masters in dance and put together a couple of dance classes. So I HAD to get the girls in. They hold class at a park down the street from the Newport Beach temple and it is the MOST ADORABLE thing EVER!!!
Cousin Karen and our friend Tessa are taking the class with Eva and Mia and having a ball.

The girls ask everyday if they have their dance class... they LOVE it! The first class they were a little shy and spent almost half of the class watching but then Mia grabbed Eva by the arm and said "come on let's go Eva." and they haven't stopped dancing since.
They call their skirts their "fancy dance" skirts and want to wear them everyday. Oh how I wish they could take a dance class everyday... in theory :o)

Eva

Mia

Cousin Karen

Getting warmed up

Waiting for their turn in line to jump over the scarf

Tessa

Mia

Eva

Eva and Karen in the background

Mia

1st day of class Mia, Karen, Eva and Tessa

Ward Pinewood Derby

2009-09-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our Ward did a pinewood derby race and it was a lot of fun. Maxwell and the girls had such a great time shaping, painting and putting stickers on. Maxwell even glued a little lego guy driver on top.
Maxwell couldn't wait to get the car on the track and win the race but when it came time to race he came in 3rd place. He was so sad that he didn't win that he started crying. The first thing he said was "That lego guy slowed my car down, I want it off!" Once we explained to him that this race wasn't about winning but about having fun, he turned the tears off and decided to congratulate the winner. After everyone got a chance to race the kids got to race as many times as they wanted to... Maxwell soon forgot that his car wasn't winning any of the races and just had fun!

Drivers.... start your engines. (Maxwell's is on the far left)

So sad because he wanted to win....

5minutes later....

Maxwell and his buddy Ethan

waiting for their cars to come down the track

Good times :o}

Boys :o)

2009-09-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

So, I just got home from picking Maxwell and his friend Ethan up from school and this is the conversation that took place while we drove...

Me: "Ethan are you going to make a pinewood derby car to race at the ward dinner tomorrow?"

Ethan: "Well, we have a block but we have to cut it and my mom doesn't want to cut it because she doesn't want to cut herself..... Hey one time my uncle was cutting something and he cut two of his fingers off and now his fingers are smaller, it was crazy."

Maxwell: "Did he die?"

Ethan: "No, he didn't die."

Maxwell: "Well, when you get cut you die."

Ethan: "No, you only die if you get cut on your body."

Maxwell: "Oh, you mean if you get your head cut off or you get stabbed here (pointing to his stomach) then you'll die?"

Ethan: "Yeah."

Maxwell: "Then you go to heaven for a long time and then you can come back to earth."

Ethan: "Yeah, you get resurrected and you will never die again."

Maxwell: "Yeah, when I get resurrected I'm going to go back to my house."

I was cracking up the whole way home.... Boys definitely have different conversations than girls.

Today Mia came up to me and said "Mom my dress is falling down because the snappers aren't done. Can you do the snappers please?" (referring to her sleeping beauty dress)

I think I prefer talk over dresses rather than dying but it was funny to hear :p

Maxwell's 1st day kindergarten....

2009-09-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Maxwell was so excited about his first day of kindergarten. His school offers a "jump start" program that the kindergartners and parents can go to two weeks before school starts so that they can get familiar with the teachers and the school. So by the time the first day rolled around Maxwell was ready to rock it. He even combed his own hair that day and I was just happy that I didn't have to fight him on it.
I thought I was ready for him to go up until the week before and then everytime someone mentioned it I started to cry. But when the big day came I held up better than I thought I would. Maxwell was a champ though... He waved good bye with a big smile and said "I'll see you after school." He loves his teacher and seeing his friends everyday.
There was one day though last week that Maxwell had a play date with a friend right after school and then went straight to soccer practice after that so I didn't see him until about 6 o'clock that night. When he came home he hugged my leg really tight and started to cry. Casey had just told him that we had to go to over to the church for a meeting and that he and the girls were going to stay home with aunt Jackie. He said that he didn't want me to go and that it was "to long of a day without me." Awe, it just melted my heart... he does need me :o)

What do I do?

2009-09-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

So Kylynne has been teething the last two weeks and it has been going ok but she is trying to get these last couple of teeth in and has been pretty cranked the last two days.
Last night as I was nursing her she decided to chomp down and lock her jaw and left me with a bleeding bite mark. YEEEOOOWWWWWE! I have never had one of my babies bite me that hard before. Now I'm left with so much anxiety every time I hook her up that I can't just relax and enjoy her sweetness. Luckily it hasn't happened again but what do I do if it does happen again?
I'm not ready to ween(sp?) her yet but I would like to keep both attached if I can. Any advice?

2009-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 years we have taken a family trip down to Oceanside to stay in a condo near the beach and it's something we would like to make a tradition.

This last week in Oceanside was by far the best California beach week of my life(so far)! Let me explain... I'm a Utah girl, born and raised and a bit of a baby when it comes to cold water, so I don't go in the ocean in California... it's too COLD! But this last week in Oceanside was like being in Hawaii for me... ok that's pushing it... but it was pretty close. The water was perfect, the temperature was perfect, the crowds were anything but and the company was FABULOUS!! The baby was an angel considering she cut 3 teeth while we were there, the twins had such a great time playing in the sand and Maxwell was practically a pro at wave jumping, boogie boarding and SURFING... and we ALL enjoyed to pool at the condo. It was so fun having two of Casey's sisters and their families out to play at the beach with us... nothing beats family... although we did miss, very much, one of our BFF's whose name shall remain unmentioned (you know who you are)

Maxwell has been talking about going surfing with Casey since we moved here but has never gotten up the guts to actually do it. But this time he not only got on the long board but he stood up on the long board.
Seeing him conquer his fear of the ocean and actually get up on the surf board absolutely made the trip for me. The look on his face was priceless. Watching him ride his first wave in was one of those "mom moments" when time seems to slow down and the tears start to flow. He is getting so big!!

The 3 girls and I had a little "girls night" on Thursday night while Casey and Maxwell rode the train back to Costa Mesa for Maxwell's soccer practice and Casey's softball game.
The girls and I went down to the pier to walk around and then got ice cream at dairy queen. The girls loved watching all the people fishing off the pier. When we first walked onto the pier there was a man reeling in a fish and when he pulled it up onto the pier Eva turned to me and said "Mom look, the fishy's dancing and the waves are singing a song!" I want to just squeeze my babies all the time, they are so cute!

Memories I will cherish forever!! LOVED IT!

Please pause the annoying music on the slide show when you scroll down to see it... for some reason I couldn't remove it! ENJOY!

2009-09-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

We got to babysit Kaden and Tessa overnight last weekend so Shelley and Jason could have a little getaway for Shelley's birthday. These are just a few of the super cute pics I took of the girls in the tub. We had such a great time with the kiddo's... they loved having a sleepover and playing for two day.
Hope you had a great birthday Shells, love you!!!

Eva, Tessa, Mia

Eva, Tessa

Eva

Mia

Tessa

Eva, Tessa, Mia

Waldron Munchkinisms

2009-08-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I just love all the little words and phrases that the children come up with. I have been meaning to write this stuff down for awhile now and I am happy to finally have all these cute sayings on record :o)

the bless you.... translation - to sneeze
the hi ho's... translation - the 7 dwarfs
bazawnia... translation - lasagna
stabashios... translation - pistachio's
sowled... translation - salad
shoecaz... translation - cashews
pretty girl... translation - any hair accessory (berets, bows, ribbons, rubber band, flowers etc.)
ho-tail... translation - hotel (pronounced with a little southern drawl)
neckolace... translation - necklace
special ring... translation - wedding ring/band
newtah... translation - Utah
avada... translation - Nevada
"I wanna hold you"... translation- Hold me
bum soup... translation - bath water (I use this phrase especially when they start drinking the bathwater, uh... disgusting!)
party potty.... translation - the handicap stall in any public restroom, because it's big enough for me to take all the children into the stall with me. The girls always laugh when we go into the handicap stall and love to chant in between giggles " party potty, party potty." Where do they come up with this stuff!!

Clap, clap, clap...... Doesn't get any cuter!

2009-08-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

BFF's

2009-08-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our good friends came to visit from Arizona. We love and miss them so much and were so happy they could come see us. We had a great time visiting with the Proudfits and Ricedorffs for some much needed R&R/girl time. We spent time at the lagoon, the beach, the angels game, shopping, bow making and laughing. It was the BEST!

Weston and Maxwell lovin' the waves

(L to R) Weston, Jameson, and Maxwell at the Mormon night at the Angels game.

(L to R) Mia, Karen and Tessa at the lagoon

Weston, Maxwell and Kaden

Kylynne and Lucy, it's hard to believe they are only 10 days apart :o)

2009-08-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

All of our children are crazy sleepers. We are always finding them in the most random positions and places. So here are some pictures...

Mia(left) Eva(right) sharing a bed in Utah

Mia... at first I didn't think she was really asleep

We found her right in front of the door to their room. She looks like she passed out or something, lay off the booze Mia:o)

Sooo sweet!

Randoms....

2009-08-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture of Casey and Eva... So cute!

Cute little Callie Barnes... we are going to miss seeing them in Utah

Cousins, only two months apart

Kylynne and Callie or in other words Calynne

finally a pic of bayabia Ky Ky's two cute teeth!

Dave's Engaged!!!

2009-08-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

My Youngest brother Dave is the last of the 7 Barnes Bunch to find the love of his life. We will be celebrating his wedding to Tonya in October. We are so happy for the two of you and look forward to all the fun activities surrounding your special day. Love you guys!

Showing off the ring... Bling, Bling!!

Telling the story of how Dave proposed.

Yes, she is a girl.... Baby girls can never be too girly!!

2009-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time... Kylynne is a month older than Eva and Mia were when they got their ears pierced. Kylynne did so good and the girl at Claire's did a great job, she was really fast. Kylynne didn't cry for long. She is such a little sweetie. She even got a sucker for being so brave. Of course we didn't take the wrapper off, but she enjoyed it anyway!

Casey can't stand all the frills, but please, it's not like i want our girls to grow up afraid to get their hands dirty but I say there's nothing wrong with having a girl that gets picked first playing kickball even though she's wearing a skirt:o)
I know the whole idea of piercing a baby's ears can be slightly controversial and maybe I have some unconscious desire to do it while they are babies because I had to wait until I was 12. All I know is that I think it's adorable!

On another note. Someone needs to teach my husband how to take a picture. He Always cuts my head off... and could they be any more off center... (you know I love you babe)

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-07-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

The OC Fair

2009-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Orange County Fair with our cousins the Alberts and Auntie Jackie and Autumn. Opening day was free until 1pm and even though we didn't get there until about 1:15pm they still let us in. It was super HOT but lot's of fun, thanks Amber for getting us out the door to do it. You always have so much energy... I don't know how you do it, especially with a newborn. And thanks Jackie and Autumn for always being so much help. Love you guys!!

Say CHEESE!!!

Daddy and Kylynne

So Sweet!

William and Maxwell

Mia, Eva, Karen, William,Maxwell and Ben (in back)

Eva the Diva and Karen

Maxwells new obsessions....

2009-07-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

Solitaire

Maxwell would see Poppi playing solitaire at home and asked Casey one day if he could play. He has gotten pretty good at it and loves to see all the cards bounce into place when he wins. He even plays on Casey's phone. I can't even make a phone call from Casey's blackberry but Maxwell not only can get his phone unlocked but he can get on and play all the games.

Body boarding

Maxwell always talks about how he wants to surf like his daddy and this summer we FINALLY got him to get into the ocean. He loves to swim but was always super cautious of the ocean, but now he will at least get into the baby waves. It helps that his buddy Kaden loves the waves too! Now we just have to work on getting him onto the long board with Casey.

NO ONE can make Kylynne laugh like her big brother Maxwell

2009-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Kylynnes newest trick...

2009-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Buddy!

2009-07-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Maxwell turned 5 on July 6th. We had our traditional birthday breakfast of waffles and ice cream that morning (Maxwell wanted eggo waffles instead of the yummy home made waffles everyone else had) and then let Maxwell have his first birthday present. Casey spent time putting together Maxwell's first bike the night before. Maxwell was super excited about it. After breakfast we went to the beach all day. It was a beautiful day, perfect for the beach. After that we went back to Poppi's house for a barbecue and some yummy cupcake balls for dessert. Autumn took a ton of really cute pictures that I need to get copies of, but here are a couple I took with my camera. Maxwell loved having Kaden, Caleb, Ethan and Luke over for his party. We love you Maxwell and are so happy you are in our family!

I had to throw this one in of Kylynne at the beach, so cute!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-10T11:00:00.001-07:00

May and June recap......

2009-07-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, Our lives have been a bit crazy lately with many unknowns and so much in limbo... yet we are richly blessed with each other and with family and friends that love and support us as well as abundant blessings and love from our father in heaven. Thank you to all of you out there that enrich our lives daily:o)

We had a great time in Utah and ended up staying much longer than we had anticipated but we were grateful for the time we had to spend with family and good friends.
We made the trip initially for my baby sisters wedding and ended up staying and enjoying hiking bridal veil falls,cafe rio swimming with friends, tin foil dinners and smore's up the canyon, cafe rio, marshmallow races (pics to follow), late nights with friends, yummy food, running out in the fresh Utah air, more cafe rio, cabella's, watching the Lord of the rings trilogy, window shopping, and of course the dollar theater in provo.

Beth and Al's wedding

Fun with family

Fathers day

Stop to smell the flowers....

2009-07-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago while in Utah we were doing a little shopping at Roberts craft. I was looking through the flowers and picked a bunch up to look closer at it, Eva thought they were pretty and said "Mom, can I smell it?" (Me) "They don't smell, honey, they're pretend." (Eva) "Can I pretend smell them, Mom?" When I put them up to her nose she inhaled deep, and let out a big "Aaaahhhhh!" then started to giggle.

I guess when life gives us pretend flowers we should inhale deeply and exhale as if we just smelled the most wonderful fragrance ever!

** Oh and just a note... Kylynne finally got her bottom tooth in and is now working on the other, and boy is she cute!! Pictures to follow, as soon as I can track down my camera cord so I can download pics**

F.H.E. or ESPN?

2009-06-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

So last night after F.H.E. we took the children to get an ice cream cone at a near by restaurant. As the children sat at the table eating their ice cream Casey sat tinkering with his phone as he often does. Mia looked up at him and said "Daddy, are the Lakers winning?"

Spring soccer ends

2009-05-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Maxwell finished up with his last spring soccer game this last weekend. It has been really fun to see how he has improved from fall soccer. He loves sports so much. That kid is constantly running, literally. He has so much energy, I wish I had some of his energy.
Casey loves teaching him different techniques and ball handling skills and Maxwell just eats it up. He could play sports all day everyday. He is such a natural athlete, just like his Daddy, he's good at everything!

Running through the tunnel after his game.

Got his game face on.

Waiting patiently for his turn to go in

I love this picture, we were constantly yelling "same team!"

So Sweet!

2009-05-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while driving home from picking Maxwell up from school this was our conversation:

Maxwell - "Mom, are we going to go to Brian's baseball game today?"
Me - "Yes, in a couple of hours."
Maxwell - "Where is the game at?"
Me - "I don't know, you will have to ask Daddy when we get home."
Maxwell - (a little irritated) "How come Daddy knows everything?"

To bad he won't always feel that way:) Later that day while driving to a friends house I started telling Maxwell that he was going to be able to attend hero camp again this summer like he did last summer, our conversation went like this:

Maxwell - "Mom, what's a hero?"
Me - "A hero is someone you look up to and want to be like, Daddy could be your hero if you want to be like Daddy when you grow up."
Maxwell - "Or Jesus, if you want to be like him. He could be a hero."

It's moments like this that I need to remember when my children are having meltdowns and screaming like they are possessed.

Summer already?

2009-05-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last week it was hot enough that we had to bust out the wadding pool. The children had a great time splashing and playing...... Summertime here we come!!!

Mother's Day and Kylynne's blessing

2009-05-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mother's day was wonderful this year because we had the special bonus of blessing baby Kylynne on Sunday. She is such an angel baby and brings so much joy to our family. Casey gave a very sweet blessing and it was great to have so much love and support from his family. Although we missed my side of the family we felt lot's of love from them that day. Thanks to all of you who came and for all the yummy food you brought with you. We love you and appreciate all you do.

A week of firsts!!

2009-04-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night while watching the Laker game with Daddy, Kylynne rolled over for the first time. She is getting so strong. Then on Sunday morning after breakfast I got her to laugh for the first time, it was the sweetest thing ever! She is growing so much and will be 3 months old tomorrow. She is the most pleasant baby ever. She is so content to just lay there and watch what's going on. She rarely cries and loves it when anyone talks to her. We are so glad she is in our family. We love little baya-bia Ky Ky... (as her older brother and sisters like to call her)

Our trip to Utah and Washington

2009-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

So the last two weeks we spent up in Utah and Washington state visiting family. We went up to Utah to attend my girlfriends wedding. It was a wonderful day and so much fun catching up with old friends.
We then took a trip up to WA to visit my Maternal grandparents and were able to spend time with my aunt and uncle. The children loved talking to Great Grammy and Great Grandpa and loved playing with all their cool toys.
The Last 4 days we were there we were hoping to spend time seeing friends we haven't seen in awhile but instead we were all layed up with colds and the flu, Yuck!
So friends if we didn't get a chance to see you last week, you are in luck because we will be back in town the end of next month for my baby sisters wedding. So hopefully we will get to see those of you we missed:)
There are lots of pictures... I don't know how to download them right, they are all mixed up.

Maxwell and cousin John easter sunday

Sweet baby Kylynne
Maxwell and Kylynne easter sunday

Grandpa and Eva

Casey, Dave and Ryan Some of our good friends

Mia (left) Eva (right) easter bunny (center)

Grammy, Mia and Kylynne

Giggly little girls

Elissa, Me, and Heather (utah friends)

4 generations

Great Grandpa Tyler

Movie night with the cousins (L to R, Tessa,Mia,Mckenna,Maxwell,Sydnee,Eva, and Parker)

Eva and Mia
Great Grammy Tyler and Kylynne
College roomies reunited Shannel, Annie, Jamie, Me, Bobbi
Mr and Mrs Chad Kelly

8 weeks and oh so sweet!

2009-03-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Kylynne had her 2month check up yesterday. She is growing so much. She weighed
11lbs 2oz and was 23 inches. I couldn't believe she weighed that much!
She has started to coo and smile and it's the best. I love this stage because she is still newborn enough that I can still snuggle her but she is old enough that she is starting to respond. There's nothing like that first real smile, I couldn't hold back the tears. She is the sweetest girl. Would you just look at those chubby cheecks and double chin, I could just eat her up.

Randoms...

2009-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I gave the children some bubble gum. As they chewed I kept reminding them not to swallow it and to keep it in their mouths. A few minutes later I noticed that Mia wasn't chewing so I asked her if she swallowed it, her response... "No Mom I didn't swallow it, I just put it in my tummy!"

Maxwell has become more interested lately about getting married and who he is going to marry. One sunday after church he was sitting in the middle of Eva and Mia out on the couch in the follier with his arms around them both. He looked at me and said "Mom, I'm going to marry my sisters." I had to explain to him that we can't marry our family. Later our conversation went like this:
Me: "Maxwell, what temple do you want to get married in... Salt lake like mommy and daddy? L.A.? Newport beach? Timpanogos by Grammy and pappa's house in utah?
Maxwell: looking at me with his "duh mom" face he says "um, Heavenly Fathers temple!" DUH!

Last night while getting ready to go have dinner with family, this was maxwells train of thought...
Me: "Maxwell go down stairs and get your shoes on."
Maxwell: "but Mom, I love you."
Me: I love you too, please go."
Maxwell: "But Mom, We have the best family ever!" looking up at me with those big blue eyes he leaned up on his toes and puckered up his lips, who could argue or resist!

Now that we have 4 carseats in our car we have the twins in the very back with an empty seat between them. Lately they have been entertaining themselves in the car with singing. They love to sing christmas songs and primary songs, they even love singing the names of our family as well as most of their cousins names to a made up tune. On saturday while driving to Maxwells soccer game they were singing "ring around the rosies." I looked back to find them holding hands across the seat as they giggled and sang. Love those girls!

Tooth #2...

2009-03-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Because Maxwell's first two teeth broke through on his blessing day when he was three months old, we knew he was going to lose his teeth early. The average child loses his/her first tooth at age 6 or 7, Maxwell is 4 1/2. Back in November we noticed a tooth growing in behind his front bottom tooth. By December it had come in all the way and loosened the tooth in front of it in the process. Two days before Christmas he pulled his first tooth out himself... and the second, well watch the videos:)

It took the tooth fairy two nights to get to Maxwells tooth since she was slightly sleep deprived due to her new tooth fairy baby and forgot.

Happy Birthday Grammy!

2009-03-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my mother-in-laws birthday. She would have been 58. To honor her birthday we got together with all of the Waldrons on sunday to celebrate. Amber made the most delicious fresh strawberry pies and we sang happy birthday.

Yesterday Casey and I and Autumn and the children wrote happy birthday cards to Grammy to take to the cemetary. When we go there we tied the cards to balloons, sang happy birthday and then let the balloons go up to heaven to her.

We miss her so much and are so thankful to have had her in our lives. She loved and laughed and taught us so much. We love you Mom! Happy Birthday.

Singing Happy Birthday to Grammy!Casey, Eva and Mia Avery, Karen and EllaWriting our happy birthdy cards to Grammy with aunt Jackie

Autumn

Eva and Mia chasing after the balloons!

Baby Kylynne

2009-03-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

My sister in law Autumn and I took these pictures of Kylynne 2 weeks ago. She is getting so big and is changing everyday. She is such a sweet baby and adds so much joy to our family.

LOVE this sad face!

Happy 3rd Birthday Eva and Mia and Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

More pics of baby...

2009-02-10T22:06:00.001-08:00

Mia

Eva

10 days

Snuggles anyone?

Its a GIRL!!!

2009-02-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been calling and emailing wondering about our newest addition to our family. Kylynne Karen was born on thursday January 29th weighing 7lbs 8 oz and 20in long.
As most of you know I was a couple of days over due and very anxious to not be pregnant anymore. So after 2 days in a row of having my membranes stripped with no change, my doctor simply said "well, see you next week." Hearing that I wanted to cry and asked if he would just induce me afterall my mom was in town and I didn't want her to miss out on anything.
so the next morning I checked into the hospital around 10a.m. to get things going. They started me on pitocin and then we waited. After about 3 hours of that Dr. Clayton came to check me and to break my water but when he checked me I was still only dialated to a 2 and the babys head was not engaged into the birth canal so he didn't want to break my water because in that situation you risk the chance of having the umbilical cord getting caught between the head and the cervix and cutting off her circulation. So we just waited. By 5p.m. there was still no change in my body or in the babys position so Dr. Clayton offered to place a balloon device in my cervix to help me dialate. So I sat overnight with that and waited. I sent my mom Casey and Autumn (my sister-in-law) home to get a good night sleep no point in us all losing sleep. All through the night the baby was moving like crazy and the nurse had a hard time keeping the monitor in place.
The next morning at 6:30am Dr. Clayton came back to take the balloon out so that we could get things moving. After he took the balloon out he checked me. I was dialated to a 4 but SURPRISE the little stinker had flipped around and was now breach. Dr. Clayton being the wonderfly patient Doctor that he is told me he was going to do an inversion which means that he would give me some medication to stop my contractions and relax my uterus so that he could externally flip the baby back around also telling me that there is a chance that it could put the baby in distress and I could end up with a c-section. While we waited for the medication to kick in to relax my contractions I called Casey and told him to get down to the hopital asap.
All the while the nurse kept telling me how shocked she was that for baby #4 it was so unusual to have an induction take so long and also that I was lucky because most doctors wouldn't even attempt the inversion they would have just given me a c-section. Needless to say I was the talk at the nurses station that day.
Casey got there just as doctor Clayton was coming in. The inversion went really well and pretty quick but the doctor was worried that she was going to turn back around because she was moving so much. So they cranked up the pitocin to get me contracting so that the baby would hopefully move down into the birth canal, but a few hours later with the baby still moving so much Dr. Clayton broke my water and had the nurse push on my stomach to get as much of the water out as possible so that she would move down and then couldn't move anymore. After he broke my water the process continued to slowly progress. By 5:30 pm I was only at an 8 which I had been for the past 3 hours. Dr. Clayton was worried that I wasn't going to progress anymore so he said that he would give me another hour and if I was still at an 8 he was going to c-section me.
Well, baby finally decided it was time to come because by 6pm I was ready to push and Kylynne finally made her appearance at 6:08pm. When she came out Dr. Clayton said she looked like she was about a week early because she was still covered in the white protective vernix.
After all that Dr. Clayton said that with the next baby that if my body isn't progressing I should just wait another week... I concure:)

Thanks Casey for another beautiful, perfect child. Thanks Mom for all of your help and support and thanks Autumn for being there to share the wonderful experience of child birth and for being our photographer.

Maxwell, Eva and Mia are in love with their baby sister. Maxwell especially loves to sit and snuggle with her for an hour at a time or until she fusses:) They are all so helpful and happy to have her be in our family.

the view from my labor and delivery room

I will post more pictures soon.

2008-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was fun. we spent it out in Murietta with Casey's sister Katie and her husband Dave. The food was fabulous as usual and the company was great! It was great having my brother in law Jeff home from his mission too!

Happy 31st Zwabes!!!

2008-11-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Casey's 31st birthday. Instead of just celebrating for the day we spent the whole weekend celebrating... much more fun than just 1 day, why not 3?
Saturday afternoon I packed an overnight bag and Casey and I took off for the weekend. First we went to see The Dark Night, which we have been dying to see and is now, finally, at the dollar theater. Loved it! Heath Ledger did an amazing job!
Next we went off to Anehiem to check in to our condo to chill for a little bit. Then it was off to Cheese Cake Factory for dinner... uh, avacado egg rolls anyone! Yummm! After dinner we had to walk off the 5000 calories we had just consumed, so we walked over to the Garden shops to do some window shopping. Knowing that it was opening weekend for the new James Bond action we had to check out movie times and since we almost never go to the movies anymore, we figured, why not... tomorrow we get to sleep in, so it was off to the 10:20 show.
The next day we slept in, ate in peace enjoyed a little football and slept some more. Around 5pm we went back to pick up the children who were being lovingly cared for by their favorite aunt Autumn, who always is so willing to help out. We appreciate her so much, thanks Autumn for making our weekend get away possible.
The 3 musketeers spent the night with us Sunday night at the condo. The next morning around 8am we were pleasantly awoken to the sound of 3 giggly little munchkins singing "Happy Birthday" from the living room. So, so cute!
After a yummy pancake breakfast it was off to Disneyland. It was a perfect day. The park was empty. We got to do every ride we wanted to including the new toy story mania, which was really cute, and the finding nemo submarine ride. We haven't been to disneyland yet on a day less crowded, it was perfect.

Hope you had a great birthday weekend babes, I know I did. I love you!!!

Maxwell absolutely adores his Daddy!

I love this pic, Eva is completely "star struck"!

HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-11-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Aunt Autumn saves the day.... the girls were getting tired by the end of the night and wanted to be carried. I carried Eva for awhile but started have lots of Braxton hicks, so Autumn took a turn with princess Eva. Thanks Autumn for all your help with the children (all the time) they love you so much!

The 3 little princess' (Tessa, Eva and Mia)
Red power ranger and batman (Kaden and Maxwell)

Sleeping beauty/Aurora/Rose (Mia)

Batman, Sleeping Beaty, and Cinderella

Checking out their "loot" at the end of the night.

Cinderella (Eva)

Batman (Maxwell)

Holidays are so much fun at this age. The children had a blast trick or treating, running from house to house. I love halloween, it's my favorite time of the year. I am missing Utah like crazy right now. It was probably 70 degrees last night, not my idea of halloween weather. Last night the channel 7 news said that this has been the hotest October on record in So Cal, I say "Boo" on the warm weather.

2008-11-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Casey planned a wonderful evening out for my birthday last weekend. He had a yummy breakfast for me that morning and then took charge of the children for the day and then that evening he took me to the fabulously delicious melting pot! Fondue, yummmm! Our great friends Shelley and Jason joined us for the evening and it was fun to be out as couples with no children. Thanks so much Casey for a much needed date, you always know how to spoil me. I love you... and thanks Jase and Shell for hangin' with us, LOL!

Casey put this card together for me from the children.

Out of the mouth of babes part II.....

2008-10-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mia sneezed into her hand and left a nice string of green snot. She turned to me and said "Mom I'm all sticky from the bless you". :)

Out of the mouth of babes....

2008-10-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier today Maxwell and I were out on the front patio on the porch swing and he turned to me and said "Mom, I haven't seen any snails for a long time....I think they all went to Mexico."

This evening while babysitting my nephew Hudson, Mia and Eva kept asking why he wasn't talking to them. I told them that he was to little to talk. Mia looked at me and said "he needs a whole junk of teeth so that he can talk to us." What? "Junk" must be slang for "a lot" (at least according to Maxwell, I think that's what it means, because he uses that word all the time to describe things)and why Hudson needs teeth to talk? Well, I'm not sure.

HA,HA,HA!!! Hope this made you laugh or at least smile!

Maxwell playing soccer

2008-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Mawell has improved so much and has really built up his confindence on the soccer field. This game he scored 3 goals and looked like he was really loving it. I like that AYSO has them play 3 on 3. I think it makes it way less chaotic and all the children get a chance to touch the ball. His team as a whole is really getting good and they are really enjoying playing together.

2008-09-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Maxwell just started playing soccer 3 weeks ago. He's so dang cute. At his first practice he wanted to play so bad that he couldn't wait to be introduced to the other 3 players on his team he just kept saying "Dad, let's play soccer... Dad, can we play soccer now?" He had such a blast. At his first game he started out a little shy and I thought he wasn't going to want to play, but as soon as the game was ready to start he was right there in the middle of everything. He designated himself all time goal keeper (even they don't have keepers, they play 3 on 3) and he took charge like he was team captian. Everytime they had a time out he would put his hand on the other boys shoulders and tell them what the next play would be and when they just stared at him with a blank look he would turn to Casey and say "Dad they're not listening."

It has been so much fun to watch him and to watch Casey coach. Here are a few pics....

Coach Casey, no he's not yelling at the kids.