Easter

The past two years, we have celebrated Easter alone, so this year we decided we would spend it with my family in Scottsdale. My aunt rented a space at a park adn the WHOLE family (on my mom's side) was there. We spent the day fishing, riding bikes, eating and catching up with family. It was so nice to spend that day with my family! It had been so cold in Page so it was nice to hang out in the sun and get a little tan started. Cash wanted to go swimming so bad but unfornuntely, the pond isnt for swimming so he just got his toes wet. Jaiden road bikes with Bry and played her with other cousins she had seen in a while. I hope we have more Easters like this one!

7 going on 17

My baby girl is growing up right before my eyes. Last I remember she depended on me for everything and now she becoming her own person. We celebrated her seventh birthday at the first of the year! She had all her friends from school over at the house for games, cake and of course a pinata. Birthdays are very important in our family and we try to make every year different. It feels like yesterday she was born, 7 lbs 11 ounces, 19 inches long. Before I know it she will tower over me! I love you Jaiden.

All Boy!

After a long day of playing outside with Gunner, Cash didnt end it on a very good note. While playing on his scooter (we're guessing) Cash feel right on his eye! We didnt notice it at first but when we did, needless to say, Ryan freaked! We put some ice on it and gave him lots of kisses. We figured his eye would of swall shut but it didn't! I guess every boy has must get at least ONE black eye...Ryan told him to tell people "you should see the other guy!" haha

Fresh Paint

Jaiden turned 7 on January 29th and part of her birthday present from Nana and Papa was a new paint job on her new bedroom. The bedroom almost ready for new flooring so we thought it would be the perfect time to paint her room. We painted with 6...yes 6, different colors of paint, all from the same color swatch. We mapped out stripes on one of the walls. While Jaiden was at school, we all went to work. Bubba (my brother) and Papa were SO much help. Im not sure even would of got completed if it werent for them! The job took so long but we were finished by the time Jaiden got home from school! She was super excited to see it and is very happy with the turn out. Now all we are waiting for it the flooring to be laid and she will be ready to move in!

Our own "Frosty"

Page hasn't ever seen snow like this!! For months now, all the surrounding areas were getting snow but us. It started snowing and didnt stop! The snowflakes were as big as baseballs! The kids couldn't wait. They headed out (at 9pm) to make a snowman! The kids were so excited. They would of stayed out there all night if we would of let them! The next morning, Jaiden was outside, fixing her snowman. She was determined to make it bigger and better. But snow doesnt stay long in Page! The snowman quickly melted away and the poor snowman fell apart. The kids couldn't believe it! It was fun awhile it lasted and we will wait for more snow even if we have to wait a whole another winter!

Powell in January

Its never too early to enjoy a beautiful day at the lake. Ya its only January but thats not stopping us from heading to Lone Rock to play in the sand. The kids kicked off their shoes and Ryan and I planted our butts in the sand. Sand castles were made and fun was had. Lake Powell is beautiful no matter what time of year. The beach was empty and the water looked like glass! We enjoyed ourselves and had a great family day. We are really glad that Cash didnt take a swim, like he has every other time we've at the lake in the off-season! Silly boy.

Snow Bunnies

Christmas day, after all the presents had been opened and with the house a mess, we loaded into the car and drove to the Grand Canyon to visit my parents and brother. My sister and her family were also headed there. The kids were so excited to see the snow and for Nana and Papa to take them sledding! With snow gear on we were ready to hit the hills. Cash wanted nothing to do with the snow, as he hates for his hands to be cold, but Jaiden, Bryleigh and Gunner could of gone up and down hundreds of times. We all a blast sledding and playing in the snow. It was nice to go back to the house and warm up by the fire!

Lester Family

I must say, I love my soon-to-be in-laws! They are so awesome and so easy to get along with. Ryan's parents live in northern Neveda so we dont get to get them very much but when we do its always amazing. Ryan's older sister, Crystal lives here in Page with her husband, daughter Karyn, with another baby girl on the way. Ryan's grandma also lives here in Page. She is awesome. I dont know what we would do without her. She babysits Cash while we work. Cash absolutley adores her and I think would rather hang out with her then with us!

Most Wanted Christmas Gift of 2009

As she does every year, Jaiden wrote a "wish list" to Santa. This year was different from all the others...there was only one thing on her list...a Zhu Zhu pet. I thought "this will be early" So I headed to Wal-Mart, nothing! I looked at Target, nothing! What was the big hype about this $8 toy hamster?! I had no idea. So I headed for the internet. I knew I would be able to find at least one. I did! But for $100 (originally $8)!!! I couldnt believe it. I asked the family to keep an eye out for one. Ryan's mom came to the rescue. She bought one on Amazon, for a hefty price. I was so relieved. I was scared "Santa" wouldn't be able to her my daughter, the ONE and ONLY thing she asked for. Well by the time Christmas came around, we ended up with not one, not two but THREE Zhu Zhu pets!! My mom had come across two just a couple days before Christmas. I would pay any amount of money to see the reaction on her face, that she had on Christmas morning!

Christmas tradition

My mom started a Christmas tradition with my siblings and I when we were little. On Christmas Eve we would get to open two presents...and my mom got to choose which presents they were gong to be. Every year, it was the same thing, Christmas pajamas and an ornament. So now that I am a mother, I have pasted on the tradition with my kids. Jaiden's ornament was a the letter "J" and a peace sign and Cash's was Toy Story (his favorite movie). For some reason, Cash was SO excited when he opened his pajamas! It was the cutiest thing ever. The fact that their pajamas match, makes it even cuter!!

Early Christmas Present

Christmas came a little early for this kids. Nana and Papa

decided since we have a nice, big yard now, the kids needed a swing set.

Ryan spent half the day setting it up, as the kids sat andwatched. Needless to say, we cant keep them off it!

Sunshine on a rainy day

I must say, I have some pretty kids. These pictures were taken for our family Christmas cards for 2009. Ryan and I didnt have anyone take the picture of all of us so we just included the kids.
The day we decided to take the pictures, it was rainy like crazy and windy. The rain felt like it was coming from all directions and the touch of the rain on your faces felt like a million needles. The kids were so great through it all, (even with Cash not having a nap that day). I was pretty impressed with my photography skills. The Christmas cards turned out great! I am thankful to be blessed with such happy, healthy kids!