THINK PINK...

Thanks to the support of some really dedicated friends, my handsome little boys and a charitable minded community...

Last Saturday's Fundraiser was a

SUCCESS!

Jordan throws his arms up in the air and takes 'victory stance' ! He is very pleased with how the event is progressing.

Mishawn, Melanie & Jenny

Three amazing friends come to my aide and offer support!

Melanie & I

Soak up some 'rays' ...

Mel tans...I freckle.

After two hours in the sun (sunscreen applied-of course)...

Melanie became a HOT 'Mocha-Mama'!

As for me...I became ONE GIANT FRECKLE! So, who's HOT NOW! ;-)

It was a lack of sleep, (Mel stayed up all night making stuff for the event--bless her! I stayed up all night baking for the event.) There was a lot of 'pink'! All of us; including Caleb & Jordan, wore the pink beads, bracelets, etc. My boys held signs that said, "Help fight Breast Cancer" and told people that their Mom was walking a lot of miles for "Breasts". Hee! Hee!So cute!

(I wonder...when they get older and actually acknowlege 'BREASTS' as you know...those 'parts' guys like about girls...well if this experience would give them major status with their buddies or if they may never live it down especially the pink beads, etc.?)

Doesn't matter...I couldn't be more proud! I really appreciate them.

They are the BEST kids!

IT WAS A GOOD DAY!

LONG TIME NO SEE...

Ok...yeah...so maybe that's my fault...

DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS LIKE THIS?

Ray and I seem to be on the same schedule.

The "fall asleep as soon as you slow down enough to get comfortable" routine.

WOW--IT'S EXHAUSTING!!!

We have been keeping extremely busy over the last couple of months; enjoying the company of family and friends, holidays, spring, Spring Break, birthdays, traveling, vacationing (there is a difference) site-seeing, injuries, some illness, (all mild) and let's not forget the Regional Pinewood Derby Race. It's been good--mostly--and at times really, really GREAT!

We enjoyed having Steve & Madeline visit for a few days while Steve was on Spring Break.

Here's proof that we did infact celebrate Easter.

The kids had fun coloring eggs, (only spilled the yellow dye-not too traumatic),

and they scored some really tasty stuff from the Easter Bunny.

I am certain we discussed Jesus and the resurrection--I just hope the kids remember that.

Caleb & Jordan began Spring Break the first week in April. We started the break off by heading to Utah for my nephew; Mason's baptism. (Way to go Mason!)

It was perhaps the longest drive/shortest stay trip I have ever made. Carrie and Weston came back with us for a mini-vacation to experience a little bit of North-Western Washington and then travel down to Oregon. We had to give ourselves enough time to squeeze in several activities before Carrie's schedule flight home.

We spent a lot of time at the 'Tulip Festival' in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Ray, Jordan & Caleb

I have never seen so many flowers in my life. The scenery was absolutely beautiful!

Ray is tip-toeing through the tulips...

Much sweeter than when she and Wes were trampling through them. YIKES!

Gidd-y-up Froggy!

The next morning we took a ferry from Anacortes to Fridays Harbor.

The kids had a blast on the ferry ride and really enjoyed the Whale Museum and lunch at a restaraunt on the bay. Very cool! I would have loved to take a bike and spent the day exploring Fridays Harbor and all it's beaches. Maybe another trip on another day...

During our visit in Seattle we also stopped by Pikes Market Place. (sorry no pics)

That place is a bit overwhelming to tackle with two toddlers and two 9 year olds. But, I totally 'dug' the atmosphere. I could have spent the entire day there. (so long as I had a zillion dollars to pay for parking)

Jordan & Caleb watching from the ferry as we approach Fridays Harbor.

After our stay in the Seattle area we headed south toward Oregon. We took a little detour (approx. 3 hour detour) so we could ride along the coast and take the kids to some beaches. The detour was definitely worth it. It was quite scenic and the kids loved the beach.

Jordan at the Beach

Long Beach, WA

No matter the temperature; Caleb insists the beach experience must involve taking off those shoes and walking in the sand. Good luck with that...the water is freezing!

We rather enjoyed the scenery from Long Beach, WA to Vancouver.

We arrived in Vancouver, WA on Friday night. This is where the kiddos slept. Ray thought it was a special 'treat' to sleep next to her 'BUBBAS'.

Our trip to Vancouver/Portland area was to include attending a wedding for our Aunt Irene and new Uncle Brant. (congrats you two) We were all dressed and nearly ready to head out the hotel door when Rachel took a tumble off of the bed and smashed her ear into the night stand. Baby screaming and blood flowing, we instead headed to the emergency room. (sorry to miss the wedding) But, grateful that the hospital was less than a mile away. By the time we got to the ER Rachel was no longer screaming but...you could see a gaping hole in the mid-section of her ear. Several hours, an IV, and 5 stitches later we were finally released.

I have to say...my baby girl was super tough and super brave. She didn't even cry when they tried to put the IV in her hand and failed miserably. (the IV ended up in her foot) She just kept telling them softly (but somewhat crankily), "its huwts, its huwts, yu huwting me."

On the way home Ray kept telling us all about her ear and what happened.

The stuffed bear, balloon and flowers that Aunt Carrie and the kids got for her kept her preoccupied for several hours. Thanks guys!

Last week...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYS!

CALEB & JORDAN

celebrate their 10th Birthday

Wowzer--What happened to my babies?

Boys I love you so much! You are awesome kids and the best big brothers!

On Saturday morning; while I took Ray to get her stitches out, Mike took Caleb and Jordan to the Regional Pinewood Derby. Caleb placed 1st -and Jordan 3rd- in the initial derby they participated in...the boys were excited to give their cars another run. I'm not sure how their cars performed the second go around but I know they thought it was pretty cool to be able to participate. WAY TO GO GUYS!

Most recently; (yesterday actually) Mike, my super sexy husband had a birthday. I do have a picture of him blowing out his candles but haven't loaded it yet. That's ok---just scroll up to the boys blowing out their candles and squint your eyes a little--that's pretty much the picture. I swear those boys are total clones of their daddy...

MICK--Hope you had a splendid Birthday! WE LOVE YOU!

OUR FAMILY

FAMILY TRIP Continued...

OK...back to the family trip...

After we left the mansion we drove six hours south to visit my family. It was wonderful to see my parents and spend the weekend with them. On Dec. 30th, they celebrated their 50 year anniversary or something...ok...not quite...maybe 37 years....right? At any rate; I'm sure it was totally romantic for them. (sorry Dad). Haydn was waiting for us at Grandma and Grandpa's house.



Rachel, Haydn and the boys had fun playing together.

After a few days; we decided to drive an additional two hours south. We had a wonderful New Years Eve with Jerry, Lucy, Maddie & Tiger and we were so happy to see our great friends and family (and family that happen to be great friends) during the short while we spent there.



Katy's youngest daughter, Josie

Side Note: I can't wrap my brain around how fast time flew while we were on this trip!



The boys loved playing with Katy's oldest daughter Hannah but I didn't get a picture of that, darn!



Rachel & Tiger.

New Years Day was spent with the Johnson Family. We enjoyed lunch at the Olive Garden. Followed by games, movies, delicious cookies and great company at Katy & Daves. Thanks Guys!

One of the many scheduled events that we attended on this particular trip was the annual Harris Family White Elephant Party.


In addition to 'scoring' some super-nifty gifts (or NOT) I also had the opportunity to 'catch-up' with family that I hadn't seen in quite a while.



Kevin holding handsome Baby Thomas



Baby Thomas with his Mama-Kim

Kim; my life long friend married Jeff...my cousin. That makes Kim my buzin or cuddy? Take your pick cousin buddy! ;-) Whatever you call us...I'm glad it is...what it is.

Before we began the long haul back home we stopped at the Wild Life Zoo with my Mom. The kids and adults alike had a blast. Great idea Grandma!

Mike & Ray-Ray

Haydn, Caleb, Jordan & Ray in the Reptile Exhibit Area... Did you see that snake?



Grandma & The Boys checkin' out the Meerkat's



Jord & Grandma

The zoo was great! And our time with everyone although too short was just splendid. We were able to squeeze in visits with few -but certainly not all- of those we would have loved to have seen. (Hoopes Family, five minutes...just wasn't enough time!) Thanks to Jerry & Lucy for being the best hosts ever! They always give us a warm, cozy, comfy place to stay. Their company is a pleasure and a joy!



Jerry, Maddie, Mike & Rachel

We did experience a bit of car trouble on our way home. Just over half-way (of half-of-the-way) on our 1300 mile journey northward everything electrical went out on our Mercury Mountaineer. God Bless "AAA"! One hour after we 'died' and were stranded-in the middle of nowhere- our lovely tow truck driver came to the rescue. Plans were altered and the 'breakdown' cut deeply into family time but...what can you do?

Well...we stayed the night in a little hotel...opting for the one with an indoor pool. We swam and played and ate a late dinner at the hotel restaraunt.
Suprisingly, our vehicle malfunction actually turned out to be a lot more fun than expected.
Thankfully, our car was fixed the following afternoon and we were back on the road. We drove through our old neighborhood and stopped to see our friends. We love and miss this family tremendously. They were wonderful neighbors and are now our life long friends.

Carlos w/ Sean, Alicia, Caleb, Jordan, Valerie, Mikey, Vanessa and Vivi

The last 'big event' of this trip was Dave & Jafia's wedding. It was a beautiful day and we are so glad to have Jafia in our family. Congratulations you two!

The Newlyweds!

We stayed our last night with Carrie, Jared & Weston. Jared fixed a delicious french toast breakfast for us. We said our 'good-byes', piled in the car....again...and drove home in a blizzard! Seriously! (normally an 8 hour drive took about 13 hours)
Despite the fact that we had a vomiting baby, breakdowns, crazy weather and unexpeted events on this little adventure we enjoyed every second of it. (well....almost!)

Happy Birthday to Mama!

Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!

We love you and are wishing you a very special day.

WE ARE SO GLAD YOU WERE BORN!

Grandma, We love you!

love, Jordan - Rachel - Caleb

Here's the B-day girl w/ grandsons

Haydn, Jordan and Caleb

Picture was taken at the Wild Animal Zoo during our holiday vacation.

The kids loved checking out all of the cool animals with Grandma---what a fun day!

Grandma, Rachel, Jordan, Caleb and Grandpa

Even though this photo is a bit outdated (taken over a year ago) I had to post it. It will have to do until I get another picture w/ my kids and my parents together. I love it!

Mom, may your birthday dinner be tasty and may the restaraunt staff sing most pleasant birthday wishes to you. Sure wish I was there celebrating with you. I'll call you tomorrow.

love, al

OUR FAMILY TRIP...

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of every stop that we made and every person that we visited. (What was I thinking?!) So, my word will have to suffice as I describe some of the eventful and very non-eventful experiences of our trip. After several hours of driving we arrived at Stephanie's home and spent the night. We played Guitar Hero until the wee hours of the morning. It's a pity and shame that no evidence of this evening exists as I was a 'PHENOM' at Guitar Hero. In all the history of this game I can assure you that there has been no other like me.

We awoke early the next morning and made our way several more hours to a mansion in the desert. Upon arrival at the mansion we were greeted by family-o-plenty. It was a spectacular three days with Mike's entire family.

Here are some pictures of the weekend events:

Rachel loves babies and had a chance to hold cousin Lexy. She was very overprotective of Alexis and demanded, "Give my baby back!" every time I tried to hold her. Cousin Jenna is waiting patiently for her chance to love on the baby too.

Me & Karen

I'm confident there are random pictures of everyone hugging somebody and saying, 'here get a picture of us!' It isn't very often that you get all of the siblings, spouses and grandkids under one roof. Talk about insanity and heaven wrapped up in a nice little package--I truly loved every minute of it!

Mike & Ray pose for a 'quick pic' while waiting for the real family picture to be taken.

Steve & Madeline

"Bringing Sexy Back!"

I love this picture! Steve is hilarious!

Jordan, Aunt Karen and Caleb

One of the favorite activities of the weekend was making use of the indoor pool.

Rachel & Aunt Karen

You can actually see Ray mouthing the word: cheese

Greg & Kylie

She is growing up so fast. What an absolute sweetheart.

With this many kids in the pool...

well...you can imagine why I'd be reluctant to get in the pool...right?

Rachel & Grandpa

Grandma & Grandpa and all the Grandkids

We decided to cease the opportunity and have professional pictures taken. (This is my amateur version of our professionals.) Olivia is our professional everything; she is a great photographer and the most talented graphic designer I know. She spent countless hours taking photos of the family in it's entirety. Individuals, groups, bridals, weddings etc. As soon as I get copies I'll post them.

Pictured: Caleb, Jordan, Gabe, Jenna, Grandma w/ Lexy, Kylie, Grandpa w/ Dallin, Marin, Caden, Jasmine, Rachel & Alex

Mom celebrated her 65th birthday--shhh---while we were all together. She looks amazing!

SHE IS AMAZING!

PROOF: Check out the amazing-'mess' she (and Dad) made below...

8 kids in 10 years...

This is Mike w/ all of his siblings

Pictured: Steve, Dave, Karen, Russ, Greg, Mike, Doug & Jeff

(youngest to oldest)

Here's Ray posing with her new Aunt Jafia

She and Dave were married on January 5th--another part of our trip.

TO BE CONTINUED...

LITTLE GIRL CURLS...

Little girls are far more opinionated than little boys. At least MY little girl is. Ray likes getting her hair done (yea-she finally has some hair--a miracle!) but it has to be done a certain way and that way isn't necessarily the same everyday.

This is how she requested her 'pony' most recently.

The teletubbie resemblance is rather hilarious in a creepy sort of way.

She; like most little girls, is quite particular about the clothing she wears. Again, my boys never seemed to care (and still don't) about what they wear. Her toys have special places and her room is her special 'SPOT'. I opted to decorate her room much like I did her old bedroom in our last home. I thought this might make her feel less 'out of place' with the move and more comfortable. It seems to have worked out well...at least for now...

I'm quite convinced that the years I have between these light greens and soft pinks and a wall full of boy band pictures is diminishing faster than I'm prepared for. So, let me keep 'soakin' in all this baby girl stuff for as long as Rachel and time will allow!

LITTLE GIRLS ARE SOMETHING ELSE!

(Typing this even as Rachel is in the middle of a terrible-two's temper tantrum! WOW--I didn't know something so adorable could scream that loud!)