angel

2011-09-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST GRADE!

2010-08-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!

2010-08-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

He felt like the only one left at school with

no missing teeth. Finally, it became loose

and then one night he wiggled and wobbled

until it came out! YIPPEE! He was soo happy!

Summer shower...

2010-08-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

She is not too happy about this little

summer shower putting the brakes on

the bike ride. We were just about to

load up and take a bike ride.

Aidan cheered her up and showed her

how fun it is to run in the rain. It stopped

and we were on our way!

Play-doh explosion!

2010-08-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's sooo worth it! They love this stuff and keeps

them quiet so I can cook or clean up the kitchen.

Creating calm amidst the chaos.

Another year older...

2010-08-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just a simple get-together at Fuddruckers.

Comfortable and fun. Everyone enjoyed themselves

and as I blew out the candles I made a wish for

another year with my beautiful family.

mmmm onion rings!

Steven celebrating with me for the first time

(your next little dude)!

Raincoat but no rain!

2010-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

She didn't need the rain...she loves this thing!

I shed a few tears with those locks...

2010-07-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Curse of the curls. Very short

right after a cut. This was so

traumatic for me but good times for him!

Long Hair

2010-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet...early birthday gifts!

2010-07-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

I love this apron that Charlotte wore in SITC2!

Sparrows purse...surprise, surprise!

Chillin with woody(s)

2010-07-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

watching toy story of course

2010-07-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Bound and determined. She climbed up that slide

even though it took her a long time.

It looks like it was worth it!
I see a haircut in his future...

Swingin'

Woody!

2010-07-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

If only she could clean while

carrying the baby pack!

Children's Museum!

2010-07-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Johnny Cash dress from HF!

Hang on baby!

Everybody needs a fort room!
Needs more fiber!

Mamma Mia...

Fun Times!

Trike Wash...Elli was holding up the line a bit.

Then she caught a ride from big bro!

Summertime Fun at the Splash Pad!

2010-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Taking a break...

eewwww don't drink it!

Silly Bands - Rock Star!

2010-07-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

So funny that he has to hold

his thumb down for a rock salute!

Woody!

2010-07-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Elli's favorite toy right now...Good ole' Woody from

Toy Story. The only movie she will actually sit and watch!

Homemade water slide...

2010-07-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

Aidan's idea...he wanted me to record him sliding so he

could get on America's Funniest Videos (our fave show to watch together)!

He doesn't realize how much it would need to hurt to

be funny enough for them!

Elli chillin' on the pool ledge and watching her big bro...
Aidan is giving Elli a pep talk about how fun it is!

B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

2010-07-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hose Thief!

2010-06-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Lola loves the hose!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

We surprised Dan with a little overnight getaway to

a resort nearby. Of course, we are going to blindfold

him every year to surprise him because it is sooo much fun!

I get to drive in circles and throw him off the track.

He was pretty surprised and we had a very sweet day

just hanging out at the pool til late and early the next day.

Amazing how mucher cooler it seems by the pool

at a resort. The shade was perfect and the place

was a ghostown. We were the only ones at the pool

most of the time and starbucks was right across the street!

Dan really enjoyed himself and he didn't have to do
any of the work or even carry bags. I set it all up
checked in, packed, carried bags and had it all set up for him!

VBS

2010-06-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

This week Aidan had Vacation Bible School and

he had a blast. Our friends Charlie and Joey

came with us everyday and hung out at our house after.

The last night they always do a performance!

Aidan is the one stepping out of line...of course!

Rainy day in June...

2010-06-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Elli was hanging out in the yard watering

plants with her new elephant watering can.

It started to sprinkle and she looked up at the sky and was

very confused and not too happy about getting wet Aidan of course took full advantage of the 10 minute shower

Elli watched him and then followed his footsteps!

I just snapped pictures and was amazed to see that little

bit of rain on a hot, hot day.

Quote for the day...

2010-06-07T09:32:00.001-07:00

"I put it in a super secret hiding place where no one can find it, not even me!" - Aidan

What a wonderful day...

2010-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Christine took us to Santa Barbara

over the weekend! The kids had so much fun playing

in the water and digging in the sand.

We enjoyed the 65 degree break!

There was something I loved about this airport!

Sounds strange, but it was small, simple and pretty.

A few short steps and we were to the rental

car place and on our way to the beach!

Three little lucky birds who

spent the day at the beach!

It really was a great adventure together.

It curls...

2010-06-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

A little water and a little gel gets it goin!

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those who have

given your lives for our freedom.

On this day and every day we appreciate

you and the sacrafice your family made.

strawberries and summer go hand in hand!

2010-05-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Good times!

2010-05-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Finally, our cousins came to spend the night. We love

having them over so much and we had fun making cupcakes,

playing games and Arianna introduced Elli to playdoh!

The most beautiful smile in the world...

2010-05-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Now when I try to sneak up and snap

a picture of Elliot playing she is ready for me.

She hears the noise of the camera turning

on and puts on her best grin! So funny!

Wildcat Clipboard!

2010-05-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

A simple token to let Ms. Branstrom

know she was so appreciated and we

had such a good year because of her!

One last performance.

2010-05-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

He wants to be a police officer when he grows up...

He is brave and noble enough for sure!

Graduating Kindergarten...time is really flying.

Lego games...

2010-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

After a a few false starts and a rough time dealing

with Elli being sick Aidan finally made it to the Lego store

and used his birthday lego card to buy a game!

Lego games are fun because you get

to build the dice! Thanks again Christine!

water love

2010-05-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Elli does not like the sprinkler but she loves the hose!

feeding baby doll

2010-05-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

When the cats away...

2010-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

this mice will play! Elli got a whim

to dump out the legos

and hang out in the bin.

My CHAMP!

2010-05-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

First season of T-ball down.

I am proud of Aidan and hopes

he enjoys more baseball to come!

Mom's really are the Bomb!

2010-05-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

An idea at Hissyfits that tail-spinned into

a fantastic party with prizes, free food

and a sale - which really gave back

to all of the mamas!

Thanks to Nikki for caring

that much in the first place!

Mom & Dad Day!

2010-05-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Just another reason to love Aidan's teacher - She

had a performance for the parents just before

Mother's day (and combined it with Father's Day)!

It was very sweet and when they went around

to say why they loved us the answer were cute and funny!

"I love my mom because she takes me to

cracker barrel and plays checkers"

"I love my dad because he takes me fishing"

We love him for a million reasons!

Trying to fit...

2010-04-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Elli was trying to climb into the playhouse and

here she is just having a seat on the staircase.

How sweet it is...

2010-04-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

...to play together.

Aidan can be so wonderful with her.

Wating for Dad...

2010-04-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dan makes everyone happy! We cannot wait

for him to come home!

Reading with Grandpa

2010-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Elli is warming up to Grandpa and

bringing him books to read. He is a

wonderful Grandpa.

Quiet times

2010-04-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

I have to go looking when things grow quiet

around here. I love that she is just sitting her

with her baby doll it is so sweet.

BABY CHICKS!

2010-04-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

The baby chicks in Aidan's class got to come home

with us for the night. They were sooo cute! Don't be

fooled by the fakey in there (I was at first) there are

only two chicks! Cheep, Cheep!

Elli's favorite book is "The Little Chick!"

It seemed hot enough outside...

2010-04-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

I busted out the swimsuits and sprinkler...

Elli wasn't having it but

Aidan played for about an hour!

Play ball together!

2010-04-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Biting the bunny!

2010-04-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

Elli taking a bite out of her Easter bunny!

Playing with birthday legos.

2010-04-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

First Diamondbacks Game!

2010-04-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt!

2010-04-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

Easter Morning!

2010-04-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

Easter Baskets full of goodies!

Mmmm jellybeans...their what's for breakfast!
Peeps too!

Bag of baby toys from Kristie D.

(look at the little potty seat)

Playing on the big rock after church!

Happy Birthday Lane!

2010-04-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Lane's Batman birthday party!

Batman egg hunt, bouncehouse and pinata...classic fun!

Coloring Easter Eggs!

2010-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Pre-color table...blah.

Color! There is something so pretty

about colored water! I love it!
Steven eggs us on from a blanket!

Aidan's friends Jack and Sam helped out!

Arianna helping Aidan decorate an egg.

Finished products...eggcellent!

Elli wants a little egg action too...

Elli's first egg a mixture of several colors!

Caught in the act...

2010-04-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Elli got a bag of jellybeans and was

trying to open them with her teeth!

Aidan's Lego Party

2010-03-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Lego building contest...everyone won first place

in their own category (we happen to have the exact

same number of categories as entries...lucky us)!

Lego Pinata!

Simis Carnival

2010-03-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Walk!

Bouncy House things!
More cupcake walk!

Easter Egg Hunt for Mops

2010-03-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

She wasn't really interested in her basket just

in carrying all the eggs and was even putting

them in other friends baskets! So CUTE and

I can't wait to see her hunt for eggs at our house

on Easter!

Aidan turns SIX today!

2010-03-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Aidan...

Elli just wants to get in on the action!
Macayos for birthday dinner and they sang to him!

Happy, Happy Birthday son!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

2010-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

We hope you have a beautiful birthday and wonderful year!

Already???

2010-03-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Elli's favorite thing to do in the morning

is brush her teeth...good for her teeth

but she is just growing up too fast!

St. Patricks Day!

2010-03-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

A lucky surprise!

Hmmm someone snuck into the house

and turned our milk green!
The cousins giving each other an Irish Hug!

After our dinner of Corn Beef and cabbage

(with green sherbert for dessert)

we got the kids to pose for a picture!

St. Patricks Day Parade!

2010-03-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Bobbie and I took the kids to the St. Patricks Day Parade

and we had such a fun time (especially compared to our last

parade experience)! It was not crowded at all

and we were right up front. It as beautiful day to celebrate

our heritage! Of course we ended up at Macayo's after

but we are Irish Arizonians after all!

Watching the floats!

Running after bubbles!
Aidan especially had fun step dancing along with
all the Irish drums and bagpipes!

Opening Ceremony for T-Ball

2010-03-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Aidan's first t-ball uniform!

LET'S GO BATS!!!!!!!!!!!

Rodeo Day!

2010-03-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten has rodeo day and Aidan made this hat

to wear! They spent the day roping cattle, panning for gold,

line dancing, coloring bolo ties and many other traditions

of the wild west!

We are having our once a week treat

of doughnut at Safeway which we do every Friday!

Of course we need a cowgirl...

Giddy UP!

Finally done and trying to get along little doggies!

First T-ball practice

2010-03-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

The sweetest thing...

2010-02-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

Elli's little friend Hazel turned ONE and we went to

the most amazing Sweet Shoppe Party they created for her!

Hazel is little sweetie pie...so happy and so good

with all the birthday fuss and people around!
Elli is decorating a cupcake... and by that I mean

just licking the icing of her fingers!
Sodapop Shoppe - one of my faves! I am now craving
soda out of a glass bottle all the time (with a paper straw)!

She sent us home with cupcake dental floss

and a toothbrush of course!

Fresh Fruit..mmmm

2010-02-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

Enjoying an orange fresh out of it's peel!

Storytime!

2010-02-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

A favorite spot at the window.
Picking out our own book.

Puzzles

Daddy's Little Chick

2010-02-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

Any which way...

2010-02-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of Elli's favorite books: The Little Chick!

Sweet Cousins

2010-02-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

Just one...

2010-02-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

Just one little Valentine project this

year! I re-used a frap bottle that

I had been saving! Next year everyone

is getting one these (but don't go holding your breath)!

I heart Valentines!

2010-02-14T21:40:00.000-08:00

Elli got a little heart filled with Jelly Belly's

and she loved them!

My favorite cards of all time...Aidan made

these valentines for us with no help from me!

Elli just playing with her doll and stroller!

School Valentine Party

2010-02-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

As the homeroom mom I had to plan

the Valentine party and it was such a

success with the help of the teacher and

a lot of parents! Of course, with my list

a mile long I forget the most important

thing that day...my camera!

So I took this picture when he came home

(note the lego heart shirt...how insane is

that Hissyfits find)!

Benny Bear!

2010-02-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Elli found Benny Bear right away and was

taken with how important he was to Aidan.

Dad took Aidan and Benny Bear on a bike ride. Dan

is holding him now...Aidan dropped him and they

had to go back!

Wagon Ride!
Playing the Lego DVD game with me and Aidan!

What a sweet morning...

2010-02-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Finally a smile in this tutu!

2010-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

When I first brought this home and tried

to put it on Elli she just wasn't having it!

She actually just stood there crying.

Needless to say, I tried again and

she loved it...maybe we can wear

anything with our pj's.

She also insisted upon trying to on her

new Vans and they actually fit with the

pajamas on!

She already loves shoes!

Crackerjax!

2010-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Aidan driving the little racer car...

Uncle Matthew took him on the big cars...and beat everyone!

Uncle Matthew...texting on the bumper boats -

now that's talent!

Elli learning how to golf...

{heart}

Bungee Birthday

2010-01-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

Aidan did the Bungee jump at his little friend Eve's

party! He told the guy to make him go higher

but then laughed/cried to get him down.

Elli is trying to figure it out...

New Hair-do...

2010-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Once again a Hissyfits find!

Happy Birthday Arianna and Uncle Matthew!

2010-01-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

Toy Story is coming back...

2010-01-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

I thought the toy story obsession was way behind us...

until Aidan saw these legos! He saved up $10.99 of his

piggy bank money to buy this set! Very cool.

Mama's Little Helper!

2010-01-25T20:17:00.000-08:00

Learning her chores early...

I feel the same way...many days!

Sweet Ride!

2010-01-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Finally enjoying her little birthday car

thanks Nikki & Shay

(& thanks Cam for putting it together!)

100 Days of Kindergarten

2010-01-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

Ready to go for the 100th time!

100 day stew! 10 pieces of ten items!
YUM!

I am so proud of him for making

it 100 days with no red lights and only one yellow!!!

GO AIDAN!

Zoo Pass, Zoo Pass, Zoo Pass!

2010-01-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Since Aidan missed our trip on Friday

I surprised him by heading over on

Saturday morning after getting coffee!

Geico Gecko was there???

We are thankful for the zoo pass!
Now we just need to get

over there this week with Dan!

Zoo with Cousins, Aunt & Grandma!

2010-01-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

Zoo day to enjoy the weather and check

out the changes they are making! This little

people farm is super cute with all the little

animals and characters look just like the toys.

Elli and her Mimi on the steps.

Arianna showing her how to milk a cow!

Elli walked right up to the goats in the

petting zoo and started saying "sit" she

thought they were dogs!

She loves her baby cousin...she just wants to hold him.

Breakfast in the classroom!

2010-01-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

Aidan's teacher opened the classroom

for breakfast so we could meet and

talk with other families!

She built this igloo out of milk cartons

for their plane trip to Antartica!

BRRRR! So VERY cool!

Go CARDS!

2010-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

STUDENT OF THE WEEK!

2010-01-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Aidan was student of the week this week

and it involved lots of line leading, and

other special things at school. His

teacher also had every student write

about him and made him this book!

He also got to bring his favorite book

to the classroom for the whole week!
His cousin Isaiahcame to class and read
the book (Aidan helped)!

Brought Doughnut Holes since letter of the week was D!

I forgot to take a picture of the Estimation Jar that we

filled with Dino's with DumDum's tied to their backs!

All of the students had to do a taste test

and write which kind they liked the best!

This was so much fun for him. He especially

liked all the special attention. It is such

a special thing for his teacher to do for all of them!

Railroad Park

2010-01-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

Elli's first time to really enjoy the train!

Ringing in the New Year!!!

2010-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Goofing around in the New Year!

Lovin' the new boots from Grandma!

New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

Aidan's first sparkler! He was scared at

first but then warmed up to it aftering

he realized it couldn't burn him. I was still

a little nervous about his hair!

Still messy...

2009-12-30T22:04:00.000-08:00

Eating and wearing her noodles!

Getting out the toys...

2009-12-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

Aidan loves this castle - shipped all the way from IDAHO!

Elli's stroller from Australia!
She just jams her baby in there any which way but
she likes to push it around the house!

S'MORE PLEASE!

2009-12-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

First marshmallow!

Mine was just about perfect!

Elli watching the fire.

Christmas Day!

2009-12-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

Aidan came in our room on Christmas morning

and said he was so excited that Santa was coming

tonight...we had to tell him "Santa came last night!"

Then he was super excited of course!

PRESENTS!

Smiling at Dad (I can tell when he takes the

pictures because her eyes sparkle)!

A quick nap at the table!
My favorite Christmas picture!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas card inspired by

the Starbucks Christmas coffee

sleeve (not pictured)!

Twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

Making funny faces!

Lighting the way...

Opening the Christmas Eve gift! Aidan was happy

with his new Where the Wild Things Are pajamas

and I thought he would complain that I picked

the one gift to open...and it wasn't legos!

He was just happy.

Ready for Santa!