Another CUT!

Daniel gets a kick out of his dad cutting his hair... this is a first! What do ya think?

It only lasted for ummm... long enough for 3 pictures.

Samuel what are YoU doing NoW?

I haven't met a kid yet that doesn't love to play in their parents shoes... especially their moms. Something about the hills, different colors, and straps are so attractive to kids. It just makes me laugh every time Samuel walks out of my closet with my shoes. This time I had to get a picture!
It always starts out with a strange noise... AND This is what I find! He has climbed up on the side of the washing machine! Fascinated by the spinner turning around in circles and the sound of the water splashing around is something that he loves to watch... but this time he was without me assisting him. HoW DOeS He DO THaT? Scott did quickly point out to me that he could easily fall in so I promise to be more careful!

10 Year ANNiERSARY

It was ten years ago on July 25,1998, when we were married in Hickory, North Carolina. Since then we have called 4 different cities home... and had a child in each one. We have gone from teachers... to Scott a doctor and me a full time mom. We are excited to see what the next 10 years brings us.My mom is the best mom ever! She flew out to Phoenix and watched our kids while Scott and I escaped for a few days to Rocky Point, Mexico. This was our first trip to Mexico and it was just beautiful. WE were able to relax by the pool, swim without watching kids, exercises, walk on the beach, AnD eat out in a quiet atmosphere. It was totally indescribably amazing.
The sunsets were breathtaking....
I started AND almost finished the Twilight series while I was there. I had forgotten how much I missed reading and relaxing. Yes, we did miss the kids... but I could have stayed for several more days before I really needed the kisses, hugs, and crazy mom life. But It WAS The BeST vacation EVeR!!!

First DAyS of School!

DAniel and KAyleA wait patiently for DadDy to get ready to take them to school. They both wanted to take their teacher a plant, (I think DAniel originally came up with the idea.) So the BIG smiles, happy thoughts, and packed bags is what the first day is all about.It is tradition that DaDDy takes them to school on the first day and he is able to meet their teacher and see their classroom, for the first and last time. Kaylea is excited to be in Mrs. BAirDs class, (Daniel's K teacher) and DaNiEl has Mrs. Putman, (the hardest teacher in 1st).
Amanda drops off Emily while she takes Shannon and Rachael to school. Rachael is also in K but not in Kayleas class.
Claudia started another year of pre-school. I am teaching pre-school this year at home and I am just loving it. We made tye-dyed t-shirts the first week and then the kids get to wear them every Friday. There are 6 kids... 4 boys and 2 girls. Claudia thinks that it is the coolest thing to have everyone over to her house for school! So far So good.
Oh, yeah, and SAmUeL... well, he gets to play and hang out too. Lately he has been crashing and taking an early nap!

Looks WhO's TwO!

Samuel turned two years old on August 9, 2008. TWO! Time flies even faster with the younger ones. Everyone that Samuel meets just falls in love with him immediately! His smile goes on and on and on... He can win anyone over immediately. So, as all birthday's go... i fixed a pancake in the shape of a 2, in honor of Samuel turning a whopping TWO YeARs OlD!
When trying to blow out the candle, he can't quite figure it out. So he blows air through his teeth which stops the air flow and the candles never even flicker.
Of course after many attempts, help quickly arrives and in less than a second the candles are out!

Julie, Regina and kids

The gang all together... Julie and her kids have been out to visit us 4 times now and we haven't made it out to cali yet!!! it is our turn next time

Attempting to bowl

Having gutter guards up while bowling makes all the difference in the world! I didn't keep track of how many times the ball hit the side but there were lots of pins that were knocked down. My friend Julie from California, came to visit with her two kids, Michael and Emma. We just love their visits... My kids get to do so many fun things when they are here.

Samuel felt so left out and wanted to bowl but was just knocked to the sidelines to watch. Maybe next time buddy. WE all had a blast and can't wait until next time we receive a free bowling pass in the mail!

Childrens Theatre Presents....

The Fairy Rebel To keep busy during the summer, some of my friends and I got together and helped our children perform plays. The plays were written and performed by the kids AND the kids decided on their costumes. They did an amazing job! Daniel, Kaylea, Claudia, Shannon, Rachael, and Riane performed the Fairy Rebel. Shannon wrote an amazing play and they were great at performing it too. We had many play practices, which turned out to be so funny and fun for the kids! The other plays were... Princess and the Poor People And The Three Little Pigs.
The girls had a blast dressing up like fairies with all their jewelry and bows in their hair.

This was definitely a huge hit! Next year will be even better!

Cactus is getting a makeover

Our horse Cactus is one of the kids favorite riding toys. Well, one afternoon the kids decided to give him a makeover using their chalk. Of course he was very patient and cooperative during the transformation.

Samuel enjoyed it the most... he also made over himself!

Emily and Samuel

Little People playing with Little People. Samuel loves having Emily come over to play with him. But sometimes when it comes to sharing... pushing matches can get a little loud and demanding!

SWiMMiNG with the Garretts

Do you know who has a huge backyard pool with a rock slide, waterfall cliff, diving board, fountains for the littles to play in, AnD a hot tub? Well, its our friends the Garrett's! No not really, it's Brooke's uncle. So whenever they are out of town, we go crash their swimming pool. The kids have so much fun that they talk about it all year long until we go again.
Samuel makes a splash going in...
Daniel is attempting to stop while going down the slide... he found out that it didn't work!
Claudia and Kaylea found a safer spot to jump into the pool and the side is super close by.
Under the waterfall and into the "cave" is one of their favorite places to hang out!