Morris Memories

A Christmas Surprise!!!!

2010-07-11T16:01:00.002-06:00

I know this is a horrible picture of me, and I can't believe I put it on here! It is hard to believe that I am really happy in this picture, but I am. A few days after Christmas I walked into my bedroom and found this.......

Mary and Hudson!! They had flown in from Florida for New Years and everyone knew they were coming, but me! I was so surprised!! It was the best present ever!

Christmas with famliy 2009

2010-07-11T15:37:00.002-06:00

Santa Clause comes to the Howell family party every year. Marlie was not so sure what to think of Santa this year so Santa sat on the floor so she would not be so afraid.

We had a few family parties at Christmas. It is always so fun for the kids to get together with extended family and cousins.

It is always so fun to watch the kids wake up and see what Santa left them. Marlie was old enough this year to be excited about it. Kayla and Maddi got digital cameras, Mason got his own Nintendo ds, and Marlie got another baby, of course!!!

Tim and Kim were able to come spend the night and have breakfast with us on Christmas morning. It was fun to see Addie and Drew open presents,too. I love the Holidays and being with family! I am hoping that next Christmas the whole family will be able to be together.

Happy 2nd Birthday Marlie

2010-07-11T14:28:00.001-06:00

I know I have more picture than this for Marlie's 2nd Birthday, but I can't find them on the computer. I will have to add them as I find them. (This is really sad because as I post this Marlie is over 2 1/2.)

Marlie is super obsessed about babies. She could never have enough of them! That is all she wanted for her Birthday.

She was happy that she got a new baby that she could feed and take care of.

Even though she is only 2 years old, she loves to nurture and be a "Mommy" to baby dolls and real babies. She is such a sweet and loving little girl!

She started crawling out of her crib shortly after her Birthday! It was a sad day for me! She also started to get potty trained right after she turned 2 years old and trained pretty fast and easy! It makes me so sad to see how fast she is growing up and becoming a little girl!

Turkey Trot

2010-07-11T14:16:00.001-06:00

This was Mason's first year being in school, so he was excited for the Turkey Trot.

I was so happy that he got first place in the boys for his age and his cute little friend Karley got 1st place for the girls.

Here comes Maddi running her little heart out!

Now that she is 3rd grade she got to run one mile for the Turkey Trot. I am so pround of her to run that far and try so hard.

Happy Haunting Part 2!!!!

2010-03-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

We get together with the Gorings every Halloween for the Trunk-r-Treat. I was sad to see how big Marlie was this year, and that she had graduated from the high chair to the big kid table. I usually take individual pictures of my kids for some reason this year I didn't get any. I will have to remember that for next year.

This year Kayla chose to be a Fairy, Maddi was a Skela-rocker, Mason was "Snake Eyes" from G.I. Joe, and Marlie was a Bumble Bee.

On Halloween Dave's Brother Scott came to visit with his wife Shay and their twins Korver and Olivia. It was so cute to see them in their costumes. We decided to go visit Dave's Grandma Morris so she could see the kids all dressed up. I love the picture with Grandma Morris with Easton and Mason laughing on her lap.

We usually carve pumpkins, but this year my Mom painted pumpkins with the kids. Kayla was invited to a fun Halloween party with a bunch of friends from school. (There was over 30 girls there!) The Mom's went all out and the girls had a great time. Don't Maddi and Lexi look scary!!!

Happy Haunting part 1 !!!!

2010-03-28T22:12:00.001-06:00

Deweyville had it's first annual pumpkin walk last Halloween. My Brother Tim and his family were here for the weekend, so we decided to go check it out. We saw some very creative and creepy pumpkins, the kids really like it!!

They also had some fun places for everyone to pose for a picture. Some of these are so funny!

Our friends Mandie and Cade have had a Halloween Party for the past few years. It is always fun to get together with friends for a few hours without the kids. They have a fun scavenger hunt that we go on and it is a blast. I am always amazes how creative everyone is with their costumes. Dave was a Biker and I was a princess, and was wearing the masquerade mask that I bought in New Orleans. I can't wait until next Halloween and already have some ideas for our costumes.

Mason turns 6 years old

2010-03-28T21:38:00.001-06:00

Mason celebrated his 6th Birthday on October 15th. He was so excited to get the marshmallow gun that Grandma and Grandpa got for him.

I am not very creative, but I tried to do something a little different for Mason's Birthday cake this year. Because his Birthday is so close to Halloween and he was having a Halloween themed Birthday party, I made him a spider cake. Luckily he is easy to please and thought it was pretty neat.

Here is Mason getting ready to blow the his Birthday candle out.

Mason had some of his friends from school and the ward come to his party. They were all dressed up so cute, and they had a fun time!

My visit to the South

2010-03-27T22:59:00.000-06:00

The last two years in October my Mom and I have gone to visit Mary. This year we got to go to Louisiana, it was my fist time visiting the South. We went to visit Cam at the beautiful hotel where he worked I got a little side tracked for a few minutes. I went into the casino for 10 minutes and walked out with $40.00. I love the nickle slots, it is a good thing that we don't live closer to a casino. I love the time that I get to spend with my Mary, Cam and Hudson.

After visiting their town for a few days we headed to New Orleans for a day. On the way there we stopped and a very red-neck restaurant on a bayou for lunch. We got chance to try fried cat fish, crab cakes, and fried frog legs. The fist night we got there we walked down to Bourbon Street. We had just gotten there when the heavens opened up and it started to rain like I have never seen rain before! We had to walk back to the hotel without an umbrella. We went to dinner and nearly floated away down the road, it was so crazy!!!

The next day we went to the French Quarters, and the Garden District. They were both so pretty! We had to eat a famous Bisque and it was delicious! I was amazed to see beads still stuck in trees from Marti Grass 6 months earlier.

We also went and found a cemetery there, it was quite strange to see the graves that are above ground because of them being above sea level. While we were there we figured we should drive around and see some of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was amazing to see some of the destruction that seemed so fresh, and then jut next door houses that seem untouched or that had already fixed up there homes. It was a great trip and am glad that I was able to see that part of the world. Mary and Cam moved shortly after my visit , so I am looking forward to visiting them next wherever they live the next time I get to go visit.

Fall Soccer

2010-03-27T21:43:00.002-06:00

This year Mason was old enough to start playing city soccer. He cried the day I signed him up. He did not want to play and that he would not play. Well his first game came and he was hooked! Watching 5 year olds play soccer can be a little frustrating, but so much fun!!!! He is a great little soccer player and can't wait for Spring soccer to start.

Kayla decided to hang up her dancing shoes for soccer cleats last year as well. She joined the All-Stars competitive team. It was a new experience for her, but she caught on quickly! She was the smallest player on her team, but very quick! She was one of the only girls who had not played on the team before, and I was so proud of her hard work and determination. She is getting ready for the new season to start next month.

I guess you could say I am now officaly a soccer Mom. It is a bit tiering getting the kids to and from all their practices and games, but so worth every minute of it. I enjoyed watching the girls dance, but for me watching the spoting events are so much fun!!! Maddi is also playing fast pitch softball and just got done playing her first season of Basketball. I will get some of those pictures posted one of these days as well.

Marlie's Major Messes

2010-03-21T20:42:00.001-06:00

Well all of you who have had a toddler know that they can make messes faster than you can clean them up. I also learned the hard way that putting a 20 month old in th car for 5 minutes to keep them safe from wild lambs, can turn into a 2 hour adventure. Luckily the Officers were nice enough to not take me to jail for child neglect, but then even drove to Dave's work to get the extra set of keys for me. As you can tell Marlie even had my cell phone in the car with her. She thought it was pretty fun at first to tear apart my car while we all watched, but as it got darker she got a little concerned. It was definitely a night to remember.

Not long after the great lock down, I left her with my Dad so I could color my Mom's hair. She was being a little,too quiet so he went to find her, this is what he found. No, this is not Gene Simmons from KISS. Just Marlie playing with Mommy's mascara. What a crazy girl!!!!

You think I would learn not to leave her alone for more than 1 second alone, but I always want to think that she is playing with her babies like a good girl. This is what I find more than not.... A HUGE MESS!!!!! The top picture is Marlie painting her toe nails, then the next two pictures are really gross, but I had to make the best out of a "POOPY" situations. (Sorry if it make you sick!) Then the last pictures are Marlie doing her hair and using a lot of hair wax!!!

I would love to say that these are the only messes that she has made, but not so lucky. Thank goodness she is so stinking cute!!!!

Back to School

2010-03-21T19:58:00.002-06:00

Yes I know school is 2/3 's over, but finally her are the pictures.

McKayla started 6th grade this year and entered into the Intermediate School. I was a little nervous for her, but she adjusted very well. She even let me walk her into school and take a picture of her. I am sure that won't last long. She opened her locker on the first try. She has had some big assignments to do this year like the Mesopotamian project, World Fair, and the Science Fair. She has worked really hard and they have all turned out so nice.

Maddi started the 3rd grade and was so excited because she got the teacher she really wanted. She also had a few of her very best friends in her class. She is learning her multiplication and passing off her times tests.

Mason started Kindergarten this year and I think It was harder on Me than it was him. He got an Awesome teacher and loves everyday of school. He only goes a half day, I miss his big hugs while he is gone. He is learning to read and write and is learning so much!!

Fair time again!

2010-02-28T18:41:00.002-07:00

(I know this is 6 months late, but I still need to do it!!)

This is the 3rd year that McKayla has raised a lamb for the fair. It is always one of those things that half way through we wonder what we have gotten ourselves into, but it always ends up being a good experience and we are glad when it is done.

Here are some pictures of the kids racking, washing ,and walking their lambs. They spend many hours in the heat getting their lambs ready for the big day.

McKayla did a great job and her hard work paid off. She got 1st place (Star Choice in her wight group.) Then she got to got the final round with the top 50 to compete for grand champion. (There were over 300 lambs total this year in the fair.) She hung in there for a long time and ended up getting 6th place over all, we were all so excited and proud!!!! Next year Maddi gets to raise one ,so we will have 2!!!

Maddi's 9th Birthday, Family reunion, and Photo Shoot

2009-12-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

On August 15th was Maddi's 9th Birthday. This year we were actually at a the Williams family reunion in Idaho. I made her a sign and Dave's cousin brought some balloons. Aunt Tammy and Uncle Dave got everything set up for us so when Maddi woke up and opened the trailer door, she could see the sign and balloons. We sent Maddi on a scavenger hunt to find her present. When she opened up her new pink i-pod she was so excited. It was fun being able to spend her birthday with family that we have never celebrated a Birthday with before.

The grounds for the reunions were beautiful! It was acres of green grass, a ball field, a covered Bowery, and lots of space to ride bikes.
We had a yummy dutch oven dinner and played lots of games. It was actually a really cold weekend for August and woke up to frost, but it was a lot of fun! Marile loved playing with her little cousin Deegan. They are only 10 days apart and get along really well. It is always so much fun to spent time with Dave's extended family! We look forward to the reunion every year. Dave's Grandpa Williams had a stroke 2 years ago, he is doing pretty good and we are so happy that he is still able to come camping with us!

We had some fun playing on the swings and other cool toys that were there. We got some cool pictures of us all jumping off of the swings. I thought I did pretty good, but the kids informed me that walking off the swing is not the same as jumping.

While Dave and I were packing up the trailer the kids took the camera to take some pictures. We were so surprised when we got home and started looking at the pictures that they took. I guess Mason wanted the girls to do a photo shoot of himself. He posed himself and I think it is hilarious! I love the serious looks, and the side views. We were absolutely cracking up when we saw the picture of his eye with the mit over his face!!! Actually a pretty cool picture!!! I just had to put these on here!

Summer Swimming

2009-11-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

Kayla and Maddi took swimming lessons 5 years ago, but I have never put Mason in lessons. I decided this summer to sign them all up for lessons. The girls loved refreshing their skills and learning to dive. When we went to Bear lake they liked to practice everything they had learned.

Mason has always been a little afraid of the water. He didn't even want to swim in the big pool until he was 4. He has never liked getting is face wet, so I was a little afraid of how lessons would go. The first day he got right in the pool and when his teacher asked him to put his head under water he did! (I was thinking, this is going to be great!) He jumped out of the pool and would not go back in. Dave and I tried bribing him with anything we could think of, nothing worked! Another teacher got him into the pool and he screamed the whole time! The next day he cried while he was in the pool, but then every day he got a little more comfortable with the water. By the last lesson (they only had 9) he was jumping in and putting his face under. He learned to tread water and actually can swim! I am so proud of him and for overcoming his fear! When we went to Bear Lake we could not keep him out of the water!

Marlie was a little too young for lessons (I didn't want to get into a swimsuit with her everyday), but we will put her in lessons next summer! She was a very good little sister and watched ever day from the bleacher and cheered everyone on. When we went to Bear Lake she enjoyed splashing, sun tanning, and she even tried putting her head under water!!

Island Park Summer Vacation

2009-11-10T23:32:00.009-07:00

Every summer we try to plan a family vacation and go some where different. This year we took off to Island Park Idaho, just 30 minutes from West Yellowstone. It is so beautiful there. We rented a cabin on Bills Island and had so much fun! Here are some of the things that we did. I know it is a lot of pictures, but this is my scrapbook, and I couldn't put just a couple. It was great to have everyone together. My brother in law Cam and Daniella's daughter Dalene could not make it, and they were missed.

Our first stop was at Bear World In Rexburg Idaho on the way. You can drive around while bears and other wild life walk around your car. It is very cool, and the kids love it! After you are done driving around they have a petting zoo, and some fun carnival rides for the kids to go on. It was lots of fun!

It is a little stressful trying to pick out a cabin on the Internet. There are many great cabins to chose from. We were so pleased when we arrived and saw the cabin. We knew it was on an Island, but had no idea how beautiful it was there! Next time we will need to bring a boat!

The cabin and the scenery were so beautiful! The trees were so thick, I didn't even know that there was a cabin next to us because I couldn't see it. There were miles of four wheeler trails and I could have stayed there for weeks!

My parents are always so nice to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. I think at almost every vacation they are sleeping on the couch or a blow up mattress so we can all have our own rooms! We all appreciate there sacrifice so much! I have to keep teasing Tim and Kim about the room they landed this time. It was the master suite with the most beautiful view of the lake and a walk out balcony. They also had a huge bathroom and a walk in closet almost the size of the room that all 6 of us slept in!! I know they felt guilty, but it was really the room that worked best for them! I am just calling the master suite next time! HAHA!!!!

As soon as we jumped out of the car the kids jumped into their swimming suites. They would have been happy never leaving the cabin! We were right of the lake and I knew that would keep the kids entertained for hours, which it did. The adults even got into the fun and were helping the kids catch crawdads and frogs.

No matter what time of day it was the view from off of the front deck was amazing! This is a beautiful picture that Marlon took on our last night there.

My most favorite part about any family vacation is just getting to spend time together and relaxing. This vacation was great because there was enough room for everyone to hang out do what they wanted. We played a lot of board games, and the boys and the kids had lots of fun playing against each other on the Nintendo D.S.

We took a drive to Big Springs to feed the fish! My Dad's parents were actually married at a little chapel just down the road from there. Kind of fun to actually see it.

We were so close to Yellowstone that we could not pass up the chance to go there. We only saw one Bison and one Elk, but we did get to see Old Faithful and some other geyser's.

I had to put these pictures on here! TOO, funny! each one of my kids came running out of the outhouses plugging their noses and gasping for air!!!

The Men and Daniella went further into the park while the ladies and kids decided to head back to the cabin. This is the beautiful things that they got to see while we stopped in West Yellowstone to shop with 7 kids! What were we thinking? We got back to the cabin 30 minutes before they did!

On our way out of Island Park we drove to Mesa Falls! They are absolutely amazing!
I think so far that this family vacation has been my favorite! ( I saw that every year!) Don't get me wrong , there are always a few bad moods and some not so perfect moments( You can't have 16 people in a cabin for 4 days without a few run- ins!) but they usually turn out to be funny,too! Dave has to throw at least one fit about all the family pictures that we want to take. We all love each other at the end of the trip and that is what matters! The time I get to spend with family are my greatest blessings! We are already planning next years vacation, and I can't wait.

Wild Rides at Willard Bay

2009-10-18T16:38:00.003-06:00

Our friends Blaine and Natalie got a boat last year and have been very gracious to take us boating with them a few times this year.
We went to Willard and had a blast! The kids especially loved riding in the tube!

This day we went out on the boat with our friends the Kaneko's and the Steens's. The kids had a blast on the water wienie!!
We also met up with our friend Heather Christensen from High School and her darling kids. We girls decided we would give the tube a try, and Blaine promised not to dump us out, and that our sunglasses would be safe. Well, after a few minutes of fun I ended face down in Willard Bay with my feet straight in the air and still holding on to the tube. I hear it was some pretty good watching, even though I was not,too impressed at the time to be the only one in the water and to let the fish have my sunglasses. Luckily they were only $6.00. All in all it was a fun time!

It was the boys turn next, Blaine, Dave and Mac all got on together! We sent them on a wild ride and eventually they ended up in the water,too!

Our friend Stu really wanted to through a surprise party for his wife Misty, so with a little help from everyone and a few white lies we pulled it off and really surprised her. The Doutre's,Sorensons, the Allreds, Stu's family and Heather Christensen were all able to come. We had a great time on the boats and the kids got a few more wild rides!!!! It was a great way to end the summer! As you can tell the tube was very well used and we will all miss it, as it no longer will hold air. (I can't imagine why not! LOL!)

13 years of Marriage!!!!!

2009-09-21T14:24:00.015-06:00

Yesterday Dave and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. It is really hard to believe it has been that many years and that we are not as young as we think. As I look back on our life together I have so many memories. We really were only young kids when we meet. Dave was a senior in High School and I was a Junior. We knew who the other was had never really talked, we got set up by some mutual friends and we have been together ever sense. After Dave graduated he kept going to trade school and got his welding certificate. When I graduated a year later I started beauty school and Dave started a new job making cabinets. The week after I graduated beauty school we were married.

We got married at Hampton Ford, we really had no back up plan, so when it looked like it was going to rain that morning we were a little worried. Luckily the clouds cleared out and the sun came out. It was a beautiful day!!!! We were surrounded by our family and friends, all three of my living Grandparents were able to make it up from California. We were lucky enough to purchase our first home and move in when we got married. It was small, but newly remodeled on the inside. We only lived there for two years, but I have so many fun memories in that house. We were right in the middle of town and a lot of our friends would always stop by to visit. It was the first place that was just ours!!! It was the house we brought home our first daughter.McKayla Jaqueline Morris was born in March eighteen months after we were married. It was such a joyful time! I had had a very complicated pregnancy, and Dave also had started a new job working for Nucor shortly before her birth. Luckily I was able to stay at home with her and cut hair part time at a salon 2 blocks from our home. When McKayla was six months old we bought our second home and moved to Thatcher.We had a special day in March of 2000, when we went through the Temple to be sealed as a family. I was 4 months pregnant with our second daughter at the time.
Madison Lou Morris entered our family in August of 2000. It was an adjustment going from one child to 2 children, but as you can tell we were all happy about our growing family

Here is a picture of our cute little family in the Fall of 2002. This is at my little brother Tim's wedding.The next fall in 2003 we were so happy to add another child and our first(and only) son to our family,Mason David. He is the spitting image of his father and everywhere we go people are telling him that he looks just like his Dad.
We like to do a lot of fun things as a family. Some of our favorites are camping and going to the cabin in Bear Lake. Here we are in Bear Lake enjoying the beautiful fall leaves in 2005.We were luck enough to win a cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Dave's employer. We went in the fall of 2006 to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It was a great trip and we enjoyed every minute of it!!!! We are hoping that we can do something like that again to celebrate our 15th anniversary.In December of 2007 we added our third daughter to the family,Marlie Rae Morris. She is loved so much by her three older brothers and sisters. It is really strange yet wonderful to be the parents of four beautiful and healthy children. We truly are blessed!!!!!We live a very simple yet fun filled life. It is a much different life than we were living thirteen years ago. As different as it is I would not change a thing! Dave is such a great husband and father. He is a very hard worker and really tries to stay involved in all of the kids activities. I am lucky enough to stay at home with all the kids, and I have a salon in our basement so that I can cut hair while the kids are at school and Marlie naps. We are very busy this year with the kids and their sporting events, but it is great to watch them grow up and be involved in things they love.The above picture is at one of our favorite camping spots in Greys River Wyoming. It is so beautiful there!!!

Here we are on one of our fun family vacations.
Island Park, Idaho Summer 2009

Here are just a few little fun facts about all the changes that we have had in our thirteen year marriage. We have have moved into 3 homes, bought 9 different cars (most of them were Dave and his trucks!),4 camping trailers,5 dogs,2 cats (one of them we still have and we got him the week before we got married!) at least a dozen goldfish, a couple hermit crabs, and 4 Guinea pigs.

We have had a great thirteen years of marriage and I am looking forward to celebrating many more years together.I am not so excited about growing old, but it does make it better growing old together!

Fun in the Bear Lake Sun!!!!!!

2009-09-18T23:02:00.004-06:00

So most of you know that we love spending time at my parents cabin in beautiful Bear Lake. We try to get up there often, but it is never often enough! We always enjoy every minute of that we have there. We love to swim, spend time at the beach (not Dave!), ride the Ranger, play games, and relax!!!

We were able to spend celebrate Fathers Day at the cabin this year. Dave was excited to get his new I-touch from the kids! My brother Tim, and Dave's brother Scott along with their wives and kids came for the weekend. We love having them around, and my kids love spending time with their cousins! My parents were such great sports and slept in the loft so we could all have a bedroom for the babies to sleep in! They were trying to sleep while we were being noisy and playing games!!! Sorry Mom and Dad!!!

The weather has not been the greatest for us this Summer, most of the days when we have headed to the beach it has been cloudy, windy, and sometimes rainy! Luckily the pool gets protected from the wind and feels a little warmer. Dave tries to act like he is having a good time, but would rather be at the cabin relaxing. He is not a fan of the sun or the sand, so the beach is not his favorite place to be. He even gets sunburned under the camp shade!!

For the 24th of July we had my whole family together at the cabin (except for my brother in law Cam, who we missed!!) It was fun to see Hudson, and Addie play in the water! Marlon and Daniella made it for the last day, Daniella had never been to Bear Lake in the Summer so we were glad she got to see how beautiful it is.

Those kids are real troopers! The water is so pretty, but very chilly!!!

The memories that we make at Bear Lake each year are some of my favorite! I hope that my kids will remember and cherish them always!

A Deweyville 4th of July!!

2009-09-13T19:01:00.007-06:00

Yes, I know 4th of July was a few months ago, but I have to finally post our activities for the day. Here we are showing our patriotism.

Every year we head to Deweyville for the big 4th of July celebration there. It is a tradition that we have all look forward to! Dave was feeling very festive this year and bought the kids some cute head bands. He is also wearing my Mom's sequined visor! I love that he gets so excited about Holidays! Maybe Marlie takes after her Daddy. Look at her being patriotic with the flag. Here is the Goring gang at the parade! Every year they put together a float (a semi trailer with straw) and we all ride on it and throw candy to the crowd. There is no other parade quite like it. You drive down the road for 1 mile, then turn around and drive back. It is a lot of fun and we look forward to it every year. As you can tell there is A LOT of kids and grand kids! This year we decorated the Ranger to drive in the parade. Misty and Stu rode with us.

After the parade is over we go to the park and get ready for the candy drop. A man that is from Deweyville flies over the softball field a few times and drops bags of candy to the kids. It is a dangerous activity. I have seen an elderly women seriously fall on her face (she landed on my shoe and I thought she was dead!) I have also fought a few teenage boys for these bags of candy. The little kids aren't tall enough to grab the bags over the older kids, and every year there are kids crying while the teenagers walk away with the candy. We then end the afternoon by playing water games and eating lunch at the ranch. It is a great day!

This year Dave's Dad and Step Mom, as well as Cortnie and Chris and the kids came over for dinner and fireworks. We all had a fun time, and we didn't burn the mountain down, so that is always a good thing!

Maddi's Softball Summer

2009-09-01T08:20:00.005-06:00

This summer Maddi signed up to play coach Pitch Softaball. The city called and said that they needed more coaches so Dave said that he would be Maddi's coach

Dave actually was the person to pitched the ball to the girls in the games. He really did a great job coaching and the girls loved him. Maddi thought it was great to have her Dad their teaching her!

Maddi really took a love for the game of softball and after playing she decided she wanted to play more. She just found out that she will be on a traveling fast pitch team. They start practicing this week and will continue to practice until the season starts next Spring. It is quite the jump from coach pitch to fast pitch, but I know with a lot of hard work she will be a great player!

The team pracitced hard and made great improvments! Girls that had no idea how to play softball were all hitting and playing really good by the end of the season. They won every game! Dave and I had a great time getting to know the girls and watch them grow and become friends!

Mason was the batter boy! He was very proud of his job and did it well!

Kayla was our little baby sitter! She would pull Marlie around the ball park in her favorite red wagon. Here they are with friends Kenyon and Klaire. We appreciate Kaylas help with her sister sso we could help Maddi's team!

Laggon Days

2009-08-05T23:20:00.002-06:00

I really wanted to post about our most recent vacation, but I still have to get caught up first. I will go back to a month ago and post about Lagoon Day. Every year Dave's company takes us to Lagoon. It is always nice because we have to pay for NOTHING! They buy our tickets, lunch, drinks, ice cream, even parking!!! I hope it is something they can continue to do!

This year we left Marlie with my sister in law Cortnie and then took her son Easton. The girls took off for a while and rode the "Big Kid" rides, while Dave and I took Mason and Easton on some of the more gentle rides. After lunch we all stayed together and enjoyed the rest of the day. Dave's boss Jack took the girls on the tilt-r-whirl!!!

After 9 hours we decided it was time to go home. The kids were not ready to leave, but the park was closing. On the way out they asked me if they could run in the fountain and get a "LITTLE WET". I said that would be okay, but don't get drenched!!!!

I guess you can see how that turned out! 5 minutes later they looked like drowned rats!!! We had to take all their clothed off except their underwear and have them wear some of my shirts (that I had just bought on the way down there ) on the way home. It was a fun day and we look forward to next year!!!

Marlie's 18 month pictures

2009-07-22T23:47:00.006-06:00

My Brother Tim and Sister in law Kim came up a while ago and took these darling and priceless pictures of Marlie for me. This was not an easy task!! She did not want to sit and pose for us, so they were mostly action shots!

Marlie is just a little pint size thing, but has a a big personality! She weighs 21 lbs. and is only in the 11% for weight and in the 50% for her height.

Kim made this cute tutu. Or how ever you spell it! She is so crafty!!!

Marlie knows where her eyes, nose ,mouth, head,fingers, and toes are. Here she is showing everyone where her ears are!

After a melt down Marlie took a nap and we tried again for a few more! The Bonnet that Marlie is wearing in the picture below was my Moms when she was a baby!

Marlie has been doing sign language for the last six months, it is really cute, and helps a lot with communication. She has really started talking a lot the last month! She can say, Mama, Dada, Poppa, Aya (Kayla), Addi, and Mase. She also says; "NO", "MINE", and "MOVE". My favorites are;"Hoves" (Shoes), "Tank-You", "Yuv-You", "Hug", and "Tiss".

Marlie also has a huge shoe fetish and loves to walk around with other people shoes on. Marlie has always loved her "bink" (binkie). Now that she is getting older we are trying to only give it to her at bedtime,but she somehow always finds where I hide it , and brings it to me, along with her very worn out crochet blanket when she is ready for bed.

I am so glad that Tim and Kim were able to capture these pictures for us! I wish we could freeze time for a while, but at least we will always be able to remember these precious moments when we look at these pictures!

If anyone wants some great pictures of their own just let me know. Tim and Kim are starting a photography business! Thanks again for the pictures!!!!

Field trip, Field day, and Friends

2009-07-06T23:31:00.001-06:00

Now that I have done Mason and McKayla's updates about the end of school, It is now Maddi's turn. As well as the other kids, Madison had a lot of fun activities going on the last week of school. The second graders put on a darling patriotic music program. (My camera wasn't working very good so the pictures did not turn out so great.)

The school also had a fun field day with activities for all of the kids. Maddi was the winner in the sack races. Her class was nice enough to let Mason play the parachute with them. I also was able to go with Maddi and her class on their field trip to Willlow Park. (It was hard because Kayla's was the same day, and I wanted to go to both and Dave had to work, but Maddi's was closer so I could drive myself and not had to leave the other kids all day.)

Maddi's teacher this year was Mrs.Hugie. She loved her teacher and her class. She has already found out who her 3rd grade teacher is going to be and she is very excited. Luckily she will still be at McKinley to help watch over Mason next year. As far as her and Kayla, they will never be in the same school again at the same time. I am kind of sad about that, but I think that it will be an okay thing,too.

Moving on up!!!!

2009-07-06T00:16:00.001-06:00

I am only about a month and 100's of pictures behind on blogging! I have so many pictures of the summer I need to get on here, but I don't want to miss some of the other fun things that have happened!

The 5th Grade Science fair was a new thing for us this year! Kayla knew right away that she wanted to do something with model rockets. With the help of her Dad and the rest of the crew (Maddi, Mason, and Mom) she got the project done. She did several different launches, and each launch she added more weight to the rockets nose cone to see how it would affect the rockets flight and decent.

I was amazed at all of the very cool and creative things that all of the students had done for their projects! Kayla did a very good job on her board and all of the other students and parents were very interested in learning more about it. She ended up getting Blue ribbon!!!!

Now on to the big news! Mckayla graduated fifth grade and is moving on up to the Intermediate School! She is will also be leaving the bus and bus driver that she has had for the last 6 years! She will now be on the bus with 11-18 year old! YIKES!!!!!I can not believe that she isn't going to be in Elementary school anymore!

The school had a very nice graduation for the kids! Here is Kayla with some of her friends and teachers! Mr. Bennette is the teacher in the black shirt, he was my 5th grade teacher! He was and still an awesome teacher! I am feeling many mixed emotions watching my daughter grow up! It is exciting, and very scary at the same time! I just want Kayla to know how much I love her and that I am so proud of the choices that she makes everyday! She is a great daughter,sister, and friend!!!!

The last days of Pre-School

2009-06-09T22:47:00.003-06:00

Mason had a fun filled last month of pre-school! He had a super fun field trip to the Dinosaur Museum. Mason had a great time with his friends Reagan and Emily. He was so funny,he wanted a picture with EVERY dinosaur in the park so he could show his Dad!

Another fun thing that he did in pre-school was have his Graduation Party! He and his friend Lance got matching spiders painted on their faces. They got to eat hot dogs, cotton candy, play games and they got lots of fun prizes.

Marlie got to come to both of these fun filled days. Here are some of the things that she enjoyed. Swinging , checking out the dinosaurs, and eating the very sticky cotton candy!

The theme for this years graduation was a Rock and Roll theme. Mason rocked it out on stage singing all the songs that he has learned this year. He absolutely loves Ms. Marci. Good thing that she lives down the road so he can still go give her a hug whenever he wants!

I am still having a hard time believing that my little guy is going to Kindergarten in the Fall!

He found out this week that he got an awesome teacher that will help with the transition.

Where did my baby go?

2009-05-25T23:41:00.002-06:00

I feel like I am always taking pictures of Marlie, but she is just changing and growing so fast, I don't want to miss a thing! I just have to ask. "Where did my baby go?" I have many more pictures and Tim and Kim just took some really cute pictures of Marlie yesterday that I will post soon, but here are some others that I need to post .

Marlie is really funny and happy! She can be a drama queen and throw herself on the floor and have a fit,too! She loves babies, all kinds, dolls and real babies! She also loves her binkie and her blanket that her Great Grandma Morris made her.

Marlie loves to climb on everything especially the kitchen table. She makes messes quite often, but then likes to help clean up. She doesn't like baby food, but she loves to feed herself yogurt and always has to eat most of Grandpa's breakfast! I wish I could freeze time and have her stay like this longer. You think that you will never forget how little they are, but having 3 older kids I can tell you that you just do! I love all of my children and feel very blessed to have them in my life!

World's Pickiest Eater!

2009-05-10T22:27:00.003-06:00

If anyone knows Mason they know that he is the worlds pickiest eater! I suppose that I am a big part of the problem because I have catered to Mason and his eating habits for the last 5 years! Mason is so picky that you have to make his p.b. and honey sandwiches a certain way! You have to put the p.b. on the piece of bread on the right, then put the honey on top of the p.b. then he wants the crust off of the top, but not the sides and the bottom. ( You see what I mean about picky!) I am trying to figure out how to get him to eat more than sandwiches, chicky nuggets, eggs, mac. and cheese and spaghetti!) I told him that every night at dinner he needs to eat at least one bite of dinner, this is how it is working!

Poor Mason was almost making himself throw-up! (I felt bad , but at the same time I was trying not to laugh!)
Remember this is just one bite!

5 minutes later he still has the chewed food in his mouth, but he would not swallow it!

Trying to wash it down with some water!

Finally, he got it down!

I would like to say that things are going better, but not really! We go through this every night!

If anyone has any ideas on how to solve this problem, I would love some input!

I really hope we can get this worked out before he gets married or his wife might hate me! Or maybe she will love making p.b. and honey or mac. and cheese every night!

Look a like friends!!!!

2009-05-07T07:42:00.001-06:00

Do these two girls look a like or what?
This is Madison and one of her best freinds Teran. They have been friends since kindergarten. Teachers and the secertary at the school get them confused all of the time. Last year people kept asking me how Maddi was doing after getting her tonsils out. I was confused becasuse she didn't have her tonsils out. Come to find out it ws Teran that had gotten her tonsils out! A few other things like that have happend, I think it is so funny! How does Maddi look more like Teran than her own sister? HMMMMMM? Anyway it sis fun for them and they like it! I hope they will continue to be friends for a long time!

Fun with family

2009-04-30T08:04:00.005-06:00

We have been able to spend time with a lot of our different family members lately. Here a a few pictures of all the fun we have had.

These all have Marlie in them, but I just loved hew in this cute little outfit. When Marlon was here the two of them really hit it off. Marlie also loves spending time with her cousins Easton and Brooke. She LOVES babies, kind of scary for them, but she really tries to be soft! Here she is checking out cousin Olivia.

A couple of weekends ago we had a Spring get together with the Gorings. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the great weather. The kids loved the playing on all of the fun toys!

This last weekend we went to Dave's sister Steph.'s to visit with her and her family. She has a new baby girl Jacqueline. She is so cute! The cousins all had a great time playing and dressing up. The kids took most of these pictures. I love the one with all the kids in the doll house!

We also went for a visit at Dave's Dad's house. Marlie didn't know what to think about the horse. Mason liked Grandpa's lawn mower. The big girls spent the night and had a great time as usual. They love hanging out with thier Aunt Kenzie!

Alice in Wonderland

2009-04-28T22:24:00.001-06:00

McKayla and Maddison were in the school play Alice in Wonderland last week. They both did such a great job! McKayla was a mouse and had a solo part! She has a beautiful voice and didn't even seem nervous! Maddi was a flower (a violet) She had on her great big grin and looked so cute! It was fun to watch, but another thing that is good to have over with!

Just Dance!!!!

2009-04-20T22:40:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks have been full of dance competitions for the girls! The first week was in Logan and it was on Kayla's 11th Birthday. We had to be there at 6:45 in the morning! (Ya, I Know!)Poor Madison was sick that day (she had had a 103 fever for 3 days) but was a trooper and danced anyway.

The second dance competition was at the Energy Solution Arena. The girls were excited to dance on the same floor that the Jazz play on.

The last competition was in good old Malad ,Id. (it is an okay place to visit, but I am glad I don't live there! Tremonton is soooooo much cooler!) The girls did awesome at all the competitions! They all worked so hard and it showed! They got a lot of high rankings (5 1st places) and even a Judges Choice Award!

It was fun watching them, but I am glad that we are done until next year!

Eggcited for Easter

2009-04-17T22:56:00.002-06:00

Easter was such a fun day. There was a lot of activites and a lot of pictures. I had a tough time picking just a few, so sorry about all the photos. I hope you enjoy them all.

The kids Easter Baskets

Here are the kids finding what the Easter Bunny left them. We were so excited that Marlon, Daniella, and Dalene were able to come spend the week with us!

I tried to get a nice picture of all of us and the kids in their new Easter clothes after church, that is about as good as it gets with a 15 month old. Marlie and Addie had a good time playing together. Look at Marlie's face squished up on the glass!!!!

The kids went on an Easter Egg hunt. Dave was helping Marlie find eggs. ( I see Dave with eggs and candy, anyone see Marlie?) The big kids were a little angry when Dave stole the Grand Prize!! (Who is really a kid?) Can you tell by the above picture that Maddi is still a little angry about the whole thing! Ryann came and brought a pinata, the kids and Grandpa had a great time breaking it open.

Tim, Kim, Addie, and Drew also came up for the day! Mom made a great dinner,Tim even helped mash the potatoes! Marlon decided to get a workout after all of the eating! I cherish the times I get to spend with my family, especially the ones I don't see that often.

Shoe Sale !!!!!!

2009-04-15T23:00:00.002-06:00

I am trying to get caught up on blogging! I have a lot of things to post about, but I don't have all of my pictures downloaded to my computer yet! I found this picture and could not let it go with out blogging about it! Kayla and I were wasting time between dance numbers at her dance competition shopping at Wal-mart. (It was also her 11th Birthday.) We came across an entire section of girls shoes that were all on clearance. They were so cheap we grabbed some for next school year as well! How cheap were they? I know you are all wondering! Well. the most expensive one's were $2.00's and we got 2 pair for $1.00! We bought all 9 pair of shoes for $18.00's! It was a find of the year! I love when I can find great sales and get things that are actually useful and really saves me money! It was fun to share it with McKayla we were so proud of our find!!! On the down side, it made it really hard for me to spend $10.00's a pair on the girls Sunday shoes. but they didn't have any of those on sale! Maybe next time!

Getaway to Gateway

2009-03-30T21:30:00.001-06:00

A few weekends ago it was My friend Natalie's Birthday ,they invited us to go away for the weekend! We didn't go far, but we did have a great time! The kids enjoyed the pool, except for Marlie.
Look how cute baby Nixon is smiling!!

Can you see something similar in all of the above pictures? Marlie was not in the mood for a picture!
This is the kids on Mars and on the Moon.
On Saturday we went over to the Gateway! It is kind of crazy, we haven't been to the Gateway in the last 4 years, and now we have been times in the last month! We went to the Planetarium to let the kids look around. We also went to Build A Bear! The kids had a blast stuffing,cleaning, dressing, and naming their animals!

Kayla with her frog, Maddi and her turtle, Mason with his monkey, and Lincoln with his zebra.
The kids decided to take a rest in a tent at the sporting goods store!

Super Powers

2009-03-29T22:05:00.000-06:00

Mason is going to be starting Kindergarten next fall, and so we needed to get shots! I knew this would not go over good, so I tried to make it a little more fun! I told him that we had to go to the Dr. to get his SUPER POWERS for Kindergarten, and that after he could go pick out a toy! I have to admitt that he was very excited and did really good until he saw the needles! I guess it didn't help that he had to get 4!!!! Hw cried, but only until we drove 1/2 mile to the store to get his toy! I can't believe that I will be sending my little Super Hero to school already, I will miss him so much!

Held Hostage!

2009-03-21T21:01:00.000-06:00

This is how I found Maddi and Mason playing the other day. Mason thought it was fun until he tried to take the tape off! OUCH!! Good thing he wasn't planning on growing a mustache soon, I think any hair he had was ripped out permanently!

Fun times with the Family!

2009-03-16T21:47:00.002-06:00

My sister Mary and her baby Hudson were able to come visit us for three weeks! We all had so much fun even though we all got sick and had a few other adventures (HAHA) while she was here. We made memories that I will never forget!

One thing that we did that was fun is we rode the front runner (the train) from Ogden to Salt Lake, then we got on Trax and went to the Gateway! We met me Brother Tim and his family there. We went to the Sky Box and played a few games, the little kids and the big kids had a great time!

Where a kid can be a kid!!!

2009-03-15T19:58:00.000-06:00

On President's day the kids and Dave had the day off. We decided (along with half of Utah) to go to Chuck-E-Cheese! As we got out of the car and were walking through the parking lot I was trying to talk to the kids about how I wanted them to behave. I said..."Now NO running around!" I meant like no running away from me and getting lost! Madison said, "Mom , NO running around no screaming?" "This is Chuck-E-Cheese, where a kid can be a kid!" I just starting laughing, I guess it did sound pretty ridiculous telling kids to not run around and be loud at somewhere like that! The kids had fun, not so sure about Dave and I!!! The place was packed!!! After the kids and I stood in line for 30 minutes to exchange their 600 tickets they figured out that they really could get nothing cool, because all of the cool things were over 2000 tickets! I remember going to Chuck-E-Cheese when I was a kid, I thought it was the funnest place ever! I guess my feelings have changed, but I hope the kids will remember the fun things we try to do with them when they get older!

Happy Birthday KB!!!

2009-02-24T22:29:00.004-07:00

Hey everyone! This is Mary and my mom here. We broke into Keri Beth's blog to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 32 years ago today, 4 1/2 weeks before her due date, this 5 pound 2 oz baby made her way into this world, and our lives are so blessed because of that event! (Wow, is my big sis really 32?! haha! Love ya sis!) We thought you would enjoy some pics of Keri Beth when she was younger. Hope you have a great day Keri Beth! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Here is a poem that our friend Cynthia made for KB's birthday:

A baby girl was born thirty-two years ago.
Her mom and dad were thrilled with every little toe.
She was the perfect child for baby number one.
Little did they know of the life that’d just begun.

In the Frito Lay Truck, she was her father’s mate,
And off to the day care – Their daily morning date!
She took dad’s job to heart - a little more, maybe…
Earning her the nickname – The Frito Lay Baby.

With smiles, joy, and laughter, she loved her childhood years,
Once crossed a busy street and frightened Mom to tears.
She tried to tell her mom, who just didn’t understand
To get her mom some tulips, this risky trip was planned.

Dancing, loving music, on to her teens she went.
A socialite – her time, with many friends, was spent.
Loving Bryan Adams and a Michael Jordan fan:
Her love of basketball could have come from this tall man.

But her heart was not meant for these two famous men,
High school brought another who was her “Perfect 10”.
Once he came, it was hard, any other men to see.
They fell in love, and so began, their love story.

Twelve years and four kids more, they’re an old married pair.
She still loves friends and talking while she does your hair.
But we’d like to warn you: Guard your cell phone and your food.
She would loose or break the first and steal the latter, if she could.

She loves to sing, does it well ( Bryan would be proud).
And when she makes mistakes, her laugh you’ll hear most loud.
She loves going camping, whether near or far,
Playing Bunco with her friends and her DVR

But spending time with family, if her heart you knew,
Is, of all the things, what she really loves to do.
Whether she’s at Bear Lake or doing PTA,
In her big suburban, this is where she wants to stay!

We love you Keri Beth – for us, you’d do anything!
(Except maybe if it includes a motor with two wings.)
And so we’d like to say in every single font,
“You are the best mom, friend, and spouse that anyone could want!"

Our night in Vegas!

2009-02-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dave and I both have Birthday's in Feb. and in between it is Valentines Day. When I asked Dave what he wanted for his Birthday he said he wanted to go to a Bed and Breakfast for a night! I thought it was sweet that he would want to spend time with me rather than get some hunting stuff. I made a reservation at the Anniversary Inn we got the Vegas Nights room. The Anniversary Inn has just remodeled some of their rooms and they are soooooo nice! We felt like we were in a Vegas hotel, but one that we could never afford! We went to dinner at one of our favorites Olive Garden. YUMMY!!!! The room even had all sorts of electronic games, Texas Hold'em, 21, blackjack, and at least 50 other fun games to play! It was a great night away. We hadn't gone away alone for more than an hour or two sense Marlie was born. I think we will have to make this our February tradition!!!!

Kayla's Valentine's Box

2009-02-22T22:49:00.004-07:00

I know that it is a little late, but I wanted to show you Kayla's box we made her. She wanted to do something cute, but she didn't want it to be "babyish". I saw this idea with a box of candy, so I thought we would try it on her Valentine Box. If you can't tell what it is, it is an i-pod. I thought it turned out really cute! They had a vote in her class and her's got 1st place.

Luckily Maddi and Mason made their's in the classes, so I only had to help with one! I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentines Day!

Our little princess'

2009-02-14T22:16:00.008-07:00

This week McKayla and Madison got to go on a date with their Prince to the Daddy Daughter Date.They are already fighting over boys! They did not want to share their daddy, so he is going to take them out on their OWN dates on another night! It was a princess theme so they dressed in their royal attire, and looked so beautiful! They had a fancy dinner,made crowns,and wands, while Dave got to make a sword and had to pick their feet from all the others girls feet.(Luckily they were clean, they might be princess',but wow, they can have some royal stinky piggies! They had a wonderful time. I wish that this would be the only man in their life, but I know that it will not always be that way. Hopefuly we do have atleast a few more years! I love McKayla and Madison so much! They are such great girls and bring so much joy to our family! They are such big helpers with Marlie, I appreciate all they do to help me! They are truly our little princess'!!

Super Birthday!!!

2009-02-08T22:39:00.003-07:00

This year Super Bowl Sunday was just three days before Dave's big 33 Birthday, so I decided to combine the events and have one party! Some of Dave's family came over as well as my Mom and Dad. We had a football poll with some prizes, as long with tons of JUNK food!! I spent about 10 minutes cutting out everyone's 3-D glasses for the half time commercials. The kids thought the glasses were cool, but we were a little disapointed with commercials.

Dave's Dad, Maddi, and Mason posed for a quick photo.

I was so excited because my brother and sister in law came to our house for the festivities and brought there 2 month old twins Korver and Olivia to visit. Dave finally felt that they were big enough to hold. He has always loved cuddling with babies. I think he might be baby hungry! HAHA

Fog,frost,frozen noses,and fun!!!

2009-02-02T22:09:00.007-07:00

We knew it was going to be a different experience in Bear Lake as we got to the scenic over look. Were you usually see the beautiful turquoise Lake we saw this instead. As we started down the hill we drove into the Fog. We hopped that it would clear when we got to the cabin, but it didn't. The cabin is there if you look hard enough you can see it.

Even in the fog we still had a great time. I did feel a little claustrophobic not being able to see more than across the street. I did miss the seeing the beautiful view out of the cabin windows. Maybe we will see the lake next time we go.

When we were almost there we had a little road block. Or should I say we blocked the road!, We were going up the last hill when the trailer slid of the ice, the trailer got jack kniffed, and then we got stuck!! It was actually quite humorous! My husband always amazes me in how he can figure anything out. After taking the 4 wheeler off of the trailer and turning it around with a cable, then getting the Ranger off and towing the trailer down the road, he was able to get the Suburban unstuck and we were off! I would have never known how to get us out of that situation without calling 911!

Averie Goodliffe, Maddi, Kayla, and Kaberlyn, making funny faces!

We had a full house all weekend. The girls invited Kamberlyn to come with us for the weekend. She is such a sweetie, we enjoyed having her with us! Dave' sis. Cortnie and her hubby Chris came up with their kids. It was Cort.'s B-day on Saturday. We were glad to share her 23 birthday with her!! (It was really her 32, but who's counting!) My friend Brooke and her kids were able to come up for a night as well. Jake and Tracie cam up on Sat. to sled. They all went home Saturday. Then on Sunday Misty and Stu came up, later that day Steve and Karen Hurd came and spent the night with their kids! It was a little crazy, but we had a blast!
Kayla took the camera outside to take some photos of the frost. She even took pictures of the wild turkey tracks, and about 20 wild turkeys at the cabin across the street. I thought they were some good pictures!

Marlie had a good time at the cabin, but preferred being inside!

The kids spent hours sledding down the driveway. There were lots of wipe outs, and I was amazed that no one got hurt! There is a picture of Kayla and Tracie hitting the snow pile at the bottom of the driveway. We always enjoy the time we get to spend at the cabin. Can't wait to go back!

Slippery remote and a drunk baby!!!

2009-01-13T09:30:00.012-07:00

I have never put video on my blog before, so I thought I would try! I have was going to put a video of Marlie to show everyone how well she is walking. She wasn't walking on her birthday, I was a little suprised because my other kids were walking by 11 months. Well a week after her birthday she just took off. Everyday she got better and better, by New Years she was a pro! Know she is walking everywhere, no more crawling! I have lots of video of her walking without falling down, but it's kind of boring. When I watched this video I knew it was the one to put on. It doesn't show her great skill or grace, but I thought it was hillarious. Maybe it's because she is my daughter, oh well I hope you guys enjoy it. I guess we shouldn't have give her so much bubbly in her bottle anymore!

(I am really just kidding!)

It has taken many hours to figure out how to put this vodeo on my blog! I thought it would be just like putting a picture on, but I guess my computer doesn't do it the same. Anyway, Thank you Amber for helping me! This video is know about a month old. I can hardly remember Marlie crawling anymore. It is so sad how fst they change! I have more things to post, but I wanted to goet this done first. Now I can get caught up with the other posts!

We made it until midnight!

2009-01-07T22:00:00.007-07:00

On New Years Eve our Friends Jake and Tracie Goodliffe came over with their cute kids Averie and Easton. We had a good time eating and playing games and we were plesently suprised when we were still awake at midnight! (Averie and Maddi were the only kids awake to help us ring in the New Year.)

Some how Kayla and Easton slept through the noise. Mason played his DS almost the entire night, I think he is addicted! Jake was worried that I wasn't going to put him on the blog, so here is another picture of him rocking out on the drums while playing Rock band.

Marlie could not quite figure out what she was supposed to do with the horn.

On New Years Day we went to the Ranch for some good eatin! Dave pulled the kids all around behind the Ranger and Marlie and I stayed in the warm. I enjoyed visiting with family!Later that night my Mom babysat Marlie while we took the kids to see Bedtime Stories at the movie theatre. It was a funny show and we all liked it. It get two thumbs up!!

Maddi said a funny!

2009-01-06T22:51:00.006-07:00

One of my New goals for the year is to write down the funny things that my kids say. I always think that I am going to remember the cute and funny things that they say and do forever, but I swear with in a week, I can't. So here goes. Monday we were sitting down fro FHE. Mason was throwing a fit because he didn't want to put away the Nintendo DS. Dave told him that he could either go to his room for time out, or he could come and sit down with the family without screaming and crying. He reluctantly came and sat down. My Mom told Mason that one day he would be glad that his parents are trying to teach him to be nice and accountable. Madison then says "yuck, I know what that is!" We all looked at her like what are you talking about. She then says, "Cannibals like to eat people!" We all just bust a gut!! We had to explain that Grandma said accountable not a cannibal! My kids really are the best, they know how to make me smile! They also know how to make me crazy, but thats focus on the positive!

A Christmas to remember

2008-12-30T22:53:00.001-07:00

I would have to say that Christmas 2008 will be a Christmas to remember.Daniella and Dalene left Christmas Eve Morning, luckily they missed the storm. We celebrated our Christmas with them before they left. Marlon and Daniella spoiled everyone as usual! Can you see the excitement on Kayla and Maddi's faces as they opened Rock band for the wii! (Marlon gave them the wii last year!)

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve! It was sad and a little lonely without cam, Mary, and Hudson. We missed them a lot!!! Marlon was still here and Tim and Kim were able to make it and spend the night! It ment a lot to have them all there! Addie and the kids played so good together! She really took a liking to Mason.We played some games and sang the 12 days of Christmas.(A tradition that has been going on as long as I can remember!)

Santa found our house again this year and, I guess we were all pretty good! The girls were happy with their new colored hair pieces,webkins,little pet shop V.I.P.'s, clothes, coats, boots, and DS games. Mason was thrilled with his Power Ranger Jungle Furry men, his Pirates of the Carrabean swords,and his awesome train set and table. Marlie's favorite thing is the cute sea horse that lights up and playes lullabyes. Dave gave me somemore darling Boyd's Bear for my collection, and I also got a new lap top, so we don't have to fight over one computer anymore!. I suprised Dave with a Kansas City Chiefs hoddie, and some new cologne. We also suprised my Dad with an i-touch. He was so excited!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! WOW, did it ever. We got ton's of snow and a lot of wind on Christmas Day. Dave plowed, and plowed, and plowed some more. The power was out for 6 hours, so we had to eat by candle light, while my Dad( sorry I cut off your head in the picture!) barbecued steaks outside in the grill. (No power no oven!) Even with no power and lots of snow it was a Great Christmas! The best present of all was being able to spend time with my WONDERFUL family! I love the time we get to spend together, and always am looking forward for the next time. I am also greatful for the Savior and the love he shows to all of us!

Fun in the snow!

2008-12-28T22:24:00.002-07:00

While Marlon, Daniella, and Dalene were here visiting for Christmas they spent a lot of time playing in the snow.

Marlie's first time in the snow

Dave pulled the kids behind the Ranger. The kids were having so much fun that Marlon, Daniella, and Dave wanted to give it a try. I am glad that no one got hurt. They even stopped for a snowball fight. I stayed safe in the Ranger. On Christmas we got a ton more snow, I will post more pictures later. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card

2008-12-21T18:03:00.005-07:00

My sister in law Kim made me these cute Christmas cards. She does such a great job and I appreciate it tons!!!!

One is more traditional and the other is a little bit different than I have ever done.

They were so cute that I could not decide which one to send out, so I printed them both out and am randomly going to send them out. I know that I might be a little prejudice, but I absolutely loved the way they turned out! Thanks KIM!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Marlie!!!

2008-12-15T14:03:00.012-07:00

I know that everyones says this, but I can't believe my baby is already one!!!

It amazing how much some one can change in 365 days.

Marlie weighed 8 lbs. 13 ounces when she was born.At one year she weighs 19 lbs. 2 ounces.

She has 4 teeth and is getting 2 more.

She can say uh-oh, hel-lo, and kay-la. (NO ma ma or da da)

She could walk if she wanted, but she would rather crawl!

Marlie wasn't sure what to think about the cake, but she enjoyed making a mess with it.

We had her a small family party to celebrate. Her Grandmas an Grandpa's were there a long with her Aunt Cortnie, Aunt Kenzie, and cousins, Easton and Brooke.

Marlie with her new Walker, (Hopefully she will learn to walk alone soon.) and her new hat that Grandma Marlene gave her.

Here are some pictures of Marlie over the last year.

We love you Marlie!!!!!

Korver and Olivia

2008-12-09T11:00:00.005-07:00

My Brother in law and Sister in law Scott and Shay (Dave's little brother) are the proud first time parents of a baby boy and baby girl. Korver and Olivia were born on November 29th. They weighed 5 '14 and 5 '7. They are little, but strong and perfect. I got to hold them and they are so sweet! I think that Korver looks like my kids did when they were born. I am so happy for Scott and Shay and their new family! I get to go spend some time with them next week, I am so excited! I can't believe that Marlie is going to be one this week! I wish they stayed little for a bit longer!

Family, Fun, and Food! (Thanksgiving week)

2008-12-01T19:33:00.013-07:00

Here is the whole gang at our Thanksgiving celebration.

We had a yummy dinner as usual, prepared by my mom. And it wouldn't be a family gathering without a picture!

We had a fun and eventful week leading up to Thanksgiving. Mary and Hudson flew from in from Missouri, Cam came a few days later.

We surprised my Mom and met Kim and her kids at the mall to get a picture taken of all of the grandkids. Good thing that it is the thought that counts, because 45 minutes at Kiddie Kandid's and a few crying kids later this is the best picture we could get. It will be funny one day!

(It's a picture of the picture, sorry it's blurry!)

We all loved spending time with Hudson! Mason was happy to have another boy around!

My Grandpa and his Wife Shirley came from California.

We love them both so much and cherish the times we spend together!

Marlon and his Girlfriend Daniella, and her darling daughter Dalene also came up. Dalene fit in so well with the kids. They were happy to have someone to play with! We hope they will come back for Christmas.

We went and watched Kayla and Maddi run a mile in the Turkey Trot. Here is Maddi resting with Danilla and Dalene.

Here is Mckayla and her friend Lindsey racing for the finish line!

Marlon took us bowling. dave kicked our trash!! He bowled a 213!!! Marlon does not lose well!

We had great times together and made more family memories. It was sad to see everyone leave. Even with all of the people in our house it seemed empty!

On Thanksgiving day we headed to the Goring's for a great dinner and fun times .Grandma Sherie had cute Christmas ornaments for the kids to decorate. It was such a nice day outside that Brance and Jake played football with all of the kids. They had a blast!

Leaves are falling all around

2008-11-09T21:36:00.014-07:00

Every year when the leaves start to fall, I start to think of all of the fun pictures we could take. Yes, I said fun. I guess they are fun if you consider this fun.

Me: Kids we are going to go take some pictures in the leaves.

Kids: No, Mom, Please NO!

( That is still what we say to my Mom when she wants to take family pictures!)

Me: Come on I got you new shirts.

Kids: (Look and the shirts) I don't like those, those are ugly! I am not wearing that!

Me: Okay, let's go do your hair.

Kids: Crying while I force them to at least comb the tangles out of their hair.

Me: Get into the car, right now!!

Kids: Are we there yet?

Me: Okay smile, say cheese.

Kids: Screaming, Don't touch me! Mom, someone is hitting me!

Me: Stop hitting each other! Just SMILE!!!! Act like you love each other!

Kids: Are we done yet, can we please go home!

Me: Just one more I promise, just look at the camera and smile.

After about ten more I finally let them get up and go.

That is how it goes every year! And I hope it goes like that for many more years to come.

I just wanted you all to know the true story, but look at the priceless pictures I got of my kids!

The kids doggy piled on each other so Dave sat Marlie on top. I love the look on her face! The next one is my favorite with all of the kids together!

Here are my favorite ones of the girls!

Mason likes to get his picture taken, but he likes to pose himself. His favorite pose is showing off his big muscles. I always have to take one like that before he will let me take a good one!

What a handsome boy!!!

Here are the pictures of Marlie that I took. It is not always easy getting a baby to smile when she has a double ear infection, is getting new teeth, has the croup, and would rather eat the leaves then the sit on them. They aren't the greatest, but I thought they turned out cute considering what we were up against!

I did have her hair done before we left the house.

Well, I guess that's all until next fall!

Halloweens From the Past

2008-11-02T22:48:00.001-07:00

Trunk-R-Treat

2008-11-02T18:57:00.005-07:00

We have a Trunk-R-Treat ever year with the Goring's. With a family that size there is always a pretty BIG crowd! We always have such a great time when we get together!

Here are just a few of the Ghoul's and Goblins that showed up.

This was Marlie's first Halloween, so I was wanting to capture all of the KODAK moments, but I think I went a little overboard. Sorry Mar's!

We started out with a happy flower, then she turned sad.

Here are the kids at Grandma Sherie's house. Marlie was beyond being done getting her picture taken. The girls put their own costumes together with stuff around the house. Maddi was a pirate and Kayla was a punk rocker. Obviously Mason was the Hulk and Marlie was a flower.

Marlie enjoyed her first trunk-r-treating experience. Notice that she has a sucker in each hand, and one stuck on her costume.

Here are the kids again in their costumes, getting ready for the trunk-r-treat with our community. This time Maddi was an Alien and Kayla was a little devil.

Carving Pumpkins

2008-10-31T13:19:00.004-06:00

Dave has always loved Halloween. Lucky for the kids or they probably wouldn't ever carve pumpkins.

Dave decided to be real manly and use his saws all to cut out the tops.

We invited cousins Easton and Brooke over to have some fun with us.

This was the final product, pretty good I must say! Dave's is the spider, then it is Maddi's pirate flag, then Kayla's ghost, and then Mason's bat. The deer really liked Masons because the next morning the bat was half eaten.

Freaky Friday

2008-10-28T21:27:00.005-06:00

This last Friday we were invited to a Halloween party at our friend Cade and Mandie's house. We all had such a great time. We went on a scavenger hunt, it was so cute and clever! We even had to go to the High School football game and get our picture taken with a cheerleader. (with our costumes on, in front of the entire town.) We also had to go to the cemetery, the river bottoms, the library, and the local grocery store. It was a blast, and of course we won!!! I did not know what to dress up as, and I did not want to spend any money, so this is what we ended up looking like.

Dave borrowed the sweet outfit from his friend Blake. When Maddi asked what he was we just said he was someone with a lot of girl friends! (lol) I dressed up as "White Trash." The picture doesn't do the costume justice. I took a garbage bag and glued all sorts of trash on it. I even had garbage and an egg shell in my hair. It was the cheapest costume I have ever had.

Here are Blaine and Natalie as a farmer and his pig. Even Pregnant Natalie looks nothing like a pig. I love the nipples!

Here are Cade and Mandie in their freaky costumes! Check out Cade's eyes, they were so awesome yet gross at the same time! There were more people that came, but darn it I didnt get there pictures.

Fall Time Fun!

2008-10-26T11:29:00.008-06:00

The girls and 17 other girls from their achievement day class went to a corn maze this week. I was able to go with them, and I had an aMAZEing time! (lol) I am grateful that they still want me to be a part of their lives! They are good girls and I am happy they are mine!

It was Drug Free week at school this week. each day they had different dress up days. Their favorite was crazy hair day! As you can tell the girls really got into it!

Maddi and her SCARY HAIR!!!

Can you say HAIRSPRAY!!!!!!

Here is a side view of McKayla's CRAZY mowhawk!

It is hunting season so that means Dave is gone most nights and weekends . He took Mason and Easton out with him last weekend. Then Marlie and I went out to visit. He shoot a Deer the next morning, but the deer must of had some illness, so unfortunately the meat was unusable.(I do like deer jerky, maybe next year!)

Easton,Garrett, Preston,and Mason sporting their safety orange!

Here is Jenny and Marlie hanging out by the campfire.

While the boys were out playing the girls were having some fun if their own!

Last weekend we had a shower for my sister in law Shay. She is having boy girls twins and we are so excited for her and Scott. She is due in December, but the babies will most likely come in November. She looks great!! (She is the one in the middle with the Gray shirt if you can't tell.) It is always a good time spending time with family!

ONE WHOLE HAND

2008-10-19T14:58:00.012-06:00

I can't believe my baby boy turned five years old this week. Five years old just seems like the transition from a little boy to a little man! I have not kept current on his scrapbook, actually I do not think that I have started one. I have taken thousands of pictures of him though! I will try to pick just a few so you can see how much he has grown!

Mason David Morris was born on October 15th, 2003 at 12:10 p.m.

He weighed 8 lbs. and 1 ounce

Mason was a very happy baby, his smile makes me melt.

It has been a wonderful ride being Mason's mom. I was nervous at first to have a baby boy, but it is great raising a son! I look forward to what lies ahead!

He loves to be outdoors playing with trucks, riding bikes, hunting with his Dad, an just playing in the dirt!

It is hard to imagine that a little who boy is so rough and tough, but at the same time can be so tender and loving. He is always worried about his family and is a great protector of his baby sister.

Mason has always had a love for life. He has fun doing anything! He can entertain himself for hours. I love to watch him, it always put a smile on my face!

Here is Mason blowing out the candles on the Caterpillar cake that he and I made together. I am so blessed to be his mom and have his sweet (Yet ever rambunctious ) spirit in my life. I hope and pray that I can teach him the things that he needs to know! I hope that he has a healthy, happy life, and that he can accomplish the goals that he sets for himself.

I love you Mason !!!

The rest of our trip

2008-10-17T23:01:00.016-06:00

Here are a couple pictures of the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple.

I love this one that my Mom took.

Isn't the scenery amazing!!!

This is the home of the Browning family, and the gun smith. It is one of many homes and stores in Nauvoo.

This is the first home that Joseph Smith lived in in Nauvoo. It is right on the Mississippi River and has a breath taking view.

It is also the final resting place of Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum Smith.

Joseph and Hyrums bodies were secretly hidden for many years. In 1928 They were reburied for the final time .

Nauvoo was so beautiful, If any of you get the chance to visit, it is definitely worth it!

We had a fun slumber party at the hotel and painted each others toe nails.

Here is Grandma with the babies.

The next morning we drove 20 miles to visit Carthage Jail.

This is the room that the jail was in. The jail was actually in a family's home.

This is the bullet hole in the door.

The top window is the Window Joseph Smith fell out of when he was shot.

It was a neat experience going into the jail and learning of the events that happened there!

Marlie was being noisy and wiggling all around, when we went into the room where Joseph Smith was shot we listened to a 4 minute audio tape. She went silent and held perfectly still during the whole thing. We all felt the spirit and it strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith and all that he sacrificed for us and the church.

Splish, splash, Marlie and Hudson taking a bath!

We all had a great visit, and it was sad to say goodbye! I am grateful for the time we got to spend together, and look forward to Mary and Hudson's next visit in November!

I hope I didn't bore you all with all of the pictures, I just had a hard time picking from all of them.

The city of St.Louis

2008-10-09T18:27:00.007-06:00

Most of you know that my Mom and I are in Missouri visiting my sister Mary, her husband Cam and their darling baby Hudson. I am actually watching Marlie and Hudson right now and the are both sleeping. I decided to blog so there won't be so much to blog about when I get home. My mom and Marlie and I flew here on Tuesday. I HATE to fly!!! We flew in a much smaller plane than I would have preferred, but we made it alive so I shouldn't complain. Yesterday we went shopping to a really cool mall. We went to the Children's Place just to look. 2 hours later we left with a huge bag of clothes. The awesome thing is that we hardly spent anything! It was the craziest sale ever! I got 12 pieces of WINTER clothing for $41.00's (that is including 8.5% sales tax!) I got a hoodie that was normally $21.00's for $4.50. We were so happy with ourselves and our big finds!!! Well enough about that. Look and big boy Hudson!!

I was so excited to see Mary, Cam and Hudson. Hudson has grown so much! Last time I saw him he was 6 weeks old and weighed 12 lbs. Now he is 4 months old and weighs at least 17lbs. He is seriously bigger than Marlie who is 10 months! (Marlie is a little peanut, but still!) Well, he is so cute and fun. I am afraid that I am going to be so sad on Sunday when we go home.

Today Cam had the day off of work so he took us to into St.Louis City where he works. On the way there My mom wanted us to stop by a Cemetery to find some of our ancestor's graves.( My great, great, great grandpa and his family.) We got a little lost trying to find it, then when we got there we found out that the headstones we were looking for didn't exist. They knew where they were buried, but only 1 out of the 6 had a headstone.

Cam had to clean up Hudson after he made a MESSY accident in his pants!!

After the scenic drive through the SLUMS (I was scared for our lives!) We made it into St.Louis and went to the famous ARCH. They call it the gateway to the West. We went on a ride inside of it and all the way to the top. It is over 620 feet tall, but it looks and feels like over 1000!!

This is a picture of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball field and on the Mississippi River from the top of the Arch.
When we got down we ate lunch right underneath the Arch. We have been having a great time. Tomorrow we are going to Nauvoo until Saturday. I will post more when I get home. I MISS Dave and the kids tons! I appreciate all of their help while I am gone!

Fun with Friends

2008-10-06T13:18:00.010-06:00

Over the last few months we have had some fun outings with our good friends the Doutre's, Weaver's, and the Marsh's. The first Outing was this summer when we went camping to the Onieda Narrows in Southern Idaho. The campground left much to be desired, but the River that was so much fun!!!

We would pile all of the gang into Dave's fun new Ranger and take them up the road a couple of miles and dump them off.

They would all float back down the river and end up at camp!

We had a great time and can't wait to go back next year!

The kids and Blaine spent hours catching frogs.

Here is a picture of some, they caught over 25, but let them all go when we went home.

Then a couple weeks ago we went to Bear Lake and stayed in Miller Cabin. (Blaine's Grandparents cabin.) The weather wasn't the best for being outside, so we spent a lot of time playing games.

When the sun did come out the kids loved playing on the big lawn and going for a Ranger ride. Marlie enjoyed spending some time with her Dad.

We are so blessed to have such great friends and to be able to make lasting memories together!

Baby Drew

2008-09-28T12:49:00.015-06:00

On August 28th, 2008 My sister in law Kim (Tim's) wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, they named her Drew.

We were so excited to go see her and hold her for the first time. She is so beautiful !!!!!!

She looks just like her big sister Addie. I am so lucky to have such cute nieces!!

Addie had a blast playing with PA PA, D, (that is what

calls Maddi) Kayla and Mason.

We also got to celebrate my moms birthday!! Can you see the candles 57!! Doesn't she age gracefully! (I hope I get some of those genes!!)

Our Little Slugger

2008-09-23T08:13:00.003-06:00

This summer while McKayla was busy with her lamb, Madison decides to try something new. She signed up for the coach pitch softball league in town.

She was not sure that she was going to like it, but after lots of practicing with Dad and Grandpa, she was hitting like a pro.

She was good at every position that she tried.

We all had a great time watching her grow and learn! Hopefully she will want to play again next year!

EWE go girl!!

2008-09-22T12:42:00.005-06:00

This year McKayla felt a little bit more prepared when it came to showing her lamb. She picked her lamb out and bought it in the spring. Then she has to feed and water it everyday. Towards the end of the summer she had to start walking it and training it everyday for at least an hour. It can be hard! Lambs are really DUMB! She got walked on and drug around quite a bit, but she never gave up. Her lamb wighed 115 lbs, and she only weighs 58.Her hard work and effort paid off when she got a blue ribbon at the County fair. She placed 62nd out of 300 lambs, not too, bad!

Madison's Baptism

2008-09-22T12:29:00.006-06:00

I know I promised more posts. I am so behind!!! I am going to get caught up one day, I hope! These posts are not in order of how the events took place, but it will have to do!

Madison was baptized on September 6th, 2008. It was a little different not having any of my family there. Her Grandma and Grandpa were in Beijing with Uncle Marlon, Tim Kim and Addie, were with their brand new baby girl Drew, and Mary and Cam were at home in St. Louis. We missed everyone, but it was still a very special day , and we had other special family members and friends that were able to attend.

Here is Dave with Maddi
My Mom's friend Connie makes the BEST cakes in the world. She ordered Maddi a special cake for this special day. Isn't it so cute in the shape of an eight. Can you see the father and the daughter in the baptismal font, then she had a cheerleader in the bottom circle. It was so cute and so supper yummy!
Here we are outside the Stake Center. Marlie isn't looking, but oh well. We had a great day and we are so proud of Maddi and the great choices that she makes in her life everyday!

Pictures of California trip

2008-09-07T13:41:00.006-06:00

Here we are at the airport. We were quite the scene! It is funny now, but it was quite hectic. I hate to fly, but it is so much faster! We made memories that will last forever!
We went to my aunt Cheryl and uncle Kelly's house for a delicious meal. We visited with family that we have not seen in a couple of years.
We went to sea world and the Wales were so awesome. Dave and the kids got soaked in the soak zone! Mason got a Wale that he named "Shampoo". (lol) My uncle Val and Aunt Debby came with us and we also meet up with Jason and Claudia Ayotte and their cute family.

We made a trip over to Corondo Island and spent a few hours. The weather was perfect and the kids had fun playing in the water.
We had a wonderful time visiting with my Grandpa and his sweet wife Shirley. She spoiled the kids as usual!
This is us visiting with Marlon at the Olympic training center where he lives. He gave us a VIP tour on this golf cart, that started to smoke and would not work after we went on it. I think we overloaded the maximum weight capacity!
Can you see the pictures of Marlon in the background on the building? Cool huh!
Here is Tim, Addie, and the kids swimming in my aunt cheryl's great pool!

New post!!!!!!

2008-08-21T17:33:00.004-06:00

I think that everyone has stopped looking at my blog because they are sick of seeing the same old posts. We have been having such a fun summer I have neglected keeping my blog updated. I have been taking a lot of pictures though, so one day I will post them. I will post a few pics of our San Diego trip. If you want to see more of them you should check out my sister in law Kims blog. She posted a lot of the pictures and a lot of them are the same as mine. She posted them right after our trip though, so you might have to scroll down a bit. (Hey thanks Kim for saving me some time!) Well, the kids start school in 5 days, not that anyone is counting, and after Saturday we will be done with the fair and McKaylas lamb, so hopefully things will calm down soon. (I can't get my computer to download any pictures right now, so I guess you will have to wait for pictures.)

Happy 4th of July to EWE!!

2008-07-15T13:11:00.003-06:00

Every year we are in the Deweyville parade with the Gorings! It is a 4th of July tradition for us. The entire family gets on the back of a flat bed trailer, the kids through candy and have a great time! This year they made cute hats with lamb ears on them for us to wear. (The Gorings own a sheep ranch.)
Dave had to work during the day, but he put on a firework show for us when he got home. Natalie, Lincoln , and cousin Easton came to watch. Mary and Hudson were there,too. Poor Lincoln got a little traumatized with the noise, but he sure made us laugh with his animation!!

Family pictures

2008-07-15T12:51:00.002-06:00

If anyone knows my family we are all about taking pictures. Every time my brother Marlon comes to visit it is a given that we have to get a family picture taken. Dave is always so thrilled for this event! So once again we posed for a family picture. We are going to have to get another one taken when Tim and Kim's new baby gets here, but I think the pictures are going to get far and few in between now that Cam and Mary are moving to St. Louis. I think that I am actually going to miss the dreaded family picture!

   Isn't that a beautiful family, and yes, I know that my hair is totally in my face.
   Grandma and Grandpa with all of the grandkids.
   Here are my little darlings. Thanks to Nat for being brave enough to be our photographer!

Lagoon

2008-07-06T17:34:00.004-06:00

Every year Daves work sends us to Lagoon, the best part is that it is free!!! This year Marlon was here visiting so he came along. He was a great uncle and took Kayla and Maddi on all of the big rides while we took Mason on the kiddie rides. The time we get to spend with Marlon is always special! We all had a fun day! The girls were never around, so I didn't end up with any pictures of them, but they were there having a blast! Later in the day they got me on some of the wilder rides that I couldn't ride last year. It is nice that they are finally tall enough to ride all of the rides.

Marlie was such a good girl. She hung out in her stroller and endured a long day in the heat.
One your mark... get set...... go........................Dave and Marlon always have to have a little healthy competition. They are still in disagreement over who was the winner!

Mason and Lincoln had a great time riding all of the rides together.
Mason even got Dave on a ride with him, he has to stick with the kiddie rides though, otherwise he gets sick.

Williams Reunion

2008-07-06T13:06:00.007-06:00

In June we went to the Williams family reunion. It was at Bear Lake this year, right around the corner from our cabin. So instead of camping we cheated and stayed at the cabin. It was nice to have a soft place to sleep. We enjoyed seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins. It is always fun to get together play volleyball and talk about old times. We learned that Dave and his cousin Jeremy used to like to eat their Grandpas pig food when they were little. (That isn't too surprising knowing Dave!) I always look forward to the Williams reunions and I am glad that everyone makes such an effort to attend.

Here is Marlie with Daves Grandma and Grandpa Williams.
Daves cousin Dirk is so cute with all of the kids and they never leave him alone. He brought his girlfriend Hailey and I think that Mason and cousin Callin are in love with her!
Maddi kept cool by playing in the Lake.
McKayla and her cousins spent a lot of time building a sand castle, then they plowed it over.
This was Marlie's first time at the beach and I think she liked it. She had fun playing in her toy that Aunt Cortnie let us borrow. She is wearing the new hat that Grandma Marlene bought for her in Mexico.

We were happy that Scott and Shay could come stay with us at the cabin. Scott and Shay are going to be proud parents of a baby girl and a baby boy in December. We are so excited for them, and we are glad that it is not us! Cortnie and her kids came and stayed for one night, but they had to leave early because Easton was sick. We were sad that we didn't get to play longer with them, but luckily they live next door so we get to see them often. Daves sister Stephaine wasn't able to attend this year and we missed seeing them.

Kayla and Maddi talked their daddy into letting them do his hair. This was the final product. He wore his hair like this all day. We were all so happy that we even got him to go to the beach all day with us. (Dave does not like the sun or the sand, so the beach is not his friend!)

Baby Hudson

2008-07-06T12:58:00.003-06:00

This is my new nephew Hudson Cameron Hoyt. He was born June 1st, 2008 to my baby sister Mary and my awesome brother in law Cam. They are such good parents to baby Hudson. We are all so sad because Cam got a new job in St. Louis and they are moving at the end of July. We are going to have to blog a lot more so we can stay in touch.

Spring time news

2008-06-15T13:50:00.009-06:00

Yes I have done it again. I have gone 2 months sense my last post. I didn't think that anyone even looked at my blog, but I have had a few requests for some current news and pictures. We are all alive and healthy. I will make a few posts and get you caught up on the last couple of months.

We got these Harry Potter glasses at the grocery store. They fit Marlie and we all got quite the kick out of it! Marlie has very unruly hair, I try to comb it down and it always stands back up. It reminds me of a rooster, in this picture she looks like a mad scientist! She is a happy baby and is getting quite found of me, if she sees me she wants me to hold her. It is kind of flattering at first, but it would be nice to put her down every once in a while.

In May McKayla and Madison had their dance review. They both did a great job and looked darling in their costumes! (I should have took their pictures before their hair flopped!)They will have the summer off from dance and are trying to decide what they want to do for next year. They both were happy to see the school year come to an end, but are bored everyday. They are great helps to me with their sister, and it is nice to have them home.(when they are not fighting!)
Mason graduated from pre-school and has one more year left before he can move onto Kindergarten! Here he is cheesing it up with his good friend Clair Bridge. Our family was sad to say good bye to the Bridge family this week when they moved to Canada. I have more to blog, but I will have to do it a little bit later. (hopefully before July!)

Marlie at 4 months old

2008-04-20T14:16:00.004-06:00

Marlie is already 4 months old. She is such a good baby especially if you can hold her all of the time. She weighs about 14 lbs.. She is rolling over, cooing, and giggling. She is not on any sort of schedule (not because I have not tried) and she does not enjoy riding in the car. My older kids are so good with her and help me out so much. The girls are such little mommy's and Mason is a protective big brother. He calls her his princess, it is so priceless! I was going to take her to Kiddi Kandi's to get their pictures done, but Natalie was nice enough to come take these pictures at my house! I love the way they turned out, Thanks Nat!!!

Aren't those the cutest little toes!!!

Maddi and her missing teeth

2008-04-20T13:55:00.004-06:00

Maddi is missing four teeth right now, her smile is so cute! She is keeping the tooth fairy very busy! Natalie came and took some pictures for us. She took some really cute ones, here are a couple that show off her smile.

McKayla turns 10!!!

2008-04-20T13:41:00.003-06:00

Sad but true, McKayla just celebrated her 1oth birthday. In 3 years she will be a teenager!!

For her birthday she invited a few friends and we had them over for pizza and cake then we took them to see Horton Hears a Who. The day after her birthday she had a dance competition in Logan. Me, Marlie, my mom and Mary (that is a lot of M's) went to watch her. She did a great job in all three dances! We went out to lunch after for a fun girls day out!

Easter

2008-04-20T13:13:00.004-06:00

Yes, I know that I haven't made a post for six weeks. I have a lot of catching up to do. I will start with Easter. We celebrated Easter a few times. Once at the Gorings, once with my family and then again at Daves Grandma Howells house. The kids thought it was great, three Easter egg hunts, and lots of candy. As always it was great to see and visit with family.
Mason, Maddi, Kayla, and Addie, looked for Easter eggs, while Marlie stayed inside with the new Bunny that Grandma gave her.

We had fun coloring Easter Eggs!
Here are the kids on Easter morning, they were happy with what the Easter Bunny left them.