Trevor's 8th Birthday

 Family party on the actual day! 

Can't believe our oldest son in 8. 

 There were many more blurry, excited pictures. 

It must be noted that in this photo he is opening Angry Bird Bandaids. 

Bandaids. 

This is Trevor--

He is always so grateful!

 This was the year for all the friends parties so the next day we had lots of buddies over for a Phoenix Suns Basketball themed party.  It was such a blast and so easy!  Just play ball!  Daddy was obviously the Ref.

Sorting out the teams.

(We had one lone girl and she was such a great sport!)

 After all the sweating and running, Trevor gave an "Angry Bird Drawing Tutorial".  (He has also done this for FHE :) They were so into it. 

Then of course, we had our annual Mom/Dad Birthday Date. 

Trevor you are a special boy who is kind and caring, smart and capable, organized and motivated, athletic and talented, steady and strong.

We are so lucky you are ours!!

Happy Birthday!

Trevor as Davy Crockett

Tea at theWhite House

Such a cute idea.

All the 2nd graders dressed up as famous historical figures and sang patriotic songs. Afterwards, we had refreshments and juice ("tea"), and then had a Meet and Greet of all of the famous people.  I got to know George Washington quite a bit better myself :)

Valentine's Day

 Of course.

The kids woke to Heart-Attacked doors!

The only "Lucy's First Valentine's Day" photo.  Blurry, but oh well.

It's all about making memories for our kids.  All this fluff and stuff is fun and I love it!  (Thank you, Mom, for always making memories happen!)

Preston Star Student

Preston was Star Student in February!  I love how Star of the Week is such a milestone for the younger kiddos.  I love how much these little things give them such joy!  (Side note:  When Trevor was Star Student later this month, I forgot my camera, but he planned for weeks ahead what items he would bring for Show and Share.  The list was very long and the items weighed down his backpack.)

(I love the baby photo just above Preston's head.  He was the roundest baby with the most gorgeous honey-colored curly hair.  Seriously, we are blessed with deliciously round babies. )

Grandma Owens was in the neighborhood and came to hear the teacher read some special things about Preston and then I read his favorite book, The Night Pirates.  (One of his favorites.  This boy could no easier pick a favorite book than he could pick a favorite star in the sky.  He LOVES reading!)

Here he is reading to Lucy and Gavin.  He reads Gavin's bedtime storymore often than I do!

Preston is loving Kindergarten and is a friend to everyone.  Whenever I am at the school and meet a parent in the class, she'll say, "Now, which one is yours?"  When my response is , "Preston" there is inevitably a huge smile and laugh with some sort of "Oh, I love that kid." comment. 

But, then, who doesn't?

Gavin's 4th Birthday

 Buzz Lightyear Space Party and the birthday boy and his wings

 Paige made a "Pin the Rocket on the Moon" game.  So perfect.

 Fishing for treats

 Birthday bowl made by Grandma Owens

  New bike!!! 

Paige made Gavin a giant cookie on his real birthday day.  And notice the ever-popular "You Are Special Today" plate.  A fave in our family.

Gavin, you are so funny!!  You love the movie, Nacho Libre, (because your parents don't use the best judgement apparently), and often quote it.  You love preschool and are learning and retaining lots.  You LOVE the color orange and your favorite meal is carrots, Goldfish and mandarin oranges because of that fact.  You are still working on, "Mommy may I please..." instead of "Mom, I want that."  You entertain yourself like a champ.  You love legos, playmobil, and Star Wars and love playing with those great big brothers of yours.  Your dancing and sound effects astound and your favorite assignment in FHE is conducting the music.  You love Lucy and she is becoming your little sidekcik when the big kids are at school.  You are so good about thanking and praising me for meals.  "Mommy, this is really delicious."  We are so lucky to have you, buddy.

Disneyland: Take Two

 After our bouts of sickness and crazy crowds, we used our last days' ticket the following week after New Years.  It was a fabulous day and I tried to really enjoy it with the kids so the camera didn't make it out much.

The end until next time--when we won't have a diaper bag or a stroller!!

Happy New Year!

 We know how to ring it in right:

On the Eve, we did all of our usual traditions:  Fancy dinner (though this year, the missionaries joined us), toasted and cheersed and clinked with Martinelli's,  roasted marshmallows in the backyard and made S'mores, did sparklers and poppers, and stayed up late and watched a movie.  Then today on New Year's we made these delicious sugar snowflakes from my new Christmas gift, HERE. Thanks, Charlotte!

Look who finally discovered Angry Birds...