The train ride to Olvera Street

Chris took some time off from work during the holidays this year. When he worked at Pepsi it was always the busiest time of year so he never got to take time off. Now that he works for Odwalla it is not any busier than the rest of the year so he can take vacation time during the holidays. Since Daddy was home from work, we decided to take the train into LA and visit Olvera street. The kids think the train ride is pretty fun and we like the churros at Olvera street!

We made sure to eat Lunch at Philippes, the creator of the french dip sandwich, yum! Here are some pictures of our day!

Olvera Street- the oldest street in Los Angeles

Sawyer enjoyed the train ride. He got a little antsy on the way home.

Chris enjoying a Churro filled with Dulce de Leche (caramel)

One of the kids favorite things at Olvera Street is the cheap toys and souvenirs sold by the vendors. Carter got this Spider man cape, he loved it so much he slept with it that night. Here he is asleep with it on!

Fun at the Zoo...

With our new Zoo pass in hand we headed out to the Zoo on December 27 with Heather and Cisco and their kids. We had Wes and Kristy's son Brady with us too. (We are all watching him while they are in Portugal) It was a cool overcast day so it was very nice. For some reason's all of my memories of the Zoo are on hot 100 degree weather days. The kids really enjoyed seeing all the animals. Sadly the Lions and Tigers were put away since the recent tragedy in San Fransisco they were taking precautions. Our favorite areas were the gorillas and the giraffes. They got up close and personal which was pretty cool.

There was a really gross Spider City exhibit with some really freaky spiders

All the kids lined up on the bench

Mommy and Sawyer with the giraffes

Maddie with the Giraffe

Picture Day!

Okay, so I'll admit it. I am really bad at taking my kids to get professional pictures. When Maddie was born I was pretty good. I took her in about 4-5 times during her first year. Carter got one or two pictures and Sawyer (now 16 months) hadn't had a professional picture ever! Since digital cameras became the norm, and Maddie and Carter get professional pictures at school, I have pretty much stayed away from photo studios for a while now.

So, Kelli wanted to get all of the Nielsen cousins picture taken together since Kirsten was in town with her two kids. So the day after Christmas we headed over to the Arcadia mall and had the whole crew together for an adorable picture.

I thought it turned out so cute. So obviously you know who my kids are. Kelli's kids are three on top row on the right side (Halli, Hannah, and Jake). Kirsten's kids are the boy next to Maddie (Quintin) and the girl below him (Zoe).

After we had the group shot, I figured what the heck, since my kids are all matching take one of them together. Sawyer was very uncooperative so I didn't think we got a good shot but it turns out we got a cute one. Sawyer was about to take off!



To top it all of the photographer snapped a shot of Sawyer during all the madness when I didn't even realize it and showed it to me at the end. She didn't even know I really wanted a shot of him! I was pleasantly surprised!

Reunion with old friends

One tradition I have with my old friends from high school and church is to get together during the holidays. We used to get together at a restaurant but since having kids we have found that it is just easier to get together at one of our homes.

Tiffany planned a get together at the Reed's home the day after Christmas. Mike Fowler and his wife Andrea were in town and we hadn't seen them in years. Chris Brinagh was also in town with his wife, Lauren and their new baby. So it was fun to see everyone. Since we moved out to the IE 3 1/2 years ago we don't see our old friends as often so it is nice to have a formal get together once a year. It is so wonderful seeing old friends and reconnecting them. It has become a fun tradition to get together with whoever is in town and of course the "locals" every holiday season.

Left to right: Lauren and Chris, Tiffany, Christine, Me, Andrea and Mike, and Eric.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!!

After the long wait Christmas day had finally arrived! Carter is finally starting to understand the difference between "Christmas time" "Christmas Eve" and "Christmas Day". Every time we would go to Target and he wanted a new toy, I would say, "wait until Christmas and you just might get it." So he would cry and say, "Christmas takes forever!!" When it was finally Christmas eve and he went to bed, he was so excited to find out that Santa would come that night!

Because the kids went to bed so late, I actually woke them up at 7:30 am. I was making breakfast for my family (15 people) so I wanted to get the show on the road so I could cook. The kids popped right up and were so excited. We always put up a sheet at the entry to our living room so the kids don't see their Santa gifts until we are ready with the video camera and all! It is always so much fun to see their reactions, it is priceless. Carter got the new Geotrax train he's been asking for. Maddie got a baby alive (doll that pees) and a Karaoke machine so she can sing her heart out. Sawyer got a tonka ride on truck. I enjoyed watching the kids look at their presents for a little bit and then it was off to the kitchen to cook.

Chris' family is Danish so they grew up eating Aebleskivers (fried pancake balls) for Christmas breakfast. So we have started the tradition in our own home. My family loves them so much they want me to make them for them too, so we had Mom and Dad, Heather and Cisco, Wes and Kristy and all of their kids over. Fifteen people in all! We had 80 aebleskivers with raspberry sauce, 8 lbs of roasted potatoes, 7 lbs of bacon, and 18 Eggs! We had tons of bacon left over, I think I over estimated on that end! It was fun, and everyone stayed to clean up. Kristy even cleaned the floor!

After breakfast everyone left and we opened our gifts with the kids. As soon as that was over we hurried and got dressed and went to Chris' Mom, Faye's house. We opened gifts there with his siblings and all the cousins. After that we went to My parents house and had a wonderful dinner and opened gifts. By the time we got home it was 9 pm and we were pooped! We put the kids right to bed. They were a little sad that they didn't get to play with their toys all day because we weren't at home. The house looked like a cyclone had hit it with boxes, opened toys, and packages everywhere! What a nightmare. It took me two days to clean it up, and get their new stuff put away and organized.

It was a wonderful day! Chris and I both said to each other, lets make Christmas a little less hectic next year and relax some more with the kids!

Here are a few pictures, I wasn't too camera happy so there aren't any pictures of the kids with their Santa gifts or breakfast. I was a little too busy...

Carter was very excited to get his own bank that actually counts the coins!

Just look at that anticipation...

Please mom can I open this one!!

Daddy and his little Santa

'Twas the Night before Christmas....

Christmas Eve was lots of fun this year. Every other year we spend Christmas Eve with Chris' Dad, Ed and his wife Tanya. We usually get together with them and Chris' siblings and go out to dinner and then open gifts at their house after. This year we went to Olive Garden and it was so much fun to be with all of the cousins and all of Chris' siblings. Between Chris, Kirsten, and Kelli we spent much of the night laughing! I was the brunt of one of their jokes: When I went to take Carter to the bathroom I came back to the table and all the waiters came out with a cake and sang happy birthday to me! I was so embarrassed, as many of you know Christmas eve is not my birthday. I was a good sport and went along with it. The waiter even asked me what it was like to have my birthday on Christmas eve! It was fun but I'll get 'em back next time!

After dinner the kids got to open their gifts and were very excited about that! Chris and I got an annual family pass to the LA Zoo from Ed and Tanya. It was the perfect gift, I have always wanted one! The kids will love that and Chris works only 15 minutes from the Zoo.

When we got home from their house it was already 10 pm and we wanted to get in bed at a decent time so we hurried and had the kids open their Christmas eve P.J.s and put them right to bed. Luckily they fell asleep fast! We did the usual Christmas eve stuff and got to bed around 2 am which wasn't too bad. I was hoping to go to bed by 12 but that didn't happen! One year I stayed up until 6 am, I learned my lesson that year!!

Here is a picture of the kids in their Jammies

Enjoying the Christmas Season!

The Holidays always seem to come and go so fast! I thought I would finally sit down and post all of the fun things we did this year for Christmas time. We did the usual putting up the tree as soon as we got back from Thanksgiving in Utah. I am the one who always initiates putting the tree up and probably a little prematurely for Chris' liking since he is the one who has to get all the stuff down in the Garage. He always ends up enjoying it after all. This year we put Carter's Geo trax train under the tree which was fun for him. We even wrapped little presents and put them in the freight cars.



We decorated the usual Gingerbread house which is always lots of fun. Daddy really got into the act. I didn't break out the camera so no pictures! We went to the Christmas lights on Thoroughbred, which were amazing as ever, and we made Caramels and Sugar cookies.

Maddie finished her dance class in the beginning of the month and has decided that Ballet is "Boring". She wants to be in a class called "Broadway Babies" next time. Here is a picture of her with her friends in the class.



We went to Disneyland one last time before the Christmas rush and waited for the parade and watched it snow on Main Street, which was very fun. I went all by myself with the kids which was an adventure. I can't believe I survived! Here is a picture of Maddie watching the parade. It was truly magical, even Sawyer was glued to it.



So as you can see it was a busy Christmas season. Here is our Christmas picture of the kids. When you have 3 it is so hard to get all of them to look good at the same time but it turned out cute.

Thanksgiving in Utah

This year we decided to spend Thanksgiving in Utah with Chris and Amanda. We also thought it would be fun to go to the BYU vs. Utah game. The kids were hoping they would see some snow but there wasn't any even on the mountains at that time!

We had a busy Thanksgiving week! Maddie's Birthday was on Tuesday and we spent the day at Disneyland. The next day I went to work and Chris took care of the kids. When I got home it was a mad dash to get ready. Chris wanted to leave at 11 at night so the kids would sleep the whole way there. I thought he was crazy but I went a long with it. So when I got home from work, he went to sleep for about 5 hours so he could drive while I slept. While he slept I got everything packed and kept the kids pretty occupied. I think they woke him up a couple of times. The kids were all ready for bed when we left, Jammies and all! They fell asleep within one hour of driving! I slept pretty well too. I only woke up 3 or 4 times the whole way! Chris' idea really worked and the kids were amazing. We pulled into Provo at 8 in the morning and luckily the hotel let us check in early so we could get ready and stuff! It was perfect! We'll definitely do this again when we travel. Chris was a little groggy the next day but he was a great sport.

We arrived on Thanksgiving day and visited with Chris and Amanda that morning in their cute apartment. They already had their tree up so the kids were excited about that. Sawyer kept on taking the ornaments off. We spent the morning looking at the paper at the ads for Black Friday.

We had a very untraditional Thanksgiving feast but it was pretty good considering. Amanda and I didn't want to cook all day and have all of us eat in their small apartment. It would have been crazy! So we went to Mimi's for Turkey and all! The food tasted good, but wasn't very hot and we felt sort of like we were eating in a cafeteria the way the banquet tables were back to back and we felt like cattle as we were "herded" to our table, ordering, etc. but that is to be expected with the number of people there. So all in all it was good! After dinner we headed off to see Enchanted at the Provo Towne Center. Aparently the rest of Provo had the same idea! The theatre accidentally oversold the movie by 50 seats! Luckily we got there early enough to sit in the front row! It wasn't too bad though and we enjoyed the movie. My brother Chris was pretty mad at some guy who was saving 20 seats and the people didn't arrive until the show had started. That is Provo for you! The kids enjoyed the movie and Sawyer fell asleep so I could watch too!

The next day I got up pretty early, not as early as all the other die hard shoppers apparently! I got to Target at 6:00 am and the parking lot was already full and people were scrambling to find shopping carts! It was a mad house in there! I got a couple of the items I was hoping for but there was one item in particular that was already gone. Luckily Chris got up the next morning and they had it! It was fun starting my Christmas shopping and getting in the spirit!

We went up to Salt Lake that evening and saw the Christmas lights at temple square which was beautiful! It was sooooo cold and the kids just aren't used to that. I don't think I bundled them up enough! We survived though.

The next day, Saturday was the big game! I hadn't been to a BYU game at home since I was a student! So I was pretty excited to go! Best of all- our friends, the Guest's, had offered to watch our kids while we were at the game! The most entertaining part of the game was watching my bro Chris! He was ready to cry at one point and then within a split second he was jumping up and down like a crazy guy razzing the Utah fans! It was a good game and I had a great time. I am so glad BYU won!!!

That night Chris and Amanda fed us dinner at their house and we had a great time.

The next morning we really weren't in too big of a hurry to get home although we should have been. We didn't realize what the traffic would be like. We left around 9 or 10 am and we traveled along pretty well but as soon as we got to Vegas it was pure gridlock all the way to Barstow! The drive from Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga is usually about 3 hours, it took us 8 hours! Chris drove, I couldn't handle the stress of the traffic! The kids were surprisingly very good and kept busy watching movies and playing leapster. They had to go to the bathroom several times and we learned the hard way that you don't get off the freeway. We got off at Primm to use the restroom and get snacks. The whole area was packed like a parking lot. It took an entire hour just to get back on the freeway. Later when Carter had to go to the bathroom we had him pee in an Icee cup! (which actually worked very well for a boy!) We stopped at a rest stop for Maddie and I to use the restroom and the line had 20 women in it!
By the time we got home we felt like we had been through a war or a marathon or something!!!
Chris was a great sport, he didn't get antsy at all! We'll never travel on the Sunday after Thanksgiving again!

All in all we had a great time in Utah. Thanks Chris and Amanda for showing us a great time!

Here are some pictures of our trip:

Temple Square in front of the beautiful tree of lights!

Mommy and Sawyer

Carter with Chris and Amanda

The fans rush the field after BYU beats Utah. We didn't rush the field, been there done that, we're old fogies now!

Somewhere over the rainbow..... Maddie turned 6!

Okay so I am a little behind in my blogging lately and with the holidays here I will get even busier so I decided to sit down and catch up today!

On Saturday November 17, Maddie had her birthday party. We just did a family party this year because last year she had a big friend party. Our plan is to have a friend party every other year. As you may know Maddie's latest obsession is Wizard of Oz and Wicked. So when she said she wanted a Wizard of Oz party I wasn't surprised. I had a lot of fun planning it! Here is what the invite looked like.



We borrowed a Dorothy dress from a friend and made a yellow brick road leading up to the door. The living room was transformed into the Emerald City and in the dining room we had blue gingham and red decorations. It was small and perfect. Grandma Faye, Jake, Uncle David, Grandma Debbie, Grandpa Tal, Grandpa Ed, Tanya, and Uncle Wes were all there. Maddie also got to invite one friend, her friend Megan from Church. I put together a little slide show as well as a video so you can see how much fun we had. Maddie loved all of her gifts, her most favorite was her "Wicked" book. We had a fun night and ate Tortilla soup. Grandma Debbie was enlisted by Maddie to make a Wizard of Oz cake and it turned out adorable!





On Maddie's actual birthday, Tuesday November 20, we went to Disneyland as a family! It was so much fun. Daddy took the day off of work and we went to breakfast at Knott's Berry Farm first. Maddie was so excited to be able to pick which rides she wanted to go on! It was a little crowded due to the Thanksgiving holiday but we still had a great time! All of the Christmas decorations are up now and it is gorgeous!

Halloween Fun!

We had lots of Halloween Fun this year! On Friday we went to Maddie's school Halloween party and the kids were excited to wear their costumes. Saturday was our ward Halloween party which was lots of fun. It was fun to have Grampy Tal, Grammy Debbie, Wes, Kristy, and Brady there too! On Halloween, Maddie got to wear her costume to school for a parade in the morning. As soon as the parade was over all the kids had to change out of their costumes. (principal's orders!)
Carter had a Halloween party at his preschool and Sawyer just tagged along with me all day! That night we went over to Grammy and Grampy's neighborhood and had fun trick-or-treating! The kids were a little freaked out by the "scary houses" in the front. There was a woman in a Dr.'s outfit with a chainsaw and a werewolf chained up to a tree that kept breaking lose and chasing people! Maddie wanted to hold our hands the entire night! Now we are stuck with 3 gallon size ziplock bags of candy! Too tempting... I might have to find a way to get rid of them!

I love Halloween, mostly because it is the start of the holiday season! If you didn't already know this about me I absolutely love the holiday season! I cherish every magical moment. So it's on to Thanksgiving and then Christmas, I love this time of year.... When can I put on my Christmas music???

Carter's Preschool Class

I tried to get a picture with all 3 and Sawyer kept walking away


Maddie as "Elphaba"


The cutest Froggy and the cutest Daddy ever!

Defying Gravity...

Maddie put her Halloween costume on tonight for a school party. I tried to convince her not to do the green paint tonight but she wanted the "works". If you haven't noticed yet, Maddie is not just any ordinary witch, she is "Elphaba" from "Wicked". Ever since Maddie saw Wicked she has been obsessed. When Maddie gets obsessed with something she goes a little overboard! She listens to the CD every night and loves to sing along. We have disovered that she actually has a pretty good voice! She is talking about singing one of the songs for the Talent show at school. I promise I am not one of those Mom's who eggs it on! She says she wants to be an actress and go live where the stars are on the sidewalk! (I don't know where she picked that up). She wants to be the "real" Elphaba someday on Broadway. For now we'll just pretend... and maybe she'll grow out of it!

Don't mess with Texas!

Okay, so it has been a little while since I have blogged, but I have been busy catching up on things since I spent 4 whole days away from my family! Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and my kids, but a mom needs a break once and a while, and I have never really had one since Maddie was born (almost 6 years ago!) So last Thursday I said goodbye to my kids and Chris... and I took off to Texas with my Mom to surprise my sister, Heather for her 30th birthday. It was hard to get away but I did it, Chris had to take a couple days off work, I had to give all kinds of instructions for Chris to know what time the kids needed to be dropped of at school and picked up at Preschool, and then there is homework and dinner and baths and making lunches. And the list goes on! I even set out the kids clothes for church. Chris did a superb job and I think he was a little nervous! He even said he would do again next year!

So back to my trip. It was so nice being able to relax on the plane and not have to worry about anyone but myself. I was not used to it, so it felt weird. By the time we got to Heather's it was 1:00 am. She was so shocked, I wish I had it on video. She had fallen asleep on the couch and when she got up and saw us she looked as pale as a white sheet and then she fell on the floor and laid there for a few seconds. It was so much fun we didn't go to bed until 3 or 4 am.

I had a great time in Texas. It was my first time being there! The weather had just cooled off so it was wonderful. I loved all the beautiful trees and the friendly people. Texas is very different from California and in a good way. I was surprised to see so many wholesome family oriented people, I didn't see too many wild and crazies like we do in Cali. I love all the beautiful brick homes. In California everything is stucco. People are so much more respectful too, everyone says Ma'am and Sir. In Texas they have a Sonic on every street corner! Although it is not enough for me to move there! I do love California!

It was wonderful to see Jeff and Janelle and their kids too. I can't believe how much they have grown up. I had fun enjoying all my nieces and nephews without my own kids there. It was nice when we all went out to eat and they where all worrying about there kids, I just sat back and said, "Just me, myself and I!" Now that was nice!

Well it all ended too fast but we came home to crazy winds and terrible smoke from all the fires. The pilot had some trouble landing and I thought I wasn't going to see my kids again. Everyone on the plane looked at me like I was crazy. I was glad to be on the ground when we landed. I was so excited to see Chris and the kids. Sawyer wasn't as excited to see me as I thought he'd be. I think he was holding a grudge against me for leaving him. After 10 minutes he got cute and smiley though. The kids had a great time with Daddy but were glad to have mommy home again! Its good to be back but I already want another break!!!

This was after we sang Happy Birthday to Heather. Sorry about the flash in the mirror!

The Texas Cousins (they are now referred to) minus Collin (he didn't make it in the picture!)

Disneyland in October

On October 11 we went to Disneyland with our friends the Guest's from Utah. Chris and Wayne were companions on their missions in Argentina. They have 3 kids the exact same ages as our kids so it was lots of fun! The weather was really nice and the kids had a great time with their new friends! Maddie even had a little crush on Riley, the boy her age! She kept trying to hold his hand and go on rides with him. We are going to be in for some fun teenage years!

It was pretty funny because it looked like Mormon day at Disneyland. Our friends came down for a little vacation because they had a week off of school for teacher inservice. Well apparently the entire state of Utah had the week off! We go to Disneyland a lot and of course we always see several BYU hats or CTR rings but that day was way more than usual! It was pretty weird!

Here are a few pictures of our day at Disneyland.

Just Bloggin...

I thought I'd post something today, even though I don't have much exciting going on! I think this is my first post without a picture. I am so excited about our new Jones Girls Recipe club blog. I saw the idea somewhere else and just loved it. Those of you who know the Jones family we love to cook, and eat too! We are constantly calling each other for recipes and Mom and I even put a little cookbook together once with all of our family recipes that we grew up with. Mine is completely unbound and the pages are all dirty. I know Chris lost his, so I love the idea of a sort of virtual cookbook. We can each contribute our recipes to a blog and then eventually we will have hundreds on there. So when you want a good recipe, come to our blog and look around! Here is the link jonesgirlsrecipeclub.blogspot.com . There is a link on my blog as well. We're just getting the ball rolling, so check back often!

We had a good day today! Carter, Sawyer and I went to the park with some friends. Carter had a blast, Sawyer kept putting things in his mouth, the worst was a used band-aid, of course it was the worst part of the bandaid, the part you put on the ouchie. So I am just crossing my fingers that Sawyer doesn't come down with Hepatitis or HIV. I'm sure he'll be fine, it didn't have any blood on it. I'm sure I would have freaked out a lot more if it were my first child!

So our weather is getting really Fallish. Today was cool and overcast, I love it! It made me in a chicken soup mood, so I whipped up a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. (I'll put an entry on the recipe club blog). It was delicious!

Chris took Maddie and Carter to a movie tonight so it has been so nice having the house all to myself (and Sawyer but I just put him to bed!). I think I'll have a diet coke and watch some shows I have TiVo-ed.

Ventura Beach... Again!

Daddy has been going out of town a lot lately, he has been working in Ventura and Santa Barbara. We miss him so much when he goes! Maddie had a day off of school yesterday so we decided to go up to stay with Daddy on Sunday night and do some fun things on Monday while Daddy was at work. We had a great time. Our hotel was right on the beach and we got to stay on the 9th floor so we had an awesome view of the ocean! Here are some pictures of Sawyer and Carter and Maddie on our balcony. On Monday morning we went out to the beach and the weather was wonderful. It was about 80 degrees which is unusual this time of year especially in Ventura. We played in the sand and Maddie even went in the water (I thought it was a little too chilly) and Sawyer enjoyed getting his feet wet, he got a little more than his feet wet a few times! He didn't seem to mind though! We went back to our hotel room and Sawyer took a nap while we got ready and played for a couple of hours. The kids were sooo good! They were just so excited to be in a hotel! When Sawyer woke up we decided to go get some lunch and find something fun to do. We found a real pumpkin patch on our way! Being a city girl, I don't think I had ever been to a real pumpkin patch! The kids of course hadn't either, unless the ones on the street corner with the lights and the carnival rides count! We had a blast! They had rows and rows of pumpkins and big humongous ones too! We got to go on a hay ride pulled by a real tractor, which thrilled Carter, he even got to get in the driver's seat to take a picture. Then the kids each picked out their very own pumpkin. We had a great time. By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for Daddy to come back from work. We drove up to Santa Barbara with Daddy and walked down the pier and saw the beautiful sunset. What a gorgeous place!! We ate dinner and then it was time to go home. We were sad to leave Daddy again but he will be back on Wednesday. The kids got in their jammies and fell asleep on the 2 hour ride home. What a fun day! Now back to life....

Ventura Beach in September

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, I have been so busy and haven't been taking pictures. A couple of weekends ago we spent a fun day at Ventura beach. We didn't go to the beach very much this past Summer so it was kinda nice to get one last beach day in before it gets too cold. Surprisingly it was a beautiful warm day and the kids had a blast. Maddie loves the water and is already a regular beach bum! Carter is a little more cautious and eventually got his feet wet. The water was pretty cold! Sawyer had a great time playing on the sand and getting dirty. We had a great day and we drove up to Santa Barbara after to see the sights up there. What a beautiful place! Enjoy the slide show!

What a difference 10 years makes... or not!

My 10 year high school reunion was last night. The official reunion was supposed to be at the City Hall but not enough people bought tickets so a few weeks ago it got cancelled. In an effort to at least get together with those who were interested in going, arrangements were made for us to meet at a Bar in Old Town Pasadena. I wasn't going to go because Chris and I were actually in Santa Barbara that day and I wasn't sure I would be back in time and I wasn't really sure if very many people would even go to the reunion. So at the very last minute I decided to go after I had heard that some of my friends had gone. We didn't have a baby sitter and it was so last minute, so I just went by myself. I wished that Chris had gone with me though because everyone was asking where he was.

Anyway, I ended up having a great time and I was so glad I went. The turn out was decent considering it wasn't really planned until a few days before. By the time I had gotten there my Tiffany and Megan had already left so I was the only sober one there. It was fun, but definitely a different atmosphere than I am used to. I was amazed at how much everyone looked the same and some even acted the same! It was great just catching up with people and talking about our lives. I didn't get very many pictures but I thought I would post this one of Jas and Yecenia with me- two of my very good friends from High School.

Big Preschool Boy!

Yesterday was a big day for Carter. He had his first day of Preschool! Carter has been looking forward to this day since I can remember. All last year when Maddie was in Kindergarten doing all her fun stuff, Carter kept saying, "Mommy, when do I get to go to school?" Carter is only 3 but he acts like he's ready for Kindergarten already.

I was pretty sad that I couldn't take him to his first day, I had scheduled a training that day and there was no way out of it... so, Chris took care of the kids and got to take Carter to his first day. Carter was excited to have Daddy be the one to take him. They have a special bond! Chris even took this cute picture before they left. Carter was so excited to put his Diego backpack and Cars lunch box to good use! He fit right in and wasn't scared at all, he was so excited to finally be out on his own. I am so proud of my little boy.

When it was over, I was home from work and went to go pick him up with Maddie. He gave me a great big hug and told me that he had a fun day. On the way home he talked all about the things they did and his new teacher Miss Shana. He can't wait to go back on Monday!

Reflecting...

It is hard to believe that a year has already gone by since Sawyer arrived into the world. One year ago was a very difficult time in our lives, so much happened and all in one week. First Maddie started Kindergarten, a huge event for her, and then we moved into our condo after spending 2 weeks in limbo waiting for it to be refurbished. The very night that we finally were unpacking and going to actually sleep in our bed, I went into Labor with Sawyer, 3 weeks early. At first everything was fine after he was born, the next morning the Doctor came by our room, while I was in the shower and took one look at Sawyer and whisked him away to the NICU. The next few days were scary as can be. We had no idea what was wrong as the doctors conducted tests to find out why his oxygen saturation level was so low. The thought of losing my son was so real, but somehow I knew deep down, that everything would be okay. Once the test results were normal we were comforted and told that he would just have to get stronger and get better on his own. He stayed in the NICU for 11 days and finally got better as they slowly weaned him off of the oxygen. What a joy it was to bring him home and see his progress. He's grown and developed so well, I have no concerns. We just love him so much and are so grateful that he came to earth to be with our family! It it fun to see how he has really made his place amongst our children. He lets his needs be known and can really stand his own.

This weekend has been bitter sweet as we celebrated Sawyer's birthday because Mike and Jenny Reeves lost their baby boy, James Michael on August 31. He was only 11 days old. Our hearts go out to them at this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their baby.

Sawyer is One!

Sawyer turned one on Saturday, September 1st. Since Chris, Dad and Wes went to up to Provo for the BYU game that day we decided to celebrate it today (labor day). On his actual birthday (Saturday), Mom and I took the kids to Chili's for lunch and had them sing Happy Birthday to him. He really liked the Chocolate shake and did not want to share it.

Today was the real celebration! We had all the family over- Grandma Faye, Grandpa Ed and Tanya, Kelli and Jake, David, Grandma Debbie and Grampy Tal, Kristy and Wes and Brady. It has been so hot in Southern California over the past week, it was 108 degrees today! So it was difficult keeping our little house cool with all those people. So it got a little warm, but we survived.

Sawyer was just as cute as can be! He was so excited when he woke up from his nap and saw all the decorations. He kept looking around the room in awe. We had tri-tip sandwiches, grammy's yummy potato salad, fruit, veggies with dip, and corn on the cob for dinner. After dinner Sawyer opened his presents and was just adorable. He got so excited with each toy, he didn't want to put it down to open another one. He didn't get very excited about the clothes, but Mommy did!

Then we sang "happy birthday" and Daddy helped Sawyer blow out his candle. Maddie picked out his prince crown and he actually kept it on pretty well! Then it was time to devour the cake. He picked at it for a few minutes, not knowing what to do. Then he got pretty messy! and then he got even messier. After it was over, Grammy gave him a bath in the sink, he thought he was pretty cool! What a fun day it was! I stayed up until now cleaning up the mess! I think tomorrow I will veg!

Maddie's First day of First Grade

Maddie had her first day of school today! Woo Hoo! She is now in first grade and goes to school from 8:00-2:30. I am not quite used to getting up so early and she is not used to going to bed early either. She was so excited last night, she took a bath, painted her nails and set out her outfit.

When she got to school she was excited to see some of her friends from Kindergarten were in her class. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Vice and she is very nice (how cute I rhymed). Maddie is most excited to have her very own "beautiful" desk (ask she described it). "It even has my name on it!" She told us. She is also excited to be eating lunch at school and on Fridays she is going to buy her lunch! Maddie is a big girl and we are so proud of her. Carter will start preschool next Wednesday, and he can't wait. We went to Target today and got him a Diego backpack for preschool. Maddie constantly reminds him that he is only in preschool and he won't have a desk like her. Don't you just love sibling rivalry! It was nice to have a few hours with just my boys, nice and quiet with no fighting! Maddie is all ready for tomorrow, and has her next outfit picked out!

Sawyer is Walking!

Sawyer finally started walking today. Over the past week or so he has started walking a step or two to us but today he started getting up on his own and walking a few steps. We grabbed the camera and got this video. Sorry it is a little dark, it was evening and there wasn't much light. We are so proud of him! His birthday is next week, so just in time!

Disneyland on a hot August day....

On Monday I took all three kids to Disneyland with Janelle and Brooklyn, Grandma and Grandpa Jones, and Kristy and Brady. We were worried it would be really crowded but it wasn't too bad. Janelle and Brooklyn came to visit for 3 days and we had so much fun with them. I went to see Wicked (again!) with them and Chris and Maddie got to see it too. It was a fun thing to do on Chris' birthday. Maddie hadn't seen Brooklyn for a year and a half. They enjoyed each other and can't wait too see each other again. It was very hot at Disneyland but we cooled off on Splash Mountain. Maddie was too scared to go on it but Carter went on it. He was barely tall enough and they let him on. He loved it and we all cooled off. The last time we went to Disneyland, before Summer, Carter was all over the place and it was murder to take him. I even bought a harness for him. This time he was so good and didn't try to get away. (Brady inherited the harness!!) Carter was a little angel. I think I will go to Disneyland with him when Maddie is at school during the Fall and Winter. We had a great time, but we didn't get to go on the Nemo submarines. The line was too long, maybe next time, when everyone is in school. Sawyer had his first ride on the Merry-go-round and loved it! He was so excited and waved at all the people. He is starting to be so much more aware of everything around him. It is so exciting to see him grow up!

Here is another Slide show (I had so many cute pictures, I couldn't decide which ones to post, so I did a slide show instead!)

Road Trip...

Traveling with 3 kids- ages 5, 3, and 1 is an endurance contest. We took our first road trip up to Utah (for the reunion) in our new Van (well it's not really new anymore!). Carter and Maddie watched DVD's and played Leapster the entire time, but Sawyer got pretty bored. On our way home he enjoyed this Jamba Juice and wouldn't give it up. We thought this was funny so we took a few pictures of him. Chris was a wonderful driver and drove the entire trip, I don't think he likes being in the car with me behind the wheel!!