A Dobbins' Day

Little Ride

2011-06-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do in Missouri is ride 4 wheelers. On this day Russell took the kids on a short ride around the new farm house. They loved it, but wished for a longer ride!

More Playing with Cousins

2011-06-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Kyle wasn't always sure he liked playing with Coral. It was hard to share. I'm sure that when they are a little older they will be great friends. He was always very gentle with her.

Gone Fishing!

2011-06-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

We love going fishing on Grandpa Mike's pond!

Going for a tractor ride

2011-06-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Cannon loves going for a tractor ride when Daddy is working on the farm.

Hunter loves Coral

2011-06-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hunter and Coral were hanging out on Aunt Tammy & Uncle Wyatt's new porch. He's such a great big brother! And I am so jealous of their porch! I wraps around 3 sides and has a great view!

Flowers for Mommy

2011-06-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Cannon is such a sweet boy!

Cousins

2011-06-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Coral playing with some horses. Kyle was very sweet with her.

Playtime

2011-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

There is lots of playtime in Missouri and we love to be with our cousins. Megan and Audrey were playing downstairs for a while then Cannon joined them...

He's protesting my taking his picture! Ha ha! Can't wait to show him when he's a teenager!

Picking up Isaac fromt the KC airport

2011-06-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Cannon and Hunter came inside the airport with me while Grandma circled around. We were a few minutes early so the boys entertained themselves.

Weird Hotel Room in the Middle of Nowhere

2011-06-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

These pictures don't really show just how weird this room was, but we were exhusted so it didn't really matter. We slept and then left early the next day, our last day of traveling before we arrived in Missouri!

Hanging Out!

2011-06-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks Kristy, Mike & Rowan for letting us stay with you! We had a great time. We can't wait until the next time we can hang out with you!

Provo Canyon

2011-06-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

We took a drive up Provo Canyon on Sunday after church. It was really pretty, even if it was cold for our desert blood!

Provo, UT

2011-06-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

After picking up Isaac in Cedar City from Youth Conference, we headed north to Provo. Isaac was going to go to football camp at BYU and it started on Monday, so we had a weekend in Provo. I called my very good friend from college who happens to be living there while her husband is in school. They have one little boy and a small apartment, but gladly agreed to have 7 more pile in! We were so grateful.

We took them out to dinner at the Brick Oven Pizza place. YUMMY!

Then off to bed!

Road Trip

2011-06-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is most of the kids, blissfully quiet with no fighting! We are on our first leg of our summer trip. Let the good times roll!

Goodbye Vegas Heat!

2011-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

We are off on our annual summer vaction to our favorite "M" states! (Missouri and Minnesota)

See ya in August!

P.S. I know that I'm horribly behind on my posting, I will try to catch up or at least post more going forward. We'll see how it goes...

Feelings: by Coral

2011-06-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Most of the time Coral is super happy. She's got great smiles for everyone and is very easy going.
But sometimes she's not so happy and she'll let you know it!

Either way, she's adorable.

Go Cannon Go!

2011-06-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

This guy is in full Diego gear! Hat, check. T-shirt, check. Ball, check. Hammer, uh check. Cute smile, double check!

Beautify

2011-06-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Audrey loves to look glamoures. She bought these "nails" with her own money. I put them on, and she almost instantly took them off! She thought they were pretty until she needed to do something with her hands, then they didn't work so good. I guess she's learning that function needs to overcome beauty!

Close up

2011-06-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Heeellllooo Hunter!

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2011-05-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

We went to our cousin Brode's 1st birthday party. For some reason this is the only picture I took. Its of Hunter flying his kite. Brode gave everyone kites to fly at his birthday party at the park. It was a perfect day and we had a great time.

Big Girl Food

2011-05-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

My Hat

2011-05-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was trying to stay cool in the hot Vegas sun with my wide brimmed hat. I'm not loving the view of my double (or triple) chin... but I do like my hat!

Sleep...Whever, Whenever

2011-05-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Why?

2011-05-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Why is it when a kid finds a marker its inevitable that they will draw on themselves?

Enjoying the Little Pool

2011-05-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

While I was in MN, Russell bought a little pool for the backyard. All of the kids had fun with it!

Girl Trip to MN

2011-05-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

My sister's and I traveled back to MN for my Grandpa's memorial. We each took our youngest with us, who all happened to be girls. So the 6 girls took a little time to remember Grandpa Mitton. I'm not sure why I don't have any pictures of Cathy or Abigail. These ones came from my phone, so maybe the other ones were on my camera? Oh well, here's a few of Sara, Sophie, Me and Coral.

Grandpa Mitton

2011-05-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa Mitton passed away on Tuesday, May 17th. My sister did a great post on him. I'll add some of my memories.

When ever we would leave his driveway after spending time with him he would pound on the car twice as a goodbye.

He served in WWII in the pacific.

When he went to Africa he brought me back an elephant that he knew was my favorite animal.

He was an accountant. One time when I was visitng him at the lake I got a flat tire. He helped me change it and get a new one, then sent me a bill.

He liked to see my kids and kept asking me why I have so many and didn't I know that the world was over populated.

I vaugely remember him living in the Twin Cities, but mostly when I think of Grandpa I think of him at the lake. He spent many years there and we'd always visit in the summer for a week and sometimes in the winter. He'd sit in his screened tent and just watch the lake.

Love you Grandpa!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cutie Cor

2011-04-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

5 months old.

Loves to smile and grab things.

Can almost giggle.

Getting her first tooth.

Super cute!

Hair Salon

2011-04-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Daddy loves to comb Audrey's hair.
Sometimes it hurts!
Pay Back!

Bird Roomba

2011-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

In the past I've had some ant problems, but today took it to a new level. A bird invited itself into the house! I was really shocked at how brazen it was. When I went into the kitchen it went back outside, but as soon as I left it came back in! I guess it was really hungry and the tasty morsels the kids dropped off the table were too tempting.

So now we either have to fix the screen door, or I need to sweep my floor!

Give Back My Camera Right Now!

2011-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

(Isn't that a great Mom face?)

Pouty

2011-04-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened, but he was not happy.

Hunter racks up the Awards

2011-04-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Good Job Hunter! We are proud of you for working so hard in school!

Break Time

2011-04-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Cannon and Drew took a break from playing, riding bikes/scooters, chasing balls and in general getting as filthy as possible to enjoy some fruit snacks. These two boys love hanging out. They each say that the other is their best friend. I love it!

Abigail

2011-04-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my new niece Abigail! There's a little story about her on Cathy's blog, here, if you want to read it. I'm just thankful that Mom and baby are doing good.

April Fools Day Dinner

2011-04-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

2011-03-31T15:59:00.001-07:00

After many years of making pomegranate jelly I really wanted to enter it into the county fair. One year I completely forgot (probably pregnant) another year we were out of town. Then this year I didn't make any because I was pregnant and too huge to tackle such a large task.

Well its time for the fair again and I decided that I had to do it. So on Saturday Sara and I made some jelly (we cheated and bought juice) and we also made some ice cream toppings because we saw some in a farmers market in MN. I also threw in some strawberry jam I made a month ago and some other jelly that was a little older (hope its still good...) And today was the day I turned it in.

Now we just have to wait for judging at the fair next week. I'm not sure if we'll be able to go, so if anyone heads out that way and sees a nice shiny blue ribbon on my jelly please let me know!

Wild Animal Show

2011-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

We went to a preview of the wild animal show at the springs preserve. They will be starting the show next month and gave members a preview so they could work out any kinks. Since our Saturdays are so busy with soccer and baseball I wasn't sure we could go next month so we took advantage of the preview. The pictures are kinda bad, but the show was good.

Audrey's favorite, the otter.

Cannon's favorite the blue tongue lizard.

My favorite, the ant eater.
Baby Kangaroo (marsupial)

Coral and Cannon liked the show (I'm not sure why I don't have a picture of Audrey).

Hunter is a Cardinal

2011-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hunter has started another season of baseball. This year he is a Cardinal and he is on the same team with his cousin Tanner and also Ryan (a friend from church). The coach has his trying first base and pitcher. He is having fun. He's so good at sports! He also gets to spend time with Dad who is the assistant coach (when he's not at soccer).

Audrey is a Dandelion

2011-03-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Audrey started her first season of soccer. She is on an all girls league and her team is the Dandelions. Her uniform is white. You can't see it because her first game was so cold and windy that everyone was wearing jackets.

At one point during the game she was kicking the ball and then stopped to wave to us on the sidelines. She is liking it and with Daddy as assistant coach they get to spend some time together.

Pump It Up

2011-03-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Serendipity

2011-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

For our visitng teaching this month my partner and I set up a ladies night out. We decided to go to Serendipity to try out their yummy desserts. We had a blast and it was so yummy. Its fun getting to know new people and it is definately a plus to go out without kids. I felt like me and not mom. THANKS Ladies for a fun and yummy adventure.

Strawberry Beard

2011-03-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mom: "Audrey it looks like you have a strawberry beard!"
Aud: "Good. I always wanted one."

All Tuckered Out

2011-03-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Red Ridge Park

2011-03-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

We've been going to the park alot, because it has been so beautiful and because it is right next to the baseball field where Hunter has practice. Its nice that his cousin Tanner is on his team, because that means that the other kids get to play with their cousins. Its been fun spending time together. I love the picture of the girls pushing their younger cousin on the swings! FUN!

Hanging w/ Coral

2011-03-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

While Hunter and Audrey are at choir, Cannon runs around outside or watches a movie in a friends car. So I get to hang out with Coral, which isn't a bad thing. Love this girl!

Her Shirt Says It All

2011-03-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

(Future Food Critic)

Yes, Coral had her first real food. Some tasteless rice cereal, yum! It's hard to believe that we are moving on to this stage of life already.

Her face didn't exactly do this, but she didn't mind it either.

Audrey's Back in Dance

2011-03-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

We finally were able to sign Audrey up for dance. It seemed like we would never get an opening, but now that we're there its like we never left. She is doing a lot better at listening and following Ms. Renee. She's so fun to watch!

Minute To Win It

2011-03-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Our ward had a fun family game night where we played some of the Minute To Win It games like from the t.v. show. It was a blast!

Coral's First Smile

2011-03-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

"Yes, I can smile!"

"What? You want another one?"

"O.K."

Wrestling

2011-03-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wrestling is such a physical sport. It just you, using all of your strength and skill to overpower your opponent. Isaac did great his first time trying it. He really enjoyed it, and we're proud of him.

Hot Chocolate

2011-03-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

When you see a mess like this...
You know that you'll find a mess like this...

Does it taste better when you wear it?

McElvany Visit

2011-03-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

I really miss my friend Kelli!

She moved with her family to NC and I really miss hanging out with her, working on various projects and talking every day. Our infrequent phone calls and emails aren't enough. So I was thrilled when she said that she was coming with her husband to visit. Dave and Russ are really good friends and it was nice to have the four of us together again, if only for a short while.

She was dying to meet Coral and I couldn't believe that I had a baby without her around. It was a sweet meeting. Kelli has held and loved all my babies.

Until next time sweet friend!

Cannon

2011-03-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

What's been going on with Cannon you ask? Well...
"Hmmmmmmm"

"Hey! Watch this!"

"Did you see my big spin?"

"Hmmmm. Well I can make a line with my mouth. Can you?"

Springs Preserve

2011-03-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

The Springs Preserve is a fun place to visit. It tells the story of Las Vegas and about living in the desert. While we were there with Grandma and Grandpa Mitton we got to see a bird show that was quite fascinating.

Characters

2011-03-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

We saw a lot of different characters on the strip (and I don't mean the tourists!)

Grandma&Grandpa Mitton (Jan. Visit)

2011-03-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Mitton came to vist us in January. We celebrated A.J's baptism, had a belated Christmas, spent lots of time together and celebrated Sara's birthday. It was a fun visit. We sure miss them!

Valentine Party

2011-02-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

Audrey and Cannon were invited to a valentine party with some friends. Audrey had fun making her cards. Cannon used some Spongebob ones that were leftover from Hunter. Cannon also gave stickers and Audrey gave little heart notebooks.

They had fun passing out their cards, eating cookies, playing with blocks and dancing.

I got some beautiful chocolate roses, which combined two of my favorite things! Thanks Sweetheart, I love you!

Happy Birthday Hunter!

2011-02-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hunter turned 7 one week ago on February 5th. I can't believe that he is getting so old, and that I haven't worked for a paycheck for 7 years now!

He wanted a Mario party this year, so we tried our best. Mario isn't a character you can find in the stores to I had to improvise. I made a cute banner with Mario characters on it and we made a gold question box pinata. The attempts to make a mushroom or star cake were failures so I just printed a picture and stuck it in the cake. That works right? I guess I won't be a Cake Boss anytime soon.

Hunter had fun and that's all that counts! Happy Birthday Bubba we love you!

Hunter hitting the pinata, while everyone waits for it to burst.

Looking for gold coins in the backyard was fun. The person with the most gold coins won a prize and the three people that found a gold star won a prize.

The Kumpa balloon stomp.

Playing a Mario game on the Wii.

HappyBirthday

2011-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

This kid at heart is all about having fun!

I hope that you have a fun day sweetheart! I love you so much!

Snow in Vegas

2011-01-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

It snowed here in Las Vegas on January 3rd. It was beautiful fluffy snow that reminded me of Minnesota. The kids were so excited. Luckily we had some time to play before taking Hunter to school. They loved it! They made snow angles, had a snowball fight and made a cute snowman. Sadly a few hours later it was gone. I'm so glad that we had snow for even a little while to make some wonderful memories for us.

Actress

2011-01-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

"I'm an old granny fairy!"

Bubbles

2011-01-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

There's something about a bath that makes it more fun with bubbles! I wish that I got as many bubble baths as these kiddos!

Helpers

2011-01-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Awards

2011-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hunter is doing so well in school. He earned perfect attendance and A/B Honor Roll.

We are so proud of him!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Coral's Blessing

2011-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Coral's baby blessing was a beautiful prayer given by her father. Her Grandma made the most gorgeous dress and bonnet and her Grandma Mitton made her adorable blanket.

Opportunity Village

2011-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

We went to Opportunity Village for some Christmas magic. We rode the train through the magical forest, went in the corn maze, saw Santa and did other amazing things. It was a great way to get in the mood for Christmas.

The kids had a great time, especially this big kid!

All My Ducks In A Row

2011-01-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Western Park

2011-01-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

My MIL found this adorable park and invited us to have a picnic. The picnic tables were underneath covered wagons and the bathrooms were in a fake western town. We went with cousins, Drew, Carsten and Brode. It was really neat and I'm looking forward to going again.

Smell

2011-01-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

1. "What's that smell?"

2. "I think its baby Coral."

3. "EWWWWW!"

4. "Yup, its yucky."

5. "Yuck, are you done yet?"

Card Sharks

2011-01-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Hunter had fun playing cards with Grandma. On the first round Grandma didn't shuffle very well, and Isaac won every hand. They laughed and laughed!

2010 Girls

2011-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

My Mom had two grandbabies born only 4 months apart! Sophia and Coral are going to be great playmates as they grow up.

I can just see it now...

Hours of Play-doh Fun

2011-01-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

Great Grandma Dobbins brought a huge bag of play-doh that kept the kids entertained for hours.

Crafty Kids

2010-12-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

Audrey loves to do projects. She is always asking to do something. She is also quite happy to sit at the table and cut paper for hours. Today we pulled out the popscile sticks and made pictures and then they painted some ceramic animals. They all had a great time being creative.

Goofy

2010-11-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

Whenever I ask Cannon to smile for my picture, this is what I get.

He is such a goofy boy! I'm not sure when he thought it was so funny to do his silly face, but he sure thinks its hilarious.

Coral's First Bath

2010-11-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

She didn't love it, but she didn't cry either. Afterward she smelled so good! I love baby smell.

Big Helpers

2010-11-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

It is so nice to have big boys that volunteer to hold the baby. I can count on them to keep her happy while I get some things done. It is such a blessing. The boys just love her and are always asking to hold her. It is really cute to see such big boys holding such a little girl.

ZZzzzzzz

2010-11-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

Getting some sleep with a newborn in the house quickly becomes a priority.

But cuddling with the newborn is even better!

IHOP

2010-11-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Grandma Mitton took us all to IHOP for breakfast one morning when she was visiting us. It was free scary face pancake day for the kids and the rest of us enjoyed a yummy breakfast too.

Keeping this crew entertained while waiting for the food can be a big task, but this morning we discovered the spoons. The time went by quickly and then our food came. The kids had fun making their own faces.

Carnival

2010-11-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

We went to a carnival at Russell's work. We had a busy Saturday and so we didn't go until the end, which ended up being perfect because there wasn't any long lines. The kids had fun. I ate like 4 cotton candy and shared another couple with Audrey. So yummy!

Hiking

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I don't like hiking very much. I love camping and doing things outdoors, but hiking isn't really my favorite thing. So when Hunter asked to go hiking I gladly delegated that to Russell. He had the day off because we had just come home from the hospital and the boys were out of school, so I told them that this would be a perfect chance for them to go. They picked up their cousin A.J. and headed to Red Rock. They all had a good time. Hunter's only complaint was that it was too short!

End of Football Season...

2010-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Now, its on to wrestling! But before we hit the mats, I want to share some pictures of Isaac's first season of football. He was on defense (I don't know the postion name). He had a lot of fun and so did we watching him. His Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Josh made it to almost every game and even Aunt Cheryl came. It was fun to watch him when he was in for a couple of plays. He really had a blast playing! He's number 80.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween Everyone! From Buzz Lightyear, Isaac, Flower, Princess Ariel and The One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater!

Coral Rose Dobbins

2010-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

She was born October 25, 2010 at 8:07 AM. She was 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long.

We got up early (4:45 AM) to get ready to go to the hospital.

We got checked in and got ready for the surgery. Mostly it was alot waiting. By 7:30 the Doctor had arrived and we were ready to go.

Everything went perfectly and Coral was here!

Both Grandmas were able to come and see her right away and declared her perfect.

Her brothers and sister just love her. We are very happy to have her in our family!

Lost

2010-10-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

The other day Cannon asked me where my belly button was. I said its right here, its just flat right now. He said no, "Its lost!"
Well today I will go and find it (and my new baby girl!). The next post should be an update all about her, so stay tuned and wish me luck!

The Ball at Target

2010-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Audrey: "Will you take my picture on top of the ball?"
Me: "I'm not sure I can lift you because I'm carrying a sleeping Cannon."
Audrey: "Let's just try."
Me: "O.k."

Audrey: "Its too hot."
Me: "Do you still want your picture?"
Audrey: "Yes."

Audrey: "The sunshine is bright."
Audrey: "Can I see my picture?"
Me: "Let's just go inside the store first."

Princess Audrey

2010-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

I just love this little princess! She was all dressed up to go to her cousin Lily's princess party. Of course she had to pose for a picture before we left! She had a great time getting her make-up and nails done. Lily's party was decorated so adorable and even had a large 3-D castle to go into. Audrey loved it. She told me that she got to eat chocolate covered strawberries, which combine 2 of her favorites. She had a great time.

Spooking the House

2010-10-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I did a super craft day during General Conference to get our houses ready for Halloween. We had a huge list of projects to work on and a house full of kids (6), but we presevered and the results are amazing. I love Halloween decorations and I am so happy that we were able to make these ourselves for a very thrifty price!

My "New" Table

2010-10-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

When our dear friends moved across the country we acquired their kitchen table. We were happy to have a larger table (it will seat 8!), but I wasn't too thrilled with the slats on the top. Those slats collected crumbs and spills which never seemed to come clean. So for my birthday I asked for the table to be refinished.

My wonderful husband came up with the idea to fill in the cracks with epoxy. He then spent time blowing out all the crumbs, rubbing it with stain and preparing it. After a week or so of "DO NOT TOUCH THE TABLE!!!" I am in love with it.

We can now do homework and projects without things getting stuck in the grooves and all spills and crumbs are easily wiped away. I know it was a big project (and expensive), but I am very grateful that it turned out perfectly. Thanks Sweetheart!

Love This Guy!

2010-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Making Errands Fun

2010-10-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the grocery clerks that hand out stickers to my kids. It helps to make the errands we have to do a lot more fun.

Nature's Candy

2010-10-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

I heard Hunter telling Audrey and Cannon that baby carrots are like nature's candy. What a crack up! He does love baby carrots, especially dipped in ranch.

But apparently someone else didn't understand what nature means, and thought they were really candy. At least they spit it out into the garbage can.

...almost.

Do you think I can hand out baby carrots for Halloween?

Audrey's 4th Birthday

2010-10-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

Audrey's birthday is at the end of August and we had a fun family birthday party for her with a bunch of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandma & Grandpa. We had cupcakes and ice cream and the kids had a blast playing together with the adults chatted. Then a few days later we had a princess party. She really wanted a no boys allowed party, so I was thrilled when my friend offered to take the boys to her house. Audrey loved being girly at her party. All the princess had a good time. We played games, painted fingernails and enjoyed cake. It was really cute and fun.

Fantastic

2010-10-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful birthday last week. Thanks to all of the messages on facebook and my sister's blog, I really felt the cyber love. I also got phone calls and cards. My family was fantastic and I had a great day.

I took Audrey and Cannon to a birthday party and had fun chatting with my friends. Then I went to lunch with my hubby, MIL, SIL and some nephews. The night before Russ and I were able to go out to dinner with no kids. It was magical! After lunch I was pampered with a pedicure. I don't know why I don't do that regularly. It was heavenly. Then I picked up Hunter from school and was surprised to see Russ home from work. He had taken the day off to finish my table. I LOVE my table. It is just perfect! I'll have to take a picture soon. My MIL was doing my dishes (embarrassing) which was really nice, because my sink was pretty nasty. Later that night Isaac called me and then we enjoyed this delicious chocolate cake. It was so pretty and really yummy!

What a great day! It was nice to feel loved and appreciated.

Aging

2010-09-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I am a year older. I don't really feel older. Maybe because all I feel is 8 months pregnant.

I have started to notice that I am getting some age spots. You know those things on your skin that your Grandma has? Yeah, I've started to get them on my hands and I noticed one on my face. Actually the one on my face looks like a heart. Its kinda cute ... for an age spot.

First Day Of School

2010-09-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hunter started first grade this year! Wow! He is at a new school and seems to like it. He says that he is there longer, but since he had full day kinder last year the amount of time is the same. His teacher had her baby the second day of school, so he has a sub until November. He seems pretty good and Hunter likes him. He is making new friends and spending all of his allowance at the snack shack. We thought it would be great having his cousins at the same school, but he never sees them. There are a lot of kids and with everyone is different grades they all have different scheduls. He is still reading like crazy and really wants to learn math. I know he'll have a great year!

Audrey is going to preschool two days a week for two hours each day. Since we haven't fully mastered potty training I couldn't send her to an official preschool, so she is going to my good friend's house. My friend is doing an awesome job! Audrey has had a little bit of trouble adjusting to not going there for play time, but she is starting to like school time. She doesn't always like doing the "work" but I'm glad that she's learning. She likes to show us what she is doing and her teacher can get her to say red and not rojo! :)

Aren't they adorable?

Fiesta

2010-09-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

We went to a Mexican Independence Day Fiesta. People were supposed to dress up from whichever country they were from. There were some beautiful dresses and spectacular sombreros. The food was great and the kids had fun running around and dancing on the stage.

Audrey has a cute Mexican dress that Grandma & Grandpa Dobbins bought her when they were in Mexico. So she was a little blond Mexican and oh so adorable!

For Hunter and Cannon I went all American. Can wore his USA shirt and both boys had their cowboy hats on.

Their cousins looked cute too. A.J. wore a Guatemalan blanket around his shoulders and Sophia wore a USA shirt with a Guatemalan scarf tied like a skirt. Unfortunately the picture didn't work great but that's what you get with kids and a baby that just wants to sleep.

Peace....at last!

2010-09-21T08:14:00.001-07:00

Cannon can destroy a room faster than I can take a shower and if he can get his sister in on the act than my whole house is a disaster. They are quite the wrecking crew.

To understand my frustrations this is what has happened just in the last couple of days. This is not even a full week!

Smeared ice cream all over the table.

Emptied my plants dirt all over the floor.

Poured not one but probably three boxes/bags of cereal all over the couches & floor.

Got strawberry syrup ALL over both couches and the floors and the stairs and his clothes. When that ran out he got the chocolate and carmel syrup to add to the couch.

Poured cornmeal all over the floor and couch.

I could keep going but I'm starting to get mad again. We have cleaned the floors and used the carpet cleaner on the couch and washed the walls and ... I don't think I can take it any more. This is the only thing that doesn't destroy my house and gives me a little peace.

NAPTIME!