Roberts 2011

Yes, we are still alive.......

2011-02-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Clearly it has been a few weeks since my last post.....SORRY!! The thought of filling you in on the last year is too overwhelming so lets start with this week....

Last Saturday: Beautiful day, sun, blue skies, the last bit of snow what melting, spring was in the air...

This Saturday: not so much.....

14 inches on new snow, and 3 degrees outside. What is going on??

On a happier note.... this week marked the end of basketball practices and games for all 4 kids. Although it is fun to watch them and they love playing, I am so ready to have my evenings and weekends back.

Timing is everything....

2010-02-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my husband dropped by my work just to bring me a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers, for no reason. He just wanted to brighten my day. The card read "Just because I think you are amazing! Love Brian" AAAWWWHHHH I know, so sweet right?? I was happy the whole day and even that night when I was picking up his dirty laundry of our bedroom floor. He woke me up the next morning (at 5am) with a kiss and whispered "Where are my blue pants?" I smiled sweetly and told him I had done all our laundry last night so they would be in the dryer. He sighed and said, "my I-pod was in the pocket of those pants". Whoops...good thing I got flowers yesterday because I am pretty sure I won't be getting any today!!

GoodBye 2009...Hello 2010

2010-01-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

So December was a very busy month for us. Here is the re-cap:

Holiday fun with friends the Niska's

Sledding!!!

Shogun!!

Lake Coeur d' Alene

Christmas at last!!

Reason #657 why I love this guy......

2009-11-29T15:13:00.000-08:00

So Sara Evans came to town. I had seen the advertisements for her Holiday Concert, and honestly, don't even think I mentioned wanting to go to Brian. Not to mention that the guy does not like country music or Christmas music enough to want to go to a concert. However, he knew I would want to go, so he got tickets (best seats in the place), arranged babysitting, and then surprised me with a very special date. It makes me smile even as I am typing this post because I am so crazy in love with him!!! Everyday he makes me feel special and loved. I love that our kids see that, because it is exactly what I want them to find in a spouse as well.
Anyways, we had a great time and it was a very special kick off for the Holidays!!

Didn't take many pictures because she was almost too close to get good ones. Here are a few from my camera.

Our seats....Front row center....AMAZING!

I am actually shocked I got a "postable" picture of my hubby as he is usually hamming it up for the camera.

I LOVE YOU BABE!!!!!

More Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Spread...

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

Pumpkin Rolls (Haley's Favorite)

Silky smooth Chocolate Fountain....YUMMY!

As promised.....The Dessert Table

EVERTHING tastes better covered with CHOCOLATE.....

CHEERS!!!

Awesome day with the Family. So sweet to listen to the kids as we went around the table saying things we are thankful for. They really are grateful for so many things, and it puts a new perspective on what is actually important to them. Brian and I had a great time in the kitchen (all day) we make a great team if I do say so myself!!

Thankful

2009-11-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE THANKSGIVING!!! What a great time to slow down and enjoy life. Our family has so very much to be grateful for, healthy, happy kiddos, great parents and siblings, fantastic friends, wonderful, secure jobs Brian and I happen to love. Gosh, I sat down to write this post and spent the first 20 minutes listing each and everything that I am grateful for, but bottom line, I am grateful for it all. The good and the bad. Someone who I admire tremendously told me during a very difficult time in my life that "Happiness is a choice and no one can take that choice away from you" So True..... so I guess more than anything I am grateful I choose to be happy. If I can teach my kids anything, I hope this sticks with them....Life is what you make it, so make it a good one. Well that and CLEAN YOUR ROOM(wink) Its a work in progress
Hope you all are enjoying your Turkey Day and hope you know how much I love you all!!
Love and Hugs ~ Nici
P.S. Pictures to follow later. Wait until you see my desert table (that's right there is a table solely for the purpose of sugar induced comas at our house) LOVE IT

A week of Halloween

2009-11-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Halloween, the costumes, the parties, the candy etc. However...after having 7 straight days of parties, I am done. You know its been too much Halloween when 2 of my kids didn't even want to wear their costumes to Trick-or-Treat last night because they were sick of them. (Don't worry I own about 30 costumes so I just had them pick out something else to wear!!) Seriously, I have way too much fun dressing up, and if anyone ever needs to dress as a pirate, call me, for some reason I have 6 different pirate outfits!!

The Girls (A.K.A. : Witch, Cat Woman, and Cheerleader)

...Yes, Sydnee is in my old Cat Woman costume. When they say "One size fits all" they are so not kidding!!!!

Trick~or~Treat

Kels and her "Flower Power"

Sydnee the purple witch

One of many events...

What?? We had to dress up to feed the kids dinner at the "Pirate Cafe"

The Menu...Bloody Brains (with some dandruff sprinkled on top), Mummy butt rolls, pumpkin juice and creepy corn (yah, we ran out of creative names by the time we got to the side dish!!)

And we can't forget Elyanna as she was our first Trick-or-Treater (only family comes by at 2 in the afternoon.) Cute little Giraffe huh.

And my adorable nephew Gabe...

Dear Gabe,
I still love you buddy, even though your Mom and Dad didn't feel like making the 5 hour drive over so I could see you in your costume. Even though your mom knows that Halloween is my favorite holiday EVER, even though our families have been together for 8 out of the last 10 Halloweens. It's no big deal...REALLY!! It's not your fault that I have not seen you for 3 MONTHS!! Don't worry, I am coming over to see you for Thanksgiving because I love YOU that much!!!
Love and Hugs,
Aunt Nici

Fishing

2009-08-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

The place was Cousin Mike's house...BEAUTIFUL

Family renunion last weekend at Lake Stevens. Tons of Family, tons of Food, Tons of FUN.

So wonderful to see all the family! Can't wait until next year!

Happy Birthday Elyanna!!

2009-08-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Elyanna. Today she turns 1. She is the cutest little thing, and really funny. She likes to dance and loves to play with Sydnee and Kelsei (I think she thinks they are her sisters.) She calls every animal she sees a "DUCK" and loves to throw balls. Today we are headed off to a BBQ at my brothers to celebrate. More pics to come. We love you Elyanna. Happy Birthday!!

Dancing in the rain

2009-08-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Big Storm tonight....

Seriously, like flash floods, thunder, lightening, etc...

Rain hitting the skylights so hard we couldn't hear each other talk...

Peaking out the windows, can't see anything but water, lots of water...

Michael says.."I wish we could go out there for a minute"

"Type-A Nici" first thinks.."No way, I just finished bathing all of you and you are all in clean p.j.s, and it will make a mess, and, and, and......."

"Fun Nici" grabs his hand and pulls him into the rain to dance in the driveway as all the kids follow....

So fun for a minute, all the kids loved it, run back to the house only to be greeted by my husband who won't let us in till he gets a picture...

Run back out into the rain while Brian tries to figure out how to take a picture in the dark with the rain...waiting, soaking, kids not smiling anymore...finally a picture...

Guess what it did make a big mess in the entryway, and all of us were soaked to the bone, and the kids all had to put new p.j.s on, but it was so fun!!

I am so relieved that "Fun Nici" still lives somewhere inside "Type-A Nici"!!! Hopefully she comes out more often!!!

SAN DIEGO

2009-07-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

Brian and I just got back from California. He had a training that he was attending at the University of San Diego, and I went with him just for fun. We had a great time. There is so much to do, and we were without kiddos so we took in as much as we could in the 4 days we were there..

Day 1: FIESTA ISLAND
Took the motor home right on the beach, watched the sunset, and then a fantastic firework show

Day 2: Sweet ride and San Clemente

Our friends gave us their convertible corvette for the week. Brian was in HEAVEN!!

Day 3: Torrey Pines and Old Town

Breakfast at the Golf Course

Watched the paragliders over the ocean (They offer tandem rides so next time we are totally going!!!)

Old Town...so cool and best Mexican food ever.....

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING MARK AND LIZ. WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND CAN NOT WAIT TO COME BACK WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!

Baby GABE

2009-06-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband welcomed their first addition to the family... Baby Gabe. He is so cute. It is fun to think of my little sister as a mom. She and Tyler will be amazing parents!! Can't wait to meet the little guy next week!!

Uncle Andrew

2009-06-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

We have been lucky enough to have Brian's brother Andrew visit us twice in the past few months!!! Our whole family looks forward to him coming, and the kids hang all over him non-stop!! He is tons of fun to have around and I am so glad he lives closer now!!!

Kelsei turns "7"

2009-06-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

She had a great Birthday party with 12 other little friends. We decorated cakes, did manicures/pedicures and had a talent show. So much fun...So glad its over!!!

It is hard to believe that my "baby" is not a baby anymore. This was a big year for Kels. She did great in 1st grade which she loved thanks to the greatest teacher in the whole world Mrs. McQuilkin...........

Kelsei competed in her first track competition... and got second place!

She got a "Big Girl Bike" (still pink of course) and is racing everyone in the neighborhood.

She is super fun to have in our family. She still tries Brian's patience on a daily basis, and bosses all her siblings (and parents) around, but we love her just the way she is. Life never gets boring with Kelsei around!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELSEI!!

~TAYLOR SWIFT~

2009-05-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

I need to say that I was a SUPER COOL MOM (for once) and took Syd and Kels to see Taylor Swift. The front row tickets I bought cost way too much and it was on a school night, but I didn't care. They love her and know all of her songs, and so we went! Let me tell you it was totally worth every penny. She is great to her fans, and the girls had the time of their lives!!! We were so close they could almost touch Taylor when she came out!! They are still talking about it. I will say that sometimes you can't put a price on special memories!!!

Kaleb

2009-05-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Brian has a friend at work that had his first professional fight last week. He asked us to come watch the fight so we did (not many of you know I have a terrible OBSESSION with MMA fights, and Brian and I watch UFC fight night all the time) So as Kaleb comes out I start sweating bullets and praying he doesn't get put in the hospital, I take out the camera to start taking pics of what I think will be his one and only fight. No sooner do I snap the first photo and the fight is over. Kaleb knocked the guy out. 90 seconds into the first round and it is over!! Way to go Kaleb!! We are so proud of you. Apparently I should have been praying for the other guy as Kaleb didn't need it!!

What do you do with a Teenager???

2009-05-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that our Haley is a teenager!! Where did the time go? When I met Brian, Haley was 7 and still playing with Barbies, now all she wants to do is SHOP!! She is a great example to the kids, always mellow, responsible, and trustworthy (I sure hope Kels is paying attention to how EASY Haley has been to raise). I think it is so funny to watch Brian as he see's the girls growing up, it is not easy for him to watch Haley turn from his baby into a big girl, pratically a woman!! Happy Birthday Haley. Thanks for being just the way you are!!!

Could it be SPRING????

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Please oh Please, let it be that Spring is here. I can forgive Mother Nature for the snow that fell last week if she promises that Spring is here. However....if she sends one more frost in an attempt to kill my tulips were done!!

Sydnee turns 9!!

2009-04-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sydnee! I can't believe that you are 9. Where has the time gone? You are such a sweet girl, and make friends so easily. You are a great example to your siblings, and I am so glad you are part of our family. Enjoy your day!!!
Love,
Mom

Daddys....

2009-02-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks I have been especially grateful for the role fathers play in our lives. My dad is amazing. He would and does do anything for anyone. One specific example that happened a few weeks ago was him using his snowblower to remove the 3'x 4' pile of ice and snow that the plow left in our driveway after plowing our road. I could not even get into our driveway to get into the garage, and the road was only plowed in a single lane so I could not park on the road. When I saw this after a long day at work I drove right past my house and to my parents. I asked my dad if I could borrow his snowblower, and instead in 10 minutes he was on his way to my house to plow me out. It may not seem like a big deal, but it was huge. Both Brian and I work long days, and had been shoveling every night and were just sick and tired of the snow. Thanks Daddy for making my life easier every day. I love you!!!

The other example of great Daddys is Brian. He has basically been a single parent while I am in school. I don't even see the girls from Sunday night until Friday morning. Brian never complains, and he keeps things running smoothly with the family. I am gone 17 hours a day and this is hard on everyone, but he is doing and amazing job. Tuesday he took Sydnee to a Daddy/Daughter activity at the church which I know was out of his comfort zone, but when I gave him an out and said they didn't have to go he looked at me and said, "Sydnee has been talking about this for weeks, of course we are going!" They had a great night, and for the millionth time I thanked heaven that I met this wonderful man!!

Christmas

2009-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas was amazing this year. Brian and I worked really hard to make sure that we had a whole week of Christmas activities planned for the family so no one would be bored. Funny thing is, it snowed so much we were pretty much stuck at home, so all of our plans went out the window. We spent the week just hanging out and enjoying being with each other. It was so nice just to slow down. The kids were more then happy to just have our undivided attention and I must say this was my favorite holiday so far!

Brian and I were up till 3am Christmas Eve/ Christmas morning putting together the basketball game for the kiddos. I think the game was actually more for Brian and his friends, he just used the kids as an excuse!

Gifts only a grandpa would bring home. Thanks alot Dad...........

Uncle Tyler came through for Sydnee by picking up this "princess gown" while in Asia a few months ago.

Thanks G-ma and G-pa Roberts!!!

2008-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas packages arrived from Brian's parents tonight. The boxes were falling apart (and it is 4 degrees tonight), so we let the kids open them tonight. Celia made 4 of the most fantastic quilts. Each one is so different and each one specifically made with the kids in mind. They love them. Mike sent new, wonderful, cozy coats. Kels has had her coat on for the past hour and will not take it off. We are so lucky to have great parents. I really hope Mike and Celia know how much Brian and I appreciate them and the time and effort they put into our kids!!!

"Kelsei Kat" and her Kitty quilt. Not to mention her pink coat that has "diamonds all over it, just like a princess coat!"

Michael is too cool to smile, but he loves his bear quilt and super warm coat

Sydnee and her Asian quilt. She is obsessed with Japan this year. How Celia knew this is beyond me

Haley and her quilt and "the most beautiful coat"

Excuse me, when did we move to Antarctica????

2008-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

All this snow, Let me repeat myself, ALL THIS SNOW has come in the past 24 HOURS!!! Spokane was hit with a record setting storm that dumped 22" on us in 1 day. Schools closed, Christmas programs canceled, basketball practices canceled, my office closed, every one of Brian's clients canceled, and the roads are a mess. Now I do love snow, but I was really counting on being able to finish up Christmas surprises with a few quick errands, and no kids, or husband around. Not gonna happen!!! Christmas break has officially started 2 days early.

I will say that the kids love it, and it is nice that they can play outside again!! Snow is great for the holidays, so I am not going to start complaining until
Jan 2nd. If the snow has not magically melted away by then you might not want to read this blog anymore. You take for granted dry clear roads. It is days like today that I realize how far out of town we really live!

Gratitude

2008-11-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend gave Brian and I some much needed down time with the family. We went to Seattle to stay with Annie and Tyler and have our 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner at Salty's on Alki Beach. Probably the best food I have ever eaten. The girls about had a heart attack when they saw the size of the chocolate fountain. It was great to get away, spend time with my sis, and just have a lazy weekend.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Brian who is a fantastic husband, who has been so supportive. My going back to school has put a lot of additional pressure on him and he has not complained once. He makes sure we have a sitter at least once a week and I treasure our dates more than he knows!! He is such perfect balance of romantic, funny, serious, protective, encouraging, playful, sensitive etc. My friends still tease me that he has a huge crush on me, but I have one on him as well and I wouldn't change it for anything!!! Every day, I am grateful that our paths crossed, and I have no doubt that we were meant to be together forever!!!
Our kids, I wouldn't trade our crazy life ever!!! They are all so very different and that it what makes our family so fun.
Haley...The mellow one. I couldn't ask for a better example for the other kids. She is smart, pretty, nice, and has Brian's dry sense of humor. I love that she is old enough that I can talk to her like a friend.
Michael...my only boy. So maybe I complain about the dirt and the destruction, but i love him just the same. He has a heart that will not quit. When he decides he wants to do something he goes for it, and puts in whatever time and sacrifice needed to achieve his goal. He is also a best friend to Sydnee. They bring out the best in each other and it is so fun to watch them in action.
Sydnee....My tenderhearted one. As long as everyone else is happy so is Sydnee. She is forever looking out for the underdog. Often when she comes home from school she tells me about things going on in all of her friends lives, and shares in their joy and sorrow as if they were her own. She can make a new friend with anyone in about 3 seconds, and sees the best in all people. I used to worry that she would get walked on by people, but I have noticed that people rise to the occasion around her. She sees the best in them and that is how they are around her!! Kelsei...such a strong will. So shy and quiet in public, so in your face at home. She makes all of us laugh all the time. She loves to play, and dance and sing and dress up. She is the ultimate girly girl. I love how she struts out of her room in the morning to ask Brian and I if her outfit is "fashionable" or "hip-hop". I love that she wears the same black skirt every day, whether it be as a skirt, as a top, over her jeans, as a head wrap whatever...she is just Kels, and I love it!!!
Brian and I both have great parents and siblings and friends, and I am so very grateful for all of them, and the roles they play in our lives.
Hope all of your holidays are fantastic!!

Family Pictures

2008-09-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

A dear family friend came to town a few weeks ago to take family pics for us. She is amazing. We had so much fun and got so many great shots. Thank you Kristin!!
P.S. Kristin is more then willing to come back if any of you want her to take your photos. Let me know! (I am thinking of having her come back when the leaves change!!) Check out her work at... www.kristinkanenwisherphotography.blogspot.com

We LOVE school

2008-09-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

1st day of school

The kids are back in school and I must say I am really impressed with the teachers they have this year!! After being home with them for most of the summer, I am even more grateful for fantastic teachers that are interested in the kids. I think that the girls are just as excited to get out of the house!

We were lucky enough to spend this last weekend my sister and her husband. They flew in for a fast and furious weekend of fun. We took them to Silverwood on Saturday. Annie was such a great sport, as she really doesn't like roller coasters, but didn't want to be the one to be a party pooper either. So we went ahead and took her on everything. We ate so much sugary, deep fried (delicious) junk that both Ann and Tyler had serious sugar highs/lows and left Spokane not feeling so well. My kids are so lucky to have such a cool Aunt and Uncle. It's always so much fun to spend time with them. We miss them already!!
Tyler, Annie, Sydnee and Kelsei

Brian the roller coaster "junkie"

0 to 60...overnight

2008-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so now that our fantastic, relaxing, calm summer break is over, I will fill you in on whats happening in September.
1) All kids are back in school. Kelsei is in 1st grade this year, so they are all in school, A L L D A Y!!!
2) Because of this I have decided to work 4 days a week instead of 2 like I have for the past few years.
3) I applied, interviewed, and was accepted to be part of the first EFDA program for the state of Washington. This is just an add-on to the degree I already have. I will be able to place fillings when I am done and I am super excited about this. This will, however, be night school Tues and Thurs and Saturday mornings for the next 2 quarters. This program came at the perfect time in my life and I am so excited to be able to be a part of this opportunity!! I am so lucky to have such a great husband who supports me 100% and will help keep me sane. He is taking on alot more with the kids activities and school, and I don't know if I could do this without him!!
4) We are moving to our new house (the same week school starts for me)

I think that is about it for major changes in our life. I usually do really well under pressure (except for the OCD/type A part of me that will no doubt come out). So with that being said, blogging might be more regular too. Or, I could be totally delusional, in way over my head, and this blog entry could be my last one till March!! Wish me luck, and please understand if I am bad at returning phone calls and e-mails for the next little bit, it is nothing personal!!

Summer Memories

2008-08-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that school starts tomorrow for the kids! This has been one awesome summer and I am sad to see it go!! Since I am so behind on blogging, I will just show the highlights of how we spent this summer...

Sprinklers, lots of sprinklers...

Goofy pictures of our kids...courtesy of Brian

Bike wrecks (daily)

Parks

The Beach

Baby Elyanna (8/8/08) Great Birthday isn't it? And NO people, Brian and I did not have a baby! Good Heavens, four is more than enough for us !!! This is even better... I have a niece!!! I get to hold her, love her, and hand her off to her mom and dad when she starts to cry. I LOVE IT!!!!!

Hiking (and playing with snakes)

GOODBYE SUMMER!!!!!

Kelsie's 1st visit from the Tooth Fairy

2008-07-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have wanted this to happen for so long, so why am I sad that my BABY IS GROWING UP???? Kelsei lost her first baby tooth a few days ago. It is not just the fact that her teeny, tiny, adorable teeth are getting loose and falling out. It is not just that she is done with kindergarten and on her way to first grade. I just realized that because circumstances were not necesarily easy or ideal when she was born that I told myself over and over that life would be so much easier when Kels hits first grade, and here we are. Now yes, life is much easier and I am so happy where we are at, I just think I may have missed out on so many of the cute things about her being a baby as I was in such a hurry to get out of the bad situation I was in when she was born. With that being said, I was excited to see the tooth come out, as it has been hanging by one little piece of tissue for the past few weeks. It would flop forward as she talked and it hurt her to eat. One great thing I should mention about the Tooth Fairy is...she is so smart. Even when we forgot to have Kels put her tooth under her pillow, the tooth fairy knew the tooth was in the car, and left the $ there...PHEW!!!

Valley Kids Triathlon 2008

2008-07-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sydnee decided that she wanted to participate in triathlons this summer. (Shocker.. I know, and yes, Brian is thrilled!) Michael has done "Valley Kids" for the past 2 years and convinced Sydnee that she should do it this year also. They have been having "triathlon practices" every day, and love to race the neighbor kids on bikes. So today we went and watched Michael compete with the 9-10yr olds and then Sydnee got to do her 1st race in with the 7-8yr olds. They both did fantastic. They had a lot of fun, and now that this is "old hat" for Sydnee, she can not wait for the next triathlon in a few weeks. I love that Brian encourages the kiddo's to stay active, and does not put any pressure on them to win. However, what touched me the most today was how much Sydnee looked up to Michael for encouragement. The sweetest part of the race was when Sydnee started to slow down on the run and out of nowhere, Michael and Kelsei and Haley were at her side, running the rest of the way (1/2 mile) with her. Michael was still tired from his race, and Kels was in a jean mini-skirt and high-heel sandals, but they didn't even think twice about that. They stayed by her side and finished with her!! I am so proud of all of my kids and what awesome people they are becoming!
P.S. They only reason Kelsei didn't do the triathlon is that she is a few months to young, however, Brian has no doubt that she is by far our most athletic (and angry) child. She is faster then any kid we know (boy or girl) Heaven help us all when Kels and Bri start getting serious about her future as a triathlete!!

Skating Party

2008-06-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, all of the kids are out of school. It is crazy to think that next year Haley will be in 7th, Michael in 4th, Sydnee in 3rd, and Kelsei in 1st!! We are so looking forward to our summer together. Being that yesterday was the last day of school, some friends of ours had a roller skating party for the kids. The kids had a great time, but the funnest (is that even a word?) part was watching my husband. Now let me start by saying he is an incredible athlete, but when he put on those skates last night he turned into the most uncoordinated man I have ever seen!!!! Haley and I laughed so hard! He did get better as the night went on, but at first I couldn't even let him help skate with the kids. I was afraid he would take them down with him! (sorry babe, but you know it is true!) Anyways, as always, it was a great family night, and everyone slept sooooo good last night!!

Fieldtrips

2008-06-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

With the end of the school year so close, the last few weeks are nothing but field trips and partys! I volunteered to go on both Sydnee's and Kelsei's class trips. (sounded like a good idea at the time, and isn't this why I stay home so I can do this stuff with the kids????) So Kelsei's was last week, I get to school and find out that there are 31 parents there to take the 35, that's right 35, kindergartners on the trip. HELLO... I've never taught kindergarten (and have no desire to do so) but isn't that a lot of parents?? Why were we getting notices for weeks about the need for volunteers for this trip?? Anyways, we loaded up on to the school bus. (an experience in itself) and headed downtown, rode the carousel, played at the park, at at the Olive Garden, and watched a play. The kids had fun. I love this age, there are no clicks. You are best friends with whatever kid you are standing next to. When do we outgrow that and start to judge others and ourselves?

Sydnee's field trip was on Monday. Interestingly, the parent/student ratio dropped significantly. Are kids not as fun in 2nd grade?? I think they are, and we had zero "potty emergencys" which is more then I can say for Kelsei's class trip. So off we went in the big yellow bus again. This time to watch the dolphin movie on the IMAX and then to Manito Park for a scavenger hunt. We had a great time. Sydnee is really growing up fast, and it was great to hang out with her for the day.

Brian's Birthday

2008-06-11T15:21:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun with Brian's Birthday. We rented the hummer limo, and picked him up at work to surprize him. We told him that we could go anywhere he wanted, and what did my sweet husband do??? Seeing how much fun the kids were having, he asked them if they wanted to go pick up all the neighbor kids and let them ride with us. Of course the kiddos jumped at this opportunity, so Brian's 39th birthday was spent driving around Spokane (and stopping at McDonald's no less) with all of the kids in our neighborhood. This is why I love this man. He always puts our little family first. I'm sure our kids had more fun than Dad did, but what a great memory!!!

Sydnee turns 8!!

2008-04-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

So Sydnee turned 8 and thus begins the birthday madness for the whole family. Brian and all four kiddos have birthdays in the next 6 weeks. Yes it is crazy. The kids love it because it basically means a party every week!! And when "birthday fever" is over, summer is here!! It is so fun to help them plan what they want to do and to see how different each one of them is. Sydnee chose a slumber party with a few friends. I took them to see Horton hears a Who. Best movie quote..."In my world everyone is a pony, and they eat rainbows, and poop butterflies." I'm pretty sure my I.Q. is lower just from watching the movie!! Anyways...Sydnee had so much fun with her friends it was worth it!!! I love to listen to the kids laugh