Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great Thanksgiving! We went up to Prescott with the Otter's on Wednesday. It was so cold and we even woke up to snow on Thanksgiving morning. We had a wonderful dinner with Jeff's family and then on Friday my parents and niece Chloe drove up for the day. Friday was jammed pack with activities; a hike, fishing with dad, milk and cookies with Santa and a drive through Prescott Valley of Lights. It was nice to get away from the valley and go somewhere that it really felt like it should this time of the year. A Thanksgiving to remember!!

Happy Belated Halloween

Okay the week has flown by and I never posted about Halloween. Better late than never right!! We had a great and busy Halloween. It started off with me going to Abby's "Fall Party" (Chandler School district doesn't celebrate Halloween) and helping out which was so fun to do. Then we dressed the kids up and headed to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Kevin's house. They were so excited to see the kids all dressed up and Uncle Kenny was there also. Finally, we ended up at Danielle and Jason's house were 15 cousins got to trick or treat together. They had so much fun and so did the adults. It turned out to be a great night with family we all brought something for dinner, treats, crafts for the kids and good times by all.

Our boy is 4!!

I can not believe that Blake is 4. The time has just flown by!! He had a great birthday and it is still not over. His birthday was actually Saturday but Jeff was at the hospital all day with his clinical so we decided we would celebrate on Sunday and his actually party is not until the 8th of November. His day started out by going with his dad and papa to the new Ride Makerz store where he got to build his very own Firetruck. He was actually on the computer for two days picking everything out. It was hilarious then I cooked lunch for him at my parents and had a little party. He was so excited with all his new stuff and cake!!! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful boy. Happy birthday big guy!!

Here are some pictures of Blake throughout the years:

My Dad The Hero

Last week was Fire Safety Week and our wonderful daughter Abby was so excited that her dad is a fireman that she nominated him to come talk to her class! Well, what started out Jeff reading a book to 20 kindergartners turned out to him doing a presentation for all 150 kindergartners. Jeff got Patty and Cody from his crew to come help along with a Gilbert engine. Abby was so excited that her dad was coming to school that she woke up at 6am ready, than wanted him to stay all day with her. Unfortunately, I was unable to go because I had my other kids but when I picked Abby up from school her teacher, Ms. Dupper said that it was the best fire presentation that she has ever had. Way to go Daddy and thanks to everyone that came and helped our daughter's school!!

Jeff talking to the kids

Jeff telling the kids not to be afraid of them

Patty letting the kids try on her gear

Cody and Abby

Busy Times

Crazy days

The life of a mom with three kids and pregnant with one that is not hers is crazy!!! Those women that have more I envy you. I feel like my whole week consists of taxiing my kids around. Abby is in kindergarten and even though the school is right around the corner I drive her because my king of a son thinks it is still way to hot to walk. Then she goes to gymnastics and a RE class for church. Blake is in school two days a week and just started soccer so we have practice and games and he is also in a RE class for church and of course not on the same day as Abby's. So I feel like all I do is drive drive drive!!!

I would not trade my children for anything in the world and I am blessed that Jeff and I can provide them extra curricular things to do especially with the way the economy is today. I just feel like with all the chauffeuring I do I can't get the everyday stuff done around the house. I think that I lack in time management skills so any moms out there that have a great routine pass it on over!!!

Enough of the complaining we did have a great weekend. Blake had his first soccer game and scored 4 GOALS!! We could not believe how good he was. They only had one practice before the game and he just caught on. It is the complete opposite of the boy who played t-ball a couple of months ago. We might have next David Beckham! lol Then we had our godson Kyler's 3rd birthday party which was a lot of fun for adults and the kids. Then on Sunday I had my parents over for dinner for grandparents day!! We love you and thank you for all you do!!

Labor Day Party

Jeff and I were informed on Friday that Abby was going to have a Labor Day party with my mom. So, she spent all weekend planning for her party. She spent the night at my parents on Friday so her and my mom could plan it. Then Jeff and I were told that we all had to spend the night there on Sunday night so she could get ready for her party. So we loaded everyone up (including dogs to spend the night!!) so Abby could get ready. When we got there we were amazed she planned everything herself, the food, decorations and even the guest list. She was our little Paula Dean! Then menu included (thought up by Abby) fried chicken, baked ziti, salad, bread, fruit, homemade dip, cucumbers carrots, ranch, pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate pie and two other deserts from her Paula Dean cookbook, fruit funs, apple juice, Juicy Juice, milk and water. My mom and her made everything for the exception of salad (my assignment) and apple pie (Jeff's assignment)and she even called and invited all her guests. With all her hard work and planning her party turned out great!! She is just like my mom and knows how to throw a good party. We were so proud off all that she did and had a great time. And thank you to my mom who helped Abby pull all this together and let her lead the way. Way to go our little party planner!!


Abby and her food she prepared

Abby and some of her guests!

Ava

Okay so I was looking at my blog and Abby and Blake have had some special things going on with them and I was feeling Miss Ava was getting left out. So here is a little of what Miss Ava has been up to. She starts off her morning by yelling from her crib for her "dada" and most mornings he has already left for work so she gets me "the chopped liver". I have to do until Jeff gets home and when he does the poor guys does not get a moments rest. She has him wrapped around her finger and wants him to do everything for her and she hates when she does not know where he is. She is also missing Abby very much. This morning Jeff took Abby to school so Ava got to sleep in and when she woke up we walked down the stairs and she was yelling for Abby and sadly disappointed that she was no where to be found. The minute I let that child down she goes nonstop and does not give us a moments rest until she is resting. She has found a love for climbing. She will climb on anything you let her and her favorite at this moment is the dining room table. You can not let her out of your sight. I know one day I am going to come downstairs and she is going to be on the top of the refrigerator!! She makes us laugh so hard everyday and we thank god for her bright spirit. MISS AVA WE LOVE YOU


I caught you!!!

And again in something your not supposed to!

Cheese ball

Poser

love my popcorn

Blake's First day of Preschool

Yesterday was Blake's first day of preschool at a new school. He started at Seville Country Club and the best part is that I don't even have to leave the neighborhood!! He was so excited to go and has been since Abby started last week. However, he got really nervous once he was in the classroom and did not want to stay but got a little pep talk from dad and he was good to go!! When I went to pick him up he had a big smile on his face and said he had a great time. He wanted to go back today and was sad when I told he had to wait until Thursday. I need to find something fun for him to do the rest of the week while Abby is in school so if anyone as suggestions let me know. GREAT JOB BLAKE

Our little kindergartner

Abby started all day kindergarten yesterday and she loved it. She woke up at 5:30 in the morning and wanted to know if it was time to go yet. We had to make her lay back down but I don't think she ever went back to sleep she was too excited. Jeff, Blake, Ava and I walked her to her first day at Riggs Elementary. We dropped her off at the kindergarten playground which is very nice because it is all fenced and only the kindergartner are there. However, Abby was wondering where all the big slides were!! Yes, I lost it but thankfully I had sunglasses so I did not embarrass her. When I picked her up she talked nonstop on how much fun she had. She got to go to recess 3 times, computer lab, lunch, made crafts and watched a movie because it was too hot to go to the last recess. She said she made new friends named Alli and Maddie and they were really nice. We are so glad that she had a great day and loves school as much as she does (we will see how long that last!) Today was day two and she woke up with as much enthusiasm as the day before and excited that she had P.E. today so she had to make sure she wore her tennis shoes!! Hope today is just as fun

Busy Weekend

This weekend was busy as usual, not a whole lot going on but it seemed to fly by. Saturday, Blake had is last t-ball game and party afterwards. He was so excited because he got a trophy just like his dad did when he played in his younger years. Then we went over to my parents house and had a Hannah Montana party. For those of you that don't have little girls The Disney Channel played her concert in 3D. It wasn't enough for Abby that she got to go to the real concert and saw it at the IMAX she had to see it a 3rd time. And whatever Abby asks her papa and gama for she gets!! Then Sunday we spent preparing for Abby's first day of kindergarten tomorrow. We got her backpack, clothes and lunch ready. She is so excited I am sure she is not going to sleep at all and I am not going to sleep because my baby is starting school for the rest of her childhood years. BRING ON THE BOXES OF TISSUES!!! I am going to be a wreck tomorrow. I did not think that it would bother me because I could not wait for her to start so I did not have to listen to her and Blake pick on each other all day long. But when we went to meet the teacher I already started to cry. I guess I will have to listen to Abby's principal tomorrow "quick goodbyes make for dry eyes" and I don't mean for Abby!

Blake's last time up to bat. Hit a homer gomer!!

Blake receiving his trophy from his coach

Let's party

Blake having more fun with the glasses than watching Hannah Montana

Shaking our booties

Otter Wedding

Jeff's youngest brother Nick got married on Sunday to Christina. The wedding turned out really nice, hot but nice!! They had it in their backyard and Jeff was one of the groomsmen, Blake the ring bearer and Abby was a flower girl. We all had a great time and hope Nick and Christina many years of happiness!!

San Diego California 2008

We just got back from our annual family trip to San Diego. We stayed a little longer this year than most. We were there for 10 days and the weather was great the whole time. We got to enjoy fireworks over the bay which were unbelievable. Jeff and I are wondering how we will ever be able to top the show we witnessed, it was awesome. Then the rest of the time was fun at the beach well, almost the whole time. For those of you who don't already know I am a surrogate and am five months pregnant. While I was at the beach I thought that I was going into labor and you would think that after three of my own pregnancies I can tell the difference. To make a long story short I ended up having kidney stones and food poisoning so needless, to say it put me out of commission for a couple of days but, than I was good to go. We had a wonderful vacation and thanks mom and dad for taking us once again for a memorable week.

Enjoy the pics!