Kansas City

The day after the kids got out of school we left for Kansas City for a mini vacation. Though it's certainly not the most glamorous vacation spot, it did the trick. It was the perfect family get-a-way we were looking for. We were desperate to play, laugh, snuggle, and just "be" with one another. Quality time together. I knew what I wanted. I wanted the kids to be "friends" with each other. I wanted to hear giggles instead of tattling. I wanted to hear "thank-you's" instead of bickering. I wanted us all to focus on our family and the relationships we have in each other. I wanted to witness those magical moments between siblings that happen more often than not while on vacation. Our mini vacation was only a means to an end. True compassion and love for each other, remembering best friendships are found within your family. This is exactly what I wished for...it was as if the children could read my mind. Thank you for taking care of one another.



We were busy while in K.C. We went to the "jiggle jam" ( bands playing kids music and festival.) We went to Worlds of Fun. Yep, it was fun. We went to Royals baseball game. That was a blast. On Sunday we visited some of the church's historical sites. Amazing pioneers. Of course, we shopped and ate at some awesome restaurants. We even treated the kids to the fancy "spinning" restaurant on top of the Hyatt for dinner Saturday night. A special night, indeed.
Worlds of Fun. Our favorite ride...the water ride. Avery and I came off soaked!

This is the story...

Our life the last few weeks.

Sometimes, a picture says it all...

She dazzled!

Avery had her first dance recital last month. She performed and delivered a dance that dazzled the audience. She was so excited she hardly noticed her nerves. She practiced and took her routine very serious. She liked the music, her teacher, and friends....and was simply enamored with her "sparkling and dazzling" costume!! Avie described her costume this way, adding it was shiny and glamorous ..but not in a "diva" way. Avery talked so passionately about this recital, we wondered how she would react to her nerves the day of the show. Happy to report she was amazing. She went on stage and performed without a hitch. Nerves...what nerves? Gigi flew in and could hardly wait to see the recital. We enjoyed the show, every minute. It was a delightful night! This truly was a celebration for Avery; a rewarding night and one that she will obviously cherish. We each (mom, dad, Gigi, Ellie & Zach) greeted Avery with flowers after the show. Congratulations were in order. I think the flowers may of been Avery's favorite part of the recital. She still talks about those flowers today. I still talk about my dazzling dancer and how proud I was of her.

My babies are 10...Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, sweet loves! Just the other day an old friend "facebooked" me a note and asked "how are your little babies doing?" Time has probably escaped her and I answered, my babies are now 10 years old and growing up.

Did you hear that? My babies are 10. My teeny tiny babies are 10. Double digits. The "tween" years. Holy cow, the twins are growing up. We have seen some big changes this year. And, we are truly enjoying the journey. Zachary and Ellie bring such enthusiasm, joy and excitement to our home.

This year, in 4th grade...Zachary is a little boy who loves fashion. His style began to emerge this year as "Classic grunge." Hats, belts, long shorts and "quicksilver" tee shirts complete his look perfectly. Zachary loves to go out to dinner. He enjoys all kinds of food (he just doesn't eat much) His favorite food right now is Thai food. Zachary is a"rock and roll" kid. He loves Johnny Cash, Cold Play, Cake, and added a new band to his list of favorites this year, the Ting-Tings. Zachary is involved in scouts and just moved up to weblos. He also does pt/ot therapy every week. His favorite past time is video games. Let's just say, we definitely need to limit his time or he would would choose to play all day. This year we have seen a renewed interest in school from Zachary. He takes pride in his work. His favorite subject is science. In addition, he does really well in social studies. He works and studies hard for each test, hoping to score an A. We are really proud of him especially with reading. It's still his biggest hurdle, but he works hard to overcome it. He is reading with more ease this year (when all the conditions are right...size of print, lighting etc) We are so happy with his continual hard work, Independence and determination. Zachary is happiest when he is right beside his daddy, and loves to be home with his family. The best part is...he's still my snuggle bug!

Ellie is my high spirited 4th grader. She is learning a lot about herself this year. Challenging herself to grow and stretch outside her comfort zone. She is learning more about friendships. She loves to have playdates, especially "late-overs." This year, Ellie loves to make up dances and perform them to an audience. Infact, she tried out for the talent show this year doing the "hoedown-throwdown" We were so proud of her determination and desire to accomplish her goal. She still loves to read, and is a "speed-reader". She reads soooo fast that I worried about comprehension. No need, she continues to score 100% in comprehension. Her favorite pastime is playing on the computer or reading her "guide to girls" book. Her style is starting to evolve this year as well. She has always been my "jeans and tennis shoes" girl. However, she is starting to notice other fashions and slowing branching out. Anything blue or turquoise is a hit! She dreams of wearing make-up, not until Young Women's, Ellie. But, she has fun doing "make-overs" for play. We've seen so much growth in Ellie this year, and so proud of the young lady is she is becoming. She is loving and honest with her feelings. She loves her brother and sister. She instinctively protects Zach, and is always concerned for his well being. She loves "family home evening" and just being together.

We had a fabulous birthday celebration. Gigi & papa, and grandpa & grandma were in town to help us celebrate. The twins have always wanted to go to Kobe Steakhouse, so that's exactly what we did. They loved it. For a birthday gift this year, we did an "extreme room make-over" for the twins. As they left for school, we all pitched in and painted, then decorated for a total room makeover. I will post pictures later. They were surprised! They love their new rooms and the Independence that comes with it. Thanks to Gigi, Papa and Grandma & Grandpa for all the love and help along the way.

I hope their 10th year will bring upon as many positive experience and happiness as this one has.

Easter

(a pre-Easter egg hunt with Avery and Mason, at the YMCA)

This year we celebrated Easter with a big festive dinner enjoyed by our friends and family. And, to end the evening...a giant Easter egg hunt. The children ran, giggled, and tossed many candy filled eggs into their baskets. I love to watch their big smiles and quick moves as they look for the hidden eggs. What a joy. However, I am most thankful to know that true joy comes from knowing the Savior. I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge we have to learn of Him and celebrate His life and Resurrection. We had a delightful night, and here are just a few pics from this Easter season.

It's your party...

Wow- sa-yow-sa! April is one big celebration in our home as we are busy with birthdays and parties. The month of April hits us as hard as December, with less preparations, equal stress, and over the top time spent celebrating. Jeff's birthday is April 13, a few days later the twins celebrate on April 17. Then, usually Easter falls somewhere in the middle.

To celebrate Jeff's birthday this year, we kept the plan simple. He loves a casual night of friends, food and fun. So, we threw a very "spur of the moment" get together. Thanks to the Pattersons for letting us all gather at their home for dessert and good times. Jeff and I started his night out at a nice Italian restaurant. Then moved on to the Pattersons home to finish the celebration. I told him Kimberly had made some of her famous banana bread pudding....I just didn't mention that all his friends would be there. It wasn't' the typical "jump out and yell surprise" yet, it was fun to watch his reaction.

Enjoy a few pics....shame on me for not capturing more of the festive moments. Oops.

The night was a sweet treat for him...Thanks again, everyone!

Happy Birthday, to my sweetheart.... and theirs! My children love their daddy.
Their hearts belong to him.
Through and through.
True love.
Best Friends.

Undeniable and unmistakable admiration
for the man they call daddy.
I love him a lot, too!

Thanks for being the man that we fall in love with day after day.

Happy Birthday from from all of us.
We love you clear from "Disneyland to Omaha"

I know, I know...

I have a lot of catching up to do....I will start with Jeff's birthday.

stay tuned.

A Belated Birthday Wish for my Dad.

Forgive me for getting this birthday wish up late, we have had Internet problems and I am just now getting back to the computer. Dad, we love you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks here in Omaha. Happy Birthday. We are blessed because you are an amazing father. Thank you for enriching our lives. Avery made you this card. I thought it was so cute and couldn't wait to show you. Here it is. A birthday wish for you. Hope you find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow someday...We love you clear to the moon and back!
P.S. That little green guy is a leprechaun..."little Louie" the leprechaun says Avery.

A weekend away

It's been a while since my last post. It looks like life has gotten in the way of recording life here on my blog. Boy, I need to catch up. We went to Denver last week and had a wonderful time. We ran off and left all of our school, work, meetings, church and activities behind. We escaped it all to visit Gigi, Papa and Uncle Robby. Yes, Uncle Robby and his girlfriend, Kat flew in from NYC. So, we piled in the car and rushed out to meet them in Colorado. The twins love Uncle Robby (Avery's not sure what the fuss is ....just kidding, Robby) They love to hang on him and snuggle up to him. But now, I must say the kids are smitten with Kat. Actually, we all loved meeting Kat. She endured the extra attention and constant "oogling" from my kids well. Thank you, Kat. The weekend went exactly like we planned. Jeff and I escaped the kids and had several dates and outings ALONE.
We are thankful to Gigi and Papa for being on "babysitting duty". We went out to dinner, shopped and got a massage together, we were spoiled.

And, still plenty of time spent playing with the whole family. While we are home, we always do a few traditional things that are required on a Denver visit... lots of games, stories, movies,wii, eating out to dinner,(Los Dos) a big slumber party for the kids, and of course, lots of shopping! Ellie was performing her lipsynch to Taylor Swift. I loved watching her. These are the things we look forward to when we are at Gigi and Papas house. Thanks so much for a time well spent. And, a double thank you for tending the kids.
It's always hard to say to goodbye. Usually Zachary's tears start flowing several hours before we depart. This weekend it was especially hard for the kids, they hate to wave goodbye. We'll be back soon and until then, goodbye Denver.