Madlynn turns 8

We want to wish Madilynn a very happy birthday. We think that you are so beautiful and loving. We like that you make friends easily, you love to be with your family still, we like that you think Annika is the most beautiful baby in the world. I like that you are such a good helper with her as well. We like that you play with your brother and he is one of your best buddies. We like that you have such an amazing imagination. We like that you are so loving to animals and want to learn all about them. We also love that you are making such good choices. We are so proud of the person you are!

It is not a party without a pinata!!!

November 2009 - Picture Purge

Gavin's field trip for November. He got to make his own pizza at Papa Johns. Coolest field trip ever.

Sauce, pepperoni, and cheese, mmm-mmmm.

Gavin and friend Carson

Annika and her curly hair. It is naturally curly. She does have this layer on the very top that is stick straight. I curled the top layer here!!! So beautiful.

Thanksgiving 2009

With the Urvina's

Grandpa and Grandma gave all the families a Little People Nativity set. They are a hit.

Sam with his two daughters Tara and Ila. Ila is with her mom Heidi.

Great nativity for kids.

October 2009 - Picture Purge

The last months have been very busy with many activities. Here is our October summary.

The older kids we think got the H1N1. They camped out on the couch for a while. Annika was not sick, she just wanted to do what the big kids were doing. I couldn't let her up there with the kids so I got G's little couch and she thought it was great. She loved it.

Gavin's first field trip to a pumpkin patch.


Gavin was feeling a little nostalgic when he saw his old dalmatian costume. He just had to put it on. When he was 3 and actually fit in this costume, I couldn't get him out of it. He had to wear it everywhere.

Madi's Elphaba pumpkin!

Gavin's bat pumpkin.

Annika as a leopard kitty. Madi wore this when she was this age!!

Madi as an arctic fox!!! My first attempt at a homemade costume. Definitely fun but way more expensive!!!

Cousins are always fun to go trick-or-treating with!

Jeff and Val as John and Kate Gosslin!! Love it!

Madi's big plung!

Madilynn Catheryn chose to be baptized yesterday into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Madi in her second white dress!!!

Madi and Daddy

Below are Madi's two grandmothers that she was named after,

Grandma Simmons and Madi

Grandma Catheryn spoke about The gift of the Holy Ghost

Grandma Urvina and Madi

Grandma Lynn spoke about Baptism

Madi wanted to cut her cake as if she were at a wedding.

My first attempt at a 3 layered cake with homemade fondant. Definite room for improvement but it tasted GREAT.

Madi's 1st day of 2nd Grade

Well, our first born in is growing up so fast. She was ready about 2 weeks before school started. She is really liking her new class and teacher. She was very happy her good friend Tien from last year is in her class this year. She says she likes recess and science so far. She has made us promise that we won't move until after she graduates from Elementary at least!! I agree!!

Kids in their Easter Clothes

We attempted to get 3 very tired children looking happy in a good picture. We found 1 good one out of 230 pictures. Here is our gem!!! Madilynn, Gavin, and Annika May 2009

We started in our living room on the couch.

Then we moved into the backyard....

Then we tried the tree. Not so good. Annika doesn't like the feel of damp grass.

Ok, so back in the house. Maybe?....

Well, we tried.