Kyler Turns 11

On January 31st, Kyler turned 11 years old! He is everything and more that anyone could ever want in an oldest son... such a great example to his younger brothers, older sister, and parents. 

He was all smiles even though he woke up to find only one small gift on the birthday mantel. 

But you could sure see his relief when he noticed a GIANT package in another room!

A basketball hoop... something he's been wanting FOREVER!

His class made him this pillow case. He said that there had never been a pillowcase so full before. He felt really loved. 

We partied at iJump with ten of his buddies. 

Easiest. Party. Ever. Worth every cent.

And yes, he plays with that hoop every day even though it's January!

And now for his annual birthday interview with mom... Here's a look at Kyler at age 11:

Favorite Restaurant - Dickeys

Favorite Sport - Football

Favorite Video Game - Clash of Clans

Dream Job - Builder

Favorite Dessert - Cherry Pie

Most Played Song on his IPad - "Counting Stars" by One Republic

Favorite Show - Lab Rats

Favorite Avenger - Captain America

Favorite Time of Day - Evening

If He Could Be a Disney Character, He'd Be - Tron

Something He's Good At - Drawing 

Something He's Scared of - "Triangles" (He's such a goof ball!)

Favorite Primary Song - "I Love to See the Temple"

Favorite Number - 3

Favorite Color - Yellow

Least Favorite Chore - Toilets

Something He Can't Wait to Do - Drive

Favorite Season - Winter 

What He'd Do On a Dream Day - Fly

We love you so much, Ky. You make us so proud.

Kyler's "Arrow Of Light"

Last night, Kyler received the "Arrow of Light" at Scouts and graduated from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout! It was pretty special for he and his best friend, Haydn, to receive it together. 

We couldn't be prouder of our son, Kyler. He his one great kid.

New Year's Eve 2013

Growing up, I always remember watching the ball drop on TV every New Years Eve, but since we haven't had television for years, we have to get a little more creative with the kiddos! We started the night off with dinner at Cafe Rio. What a fun surprise to run into my cute niece, Lauren there! I love always having a niece or nephew or two at BYU-I! Family resemblance? I think, YES!

Afterwards, we went ice skating. This activity is usually pretty brutal to the back with little kids, but Ash picked it up faster than any of our other kids. He had it down after an hour! His athletic ability coupled with his independent spirit makes for some fast learning. (But, yes, I was still sore the next day from holding him up!) Lauren and boyfriend went skating too.

This is Ash's "fast" pose!

We challenged the kids to make it to midnight! We popped balloons containing a surprise activity  every thirty minutes to help past the time! Ashton LOVED this. He said, "I love this happy game!"

For one half hour, we wrote goals. I'm sure glad Kyler took it so seriously...

 Cheers!

Tenzy...

Fireworks in a cup...

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt...

Happy New Year 2014!

I'm looking forward to another year with these faces. They're my favorite.

November 2013 Rewind: New Family Pictures

October 2013 Rewind: Halloween

Here's just a glimpse of Halloween 2013!

A Ballroom Zombie

After we had a melt down over the newly purchased Wolverine costume for Carson, Carson generously allowed Ash to wear Wolverine FIRST for his preschool Halloween party! True brotherly love!

Halloween morning: S-T-R-E-S-S. 

I hardly slept the night before because I had never practiced Ky's make-up and wasn't sure exactly how to make the magic happen. Totally winged it. 

Homemade costume by yours truly.

I think it turned out pretty alright if I say so myself.

Waiting for the Spook Parade! 

BFF's in Disguise!

Opening my door to these trick-or-treaters made my heart want to burst with happiness... It's the neighborhood gang! I love these kids, love seeing their excited faces, not to mention my cute neighbor in the background! Our neighborhood is the best: Full sized candy bars, homemade scones, music... 2013 Halloween was SPOOKTACULAR!

October 2013 Rewind: McKenna Turns 13

One event that we surely can't skip from 2013 is the arrival of our family's...

FIRST TEENAGER!

It's seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in the hospital and holding my first baby in my arms... amazed and changed forever. How can it be that she is 13 years old? Yes, time passes too fast, but we are so pleased with the sweet, elegant, and kind little lady that Kenna is becoming.

Here's a look at her special day last October 15th... Absolutely no skimping on Kenna's breakfast in bed... this girl LOVES food!

I think she likes her new boots....

Funny brothers enjoying her unwrap gifts!

Kenna's sweet best friend, Kambria, decorated her locker.

Kenna checked out of school for a lunch date with Ash, Mom, & Dad! We had to celebrate early because McKenna's birthday was a dance day (i.e. busy, busy day!) She took cupcakes to dance rehearsal, went to a bonfire for mutual, and was up late with homework... but we tried to make her feel extra loved amongst all the running of a usual Tuesday.

Here's a look at McKenna Lyn at 13 years old...

Favorite Book: "Austenland" and "The Penderwicks"

Favorite Treat: Anything gummy and sour

Favorite Color: All shades of blue... and she particularly loves "Peacock" colors! (Teal, Emerald Green, Purple, Royal Blue...)

Favorite School Subject: Choir

Heros: Mom & Dad

Dream Day: Touring Paris, France

Best Friends: Kambria, Liandra, Abby, Annaliese, and Jessica

Dream Date: Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice

Her Loves: Dance, art, music, and cousins, and playing "A Thousand Miles" a thousand times a day on the piano

Favorite Possessions: Her sketch pad & phone

Best Traits: Determined, hard working, brave, creative, and kind

Worst Traits: Undeceive (like her Mom!), looks 15, too darn cute for her own good, not her brother's favorite babysitter, and hates to do her own hair.

Favorite Ballroom Dances: Samba & Swing

Goals: Winning at Nationals, serving a mission, studying art in school, and marrying in the temple.

McKenna is a sentimental girl. She loves things with ALL of her heart--whether it be traditions, gifts, or events, she is always excited and appreciative. She loves the Gospel--particularly the young women's program. She is continually reminding our family to do better at our spiritual goals and she currently serves as the Beehive class president. She is fun, giggly, and so very talented. 

We love this girl. 

So much.