For you, Aunt Julie

You wanted a newborn pic of Cali, right? Pick which one will work for you. These pics are bittersweet! I love them cause they bring back such beautiful memories, but I'm sad that she is so grown up already!

First Day of School!

Today finally arrived. I've been looking forward to the first day of school for weeks and now that its here, I don't want my kids to go! Makes perfect sense! Ellie is in 6th grade (middle school), Justin in 4th, and Rylie Kindergarten! I miss them already, as does Cali who doesn't know what to do with all the quiet!

My favorite flavor, I mean color, is green!

Ellie's Birthday Bash

My baby is 11! We celebrated in Grandma and Grandpa's pool! Ellie invited a few friends over to swim and eat! She had a great time and I appreciate all the help I had making Ellie's day special.

Jolene was too excited about her gift and insisted that Ellie open it the minute she arrived at the party!

Guests arrive.












Our little party pooper wanted to join in on the fun!



The Party Tent!
I hung a "memory garland" - it has a picture from each of Ellie's past birthdays. It is so fun for me to look at. Brings back great memories, hence it's name!!!







Beam me out Scotty!




Poor Justin. Surrounded by girls again!



Time for dinner! Thanks for the burgers Grandma and Grandpa.





Julie and Noah!


Justin hiding from the girls behind the tarp!


Hannah and Cali. (Calie was the hit of the party. She had 7 girls to fight over her!)






Cute Grandpa and Sweet Cali!



Present time!








Cupcakes and ice cream - thanks Aunt Julie for the really good cupcakes!

Time to go! Good bye to Rylie, JoJo, Skylar, Simone, Elle, Cali, Jenae, Hanna, and Katie.

Before everyone left, I turned them into Mermaids!

Happy 6th Birthday Rylie

Rylie is such a great kid. We love her so much and can't believe she is 6 already. She is pure sunshine (except on the days when she is pure thunderstorm!) She keeps us laughing and she is sweet and loving too.

We spent the day at the beach to celebrate her birthday. It was a great day.



Cali's first beach experience. She absolutely loved our day there! She even enjoyed the water (after getting used to it)!
















Grandma went to the beach early to save us a spot! Good thing because it was crowded. Thanks Grandma for all your help and for the boogy board.





David and Julie and Noah and Grandpa showed up! Yeah!



Time to move from our spot on the beach to where the fire pits were so we could eat some dinner!

It got cold! Isn't that wonderful?!?

Gifts!!! Her favorite? The jiggly iguana.

Aunt Julie made the cupcakes. They were so cute and so tasty! We couldn't get the candle to light because it was so windy. That's OK. Rylie still made her wish.

We shared our fire pit with an "international youth group". Can you spot our European friend in this picture? Gross.



Sunset...

Fireside. (Mom didn't make us sing, thank goodness!)