6 months later . . .

I've finally scrapped Ainsli's 8th birthday. Yes, its 6 months late, but I've always found birthday layouts to be a pain. When Jen and Celeste designed the Sweet Bea collab I thought immediately of Ainsli. The colors were adorable and Ainsli LOVES pink. It was a birthday theme, but not in an obnoxious way. So I decided to try a birthday layout again. I did one page, liked it so well that I had to make it into a two-pager. So, maybe now I won't shy away from all those birthday pics I've been avoiding!

Today I got to help Ainsli's Activity Day group with making pillowcases. We had a really fun time, and I got the sewing bug again. Too bad that my machine started smelling like burning rubber as we were finishing! I guess we'll be looking for a repairman before I start anymore projects. Thanks to Amy and all the ladies that helped her - the girls really enjoyed it. Ainsli is very proud of her new pillowcase and is even letting her Daddy use it to take a "late" nap right now. :)

my baby is 4!!!

My special little man turned 4 a couple of weeks ago and he seems to have grow 2" and turned into a little man overnight. Gone are all traces of "babyness", while he works as hard as he can to be "like the big kids". . . He had a fun birthday - he had a lot of favorites to enjoy: cupcakes, water balloons and squirt guns, new boots, presents and olives! I made him "minion" cupcakes from Despicable Me, which he loved and has asked twice since if we could make them again. Its been a quiet summer filled with watering the gardens and trying to stay cool, but we finally were able to go fishing and the kids had a blast. I'm glad they enjoy it . . . I just take the pictures and stay out of the kitchen until everything is cleaned, gone, vaporized, whatever . . . :)

Happy Birthday Ains!!

Its hard to believe our hurricane is 7 years old! This morning she got dressed in her favorite cowl-neck sweater dress and I curled her hair - she then squealed "I'm gonna be the prettiest girl at school!" Oh boy - She definitely keeps us entertained and on our toes.

She requested chocolate cupcakes for her party tonight, but I'm also making peach dream with the yummy peaches we got in Oregon on Monday. Yum!

Ainsli will always be my miracle baby who helped my testimony of prayer grow in leaps and bounds. She is now on dance team, doing ballet and gymnastics - but she'll always be my little girl no matter how old she gets! She still lets me cuddle her once in awhile, probably just humoring her old mom, but I'll take it!! Happy Birthday Angel!!

making the most of summer

We had fun with a group of friends at the equestrian center on the 4th. Brodyn kept us entertained while waiting for fireworks to start, he's such a ham! It took forever to get out, but it was worth the fun we had!

When we got home from our trip this was waiting for Brodyn from Grandma & Grandpa Priest - He had a ball trying it out. He definitely thinks he's big now!

What a week!

My baby boy turned 3!!!

And he's turned into a little man overnight - I'm not ready!

We got to spend some time at Beep's in Oregon, meet new little Bragen, and love on him lots! He's so tiny and adorable - and kissable! We miss them all already!

We spent time at Grandma & Grandpa's house - the kids had a ball swimming, doing chores, and playing. Its good to be loved!!

Can't forget the water fights!

Aubrei is 11!

Even though she is growing up way too fast, I'm glad we have an 11 year old who is content with staying little and being a sweet, innocent girl. She had a fun birthday and a wild sleepover (I guess I remember being a giggly girl too).

We registered at the Jr. High yesterday and we had a mini-tour. Can I mention that I hate lockers? My hand still hurts from trying to get that stupid locker open :) I was starting to get worried, but Brei was finally able to get it open on her own.

The school is so nice, and taking the tour seemed to help her relax a little.

So now I guess we are ready for the 31st to come.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

We all love you so much and hope your day is great!

Brodyn wanted to make you a cake

But he was a little too much help

It was yummy though!

Thank you for loving us and always being there.

You are an AMAZING grandma!

Happy Birthday!

Brodyn is 2!!

Its hard to believe our little boy is already 2 years old!

He is absolutely full of fun and mischief -

He gives the best loves ever -

And he makes us all completely happy!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Happy Birthday Paka!!

To the COOLEST grandpa ever!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

(Not to mention the BRAVEST)

We wish we were there to help you celebrate!

We love you! Thanks for being so special!

Have a great day!