Family Pictures

We decided to give in and do the dreaded family pictures. By the time we get done the kids (and mom) are usually crying. This year was no exception. It was so windy and freezing, by the end everyone had red noses and we couldn't feel our fingers. The kids did really great considering and thanks to the magic of photo shop we were able to get a few pictures.

Triathalon

Hallie did a youth triathalon up in Rexburg last weekend. Some our friends own a development up there and they organized the event on their property. There were 180 kids that participated. They were from 5-12 years old. Hallie was in the 5-7 year old group and they had to swim 50 yards, bike .8 miles and run .5 miles. It was so much fun and Hallie did such a great job. Way to go Hallie we are so proud of you.

Next year we plan on attending again and Madilyn will also be old enough to participate!!!

BIRTHDAYS!!!

Wow, it seems like we have had nonstop birthday parties at our house. Hallie and Madilyn had a joint birthday party at a fun center called Leo's Place. Leo's Place has all sorts of fun things for kids to do, like slides and climbing and games, etc. They had a great time. We ended up having nine kids at the party and all were well entertained. Both girls wanted to get their ears pierced for their birthdays. After many unsuccessful attempts to get the girls courage up, Madilyn got hers done and then Hallie followed a week later. She couldn't let her little sister show her up. They both look very cute are so so excited to change them and accessorize with them. Carson has also had a birthday. He turned two years old. We had a little party with his cousins down in Utah and with Grandma and Grandpa Hobbs. It was lots of fun.

Carson helping in the kitchen

This year we decided to try and grow a garden. It has been great, but I think we did a few too many zucchini plants. We can't eat them fast enough. Today I decided to make a bunch of zucchini bread. About half way through I got a phone call and left the kitchen to talk. When I came back about two minutes later this is what I found. Carson had gotten into the butter and it was all over him, the walls, the floor and there was even some on the ceiling. He seemed to think he was really funny. After MANY hours of cleaning (and some crying), I think my kitchen is finally clean.

California

We took a great vacation in San Diego for a week with my family. We went to Sea World, the Wild Animal Kingdom, and the San Diego Zoo. The kids loved seeing all the animals. Carson thought that every animal was a cow. He would "MOO" at everything. At Sea World we got to pet a dolphin, and some star fish. Hallie was the only one of the kids brave enough to touch them. We went to Old Town San Diego and the kids got little guitars. They love playing with them, but they are a little loud for me. We went to the beach several times. Hallie and Joe loved to play in the water. Madilyn and I enjoyed laying in the sun and working on our tans, and Carson took naps in the stroller both times we went. We had a great time and were very thankful to have family there with us to help us keep track of the kids.

Lagoon

My Grandpa and Grandma Oakey took the whole family to Lagoon this year. There were about 35 of us. Hallie tried a few big rides but decided that she would stick with the little kids rides for this year. We survived the heat at the water park and Hallie developed a new love for water slides. Madilyn loved the rides and would have probably gone on the big rides if she were tall enough. Carson stayed with Joes' sister April. With the killer heat and the long lines we were glad he was home with her in the AC. Thanks a ton April!! We all had a great time.

Locks of Love

Hallie has been growing her hair out since she was born. It has been trimmed a few times, but never really been cut. When people meet her, her hair is usually the first thing they comment on. I loved her hair, but she decided it was time for a change. We took off 14 inches. She loves it and although I was kind of sad to see is go, I think she looks super cute. My little girl is growing up. We'll donate the 14 inches we cut to Locks of Love. Maybe some other little girl will love it as much as we did!