the willicuties

I Promise...

2011-10-24T13:24:00.007-05:00

One of these days, I will update the blog, but for now we are just busy, busy with school, gymnastics, scouts among other things! I will admit I just can't find my blogging chi, sooo...y'all will have to wait! Looking forward to Halloween and field trips!

Yorktown~D.C.~Ocean City~Williamsburg~The Rest of our Fun!

2011-08-21T16:01:00.001-05:00

It's time to finish up our fun filled 2 weeks with the Endsley's. I wanted to show them Yorktown and the small little beach there, however when we got there, we discovered that it was prime time for jellyfish. That didn't scare the boys away too fast...they just put on their goggles and went looking for them! Emma decided she needed to strip, because she needed to go potty...that little girl is a total hoot! I just loved all of her little shenanigans!!! The kids had fun climbing on the rocks and up in the trees!

The next day Eric and Mimi flew in from Oklahoma and it was time for our next big adventure to Washington D.C.

It was ridiculously HOT and then add the east coast humidity to that!!! We were all sweating like pigs! I hardly took any pictures because it was too much effort...Emma's face shows how we all felt!! Luckily there was some relief when we could cool off inside the museums. There is always a fountain to cool things off too...the kids dunked their heads and got soaked!

The next morning we headed back to see the Lincoln Memorial since we didn't make it there the day before, it was just too hot, so we took off to see the Washington D.C. LDS temple and visitor center. It was nice and cool inside.

After seeing the temple we drove to Assateague Island to see the wild ponies. As we were driving to the island, just over the bridge a pony was walking right to our car, I thought it might walk right into us! There was so much more to see there and we didn't have the time, but we saw a lot of ponies and enjoyed the visitor's center. We were anxious to get to the boardwalk and beach in Ocean City, MD.

We spent the rest of the day playing in the water...Ok, let me rephrase this...when I say "we" I mean everyone except Mimi and I were playing in the waves! My favorite thing to do at the beach is to sit on the beach in my chair with my toes in the sand...that makes me happy! I do like to get in the water occasionally, but for me I love watching everyone ride the waves...like Elisabeth here...isn't she having the time of her life?!

It was such a fun day. We wanted to stay longer, but we still had a 3 hour drive home...we got home really late that night, but it was so worth it!

You can't come to visit us without taking a little time to see Colonial Williamsburg. Unfortunately, the weather had not cooled down, so once again we braved the humidity and heat and spent a couple of hours in Williamsburg. We left the little girls home with Dale, since he had to work on a paper for his class he is finishing up. That was a good call...the girls took a nap instead.

Elisabeth and Me.

We learned some "old games" they used to play...

and some of us learned fast...or did we?

The boys were thrilled to pose for a picture...

Elisabeth, Eric and the boys took one more trip to Little Island Beach for the day...they found some amazing crabs and had one more fun day at the beach!

We also went to Busch Gardens twice and went swimming in our neighborhood pool. The 2 weeks went by way too fast! We enjoyed having them here so much! Our kids get along so well, just like cousins...so they, of course they had their moments, but for the most part they got along so well! I loved having one of my best friends with me 24/7...who could complain about that?! And we just love Mimi, she is the best! My kids (and ME) love her like a grandma, she makes us all feel so loved! I just can't say enough great things about this family! We are so grateful for our friendship and the opportunity we had to have them in our home. What wonderful memories we made! I'm still having withdrawals from them leaving!

Now it's time to enjoy the next 2 weeks...Dale is off work so we will have to see what we can find to do for these last days of summer!

SAILING~

2011-08-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

When I saw a groupon for sailing, I thought that sounded like a really fun thing to do with Elisabeth and the kids while they were here...so, we bought the tickets and made the reservation...

How fun...a real ship! Let's go sailing!

Well...
They started complaining early on…they were bored. I mean, they did spend the day before riding waves in the ocean, and now they were just sitting on a slow moving boat where they couldn’t touch anything.

Elisabeth and I decided we should of come without the kids, it would have been way fun for us!
There were some smiles though…

Ok…we’re done…it was a nice thought anyway!

Let’s go back to the beach!

…and we did!

We took the girls the next evening for a little walk on the beach…

These 2 girls make me smile!

Check out the many faces of Emma…

What a fun night with just the girls!

Beach Bound!

2011-08-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

Our good friends came to visit for 2 weeks from Oklahoma. We were so excited to have them come and play for 2 weeks! The 2nd day they were here we were BEACH BOUND…it was a windy day, but the temperature was perfect. The boys couldn’t wait to hit the waves! They had so much fun riding on their body boards all day. Elisabeth and I enjoyed digging our toes deep in the sand and relaxing as we watched our kiddos surf and play in the sand! It was a perfect day!!!
Josh started digging a hole…it got deeper and deeper, so deep all the kids climbed in…The kids had fun feeding the seagulls cheetos, and Josh wanted to fly with the birds!

By the end of the day, the boys were told a few too many times by the lifeguard to stay to their right. The surf kept sweeping them down towards the pier. They had such a great day!!!

All of us were covered in sand from head to toe, but it was worth it all! We had many other outings planned…this was just the beginning!

The Cake…

2011-07-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

I had a few people comment on wanting to know how I made the cake. I had seen it done on the internet before, so when Maddie mentioned a rainbow party I knew I had to attempt the cake.
The first thing I did was buy the "good" food coloring at Michael’s. That stuff really works! I bought a white cake and followed the directions on the box, making sure you don’t put in the yolk. Then you separate the batter into six bowls, or however many colors you want to do. Using the food coloring, color the batter adding more food coloring to get the color the way you like it. Then you start layering the batter. Begin with the color you want on the bottom and pour it in the middle of the pan, then pour the next color on top of that, etc…until you have the colors layered on top of each other. The weight of each layer of batter will spread. Your cakes will look like this:

Then you bake them. I made them the night before the party, I put them in the freezer over night, I think that makes them taste better too. I used whipped cream frosting. Maddie had also requested a “peace sign” on her cake, so I used skittles to make the peace sign. I had seen oreo cookies used on a cake before, so I just put those on for added décor. I was pretty happy with the result…and it tasted yummy too!

Sorry about the blurry picture…I was in a hurry to get it, there were 8 little girls dying to get a piece, and I only got this shot. Dang it, it wasn’t focused right…oh well, you get the idea!
If you feel like you need more instruction, you can probably find a video on you tube too.
And to answer Colby’s questions…
They colored a Mural to add to the others up in the play room and they made necklaces and bracelets. They also painted on their own canvas bags that we put candy and art supplies in to take home.

I hope you all try this cake, it was a lot of fun to make.

The Party…

2011-07-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

I’m finally getting around to posting the pictures

from Maddie’s Birthday Party.

We had such a fun time…

painting

coloring

beading

posing for the photo booth

singing and dancing karaoke

and playing with the puppy!

(that part wasn’t on the agenda, but she seemed to be the hit of the party!)

It was a big success!

We were so lucky to have our friends from Oklahoma here to celebrate with us…

not to mention all the help Elisabeth was helping me get everything ready!

I think Maddie is pretty excited to be 6, she likes to remind us everyday!

Happy Birthday Maddie Cakes!

It's Someone's Birthday Today~

2011-07-18T09:00:00.003-05:00

Has it really been 6 years since we were blessed with this little bundle of Joy?

We have a big "Rainbow Art Party" planned for later today...we'll let you know how it goes...

I took her out for some quick Birthday pictures in her Rainbow Birthday dress.

Maddie's loves:
~coloring
~reading
~singing
~swimming
~playing with her puppy Phoebe (and her friends)
When you ask her what her favorite color is, she says a different color every time...it makes me smile every time!

We love to see her art work, and have it proudly displayed.
We love to hear her read her books with so much emotion.
When she sings, we smile :)
Her puppy has brought a lot of happiness into our home.
We love our "Maddie Girl"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!!!

Summer.Summer.Summer!

2011-07-11T21:55:00.002-05:00

Some of our favorite people came for a visit from D.C. We love hanging with our friends the Warnocks...there is always fun to be had when these kids are around!

Our first day was spent at the pool...what is a summer day without hours at the pool?

After the pool, this summer day would not be complete without running to the local farmer for some corn on the cob...then home to grill some hamburgers and hot dogs! Oh, can't forget the watermelon...we had that too!!!

Maddie had to get every single piece of silk off those corn cobs!

Then to finish off the perfect summer meal...we had to make some dessert...

and since we didn't have a fire...we improvised with the gas grill and made S'mores!

The next day we headed for the beach, I love that we can jump in the car and be to the beach within an hour.

We decided to go to a beach on Ft. Monroe, one the many military bases in the area. It took of couple stops to get to a beach that would allow pets (since I decided to bring the pup), but we finally made it to "Dog Beach" and got our "camp" set up...

The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming, building a sandcastle, playing catch, and just relaxing on the beach!

These 2 cuties are 2 of my favorite girls! I can't believe how big they are getting, I'm so glad we have been lucky enough to live close enough to see them on a semi-regular basis!

Phoebe and I had to sneak into this photo...love these 2 boys too! They are growing up too fast! Has it really been 5 years since our Dumosa days? (Cole, you were such a teeny tiny baby!!!)

I am amazed at how fast this baby of mine has grown up...I love her smile...that is one of the things I noticed first about this picture...her "big girl" smile!

Phoebe loved the beach, especially that fact that she could run around and meet new friends...

Thankfully, our favorite friends are staying in D.C. for 3 more years...so there will be many more visits. In fact, Colby just informed me that Cafe Rio is opening in a few weeks up there...so we will be making another get together sooner then later!!!

Love summer time. Love spending time with these friends. Love my family.

The end!
at least for now...

Our quick trip to NC.

2011-07-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

My brother and his family just moved to North Carolina from Houston, TX. When I say "just" I mean...like the day before we came to visit! We were invited though, we were actually recruited to help with the (6)kids while the movers where unloading and unpacking. Thankfully they had an awesome clubhouse that we just moved into for the day. It was perfect, it had a huge kitchen and big flat screen. We spent the day swimming and watching movies and eating. I think the kids had a blast. It was a fast trip, but we had to get back to Virginia so Kendra could catch her flight back to Las Vegas. The kids were so glad to see their cousins and their Poppy. My Dad was also recruited to drive the long haul with my brother, nephew and the dogs...the girls got to fly.

They have 5 girls, 3 of which are triplets.

Me and my Daddio!

Having them only 4 hours away means there will be many more quick trips! I love having family "sort of" close.

I was sad to put Kendra and Casen on the plane, we loved having them here.

But all good things must come to an end...

Dang it!!!

Yorktown~Williamsburg

2011-07-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our next day of site seeing was Yorktown. I had heard it had a nice "little beach" little was right, but it was nice. I loved watching the sail boats and ships out in the distance. It was also a lot easier to keep our eyes on the kids, since the waves were much smaller then Virginia Beach. Taylor technically wasn't supposed to get his stitches wet, but that didn't last long...

I got a lot of shots of Taylor's backside...he drives me cRaZy!!!

I posted this one, since Dale didn't even want to cooperate for a picture...Boys!!!

Ha...Gotcha :-)

Casen is an absolute character! That kid says the funniest things all the time! And the look on his face here..pretty much sums him up!!!

Williamsburg~
We decided to take the ferry across the James River to get to Williamsburg this time. It was a lot of fun, the kids thought it was so cool to drive our car on the ferry. We also took Phoebe along for the day.

We didn't know until we got there, that they were re-enacting the time before the Revolutionary war ended and the British had occupied Williamsburg. It was so fun to imagine what it was really like then.

I loved how this little girl was just sitting in the dirt playing...

Maddie and Casen did not like the guns and canons...it was too loud for them.

Taylor and Casen gave up on the real way you are supposed to play the this game...

Hula hooping seemed easier!

It was another great day in Williamsburg!

The rest of Kendra's trip consisted of a quick trip down to North Carolina to see our brother and his family who just moved there. We are so excited to have him only 4 hours away!

Kendra and her WiLd ChiLd~part 1

2011-07-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

My youngest sister Kendra brought her little guy Casen to visit for a week. I was so excited to have them come and see us. It was our first official week of summer, so it was a great way to start it off!!!

Taylor was at cub scout day camp, so Maddie and I took them to do a little site-seeing.

We started off in Smithfield. It's a quaint little town just up the road from us. Have you seen the Smithfield Ham commercials with Paula Dean? That's the Smithfield we're talking about. It has the cutest downtown area, with antique shops, cafe's, and beautiful historic homes.

After our visit to Smithfield, we picked Taylor up from camp and headed to the pool to cool off before dinner. When the kids were getting out the car, Taylor and Casen were playing around and somehow Taylor hit his knee on something (either a booster seat or something?) and literally split it wide open about 2 1/2 inches...it was bad! After some scrambling for towels and realizing I didn't know which ER to take him too...we were on our way to the hospital. I will spare you the gory cell phone pictures, but he ended up with 7 stitches...Awesome way to start off the summer! He was a trooper though, and even finished his week at day camp!

While Taylor was off to his last day of camp, Kendra and I sneaked off to the beach...

I went exploring to find a less populated beach...we found the perfect place. It was a little farther, but worth it!

It was a perfect day, and the kids loved it!

On our way home, there were a few farmer's market's with home grown fruits and veggies...I had to stop, especially since it's corn on the cob season! They also were selling fresh blue crabs! They let the kids pick them and hold them, they thought that was pretty cool!

2 days down...4 to go...

Last Day of School ~2011~

2011-06-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

We finally made it through the 2010~2011 school year...my kids thought it would never end! They actually ended up with 3 extra weeks of school, since they started the school year in Oklahoma and ended the year here in Virginia. They have adjusted so well here and have some great friends already!

I dropped in to watch both kids at their field day activities. I love watching my kids interact and have such a fun time at school with all their friends.

After some of the festivities they got to have a picnic...I love the way Maddie decided to eat her orange since she couldn't get the rind off...she just decided to eat it like an apple!

I loved watching her do the sack races for the first time. She did great and only fell once!

I tried to be a fly on the wall so I could get some pictures of Taylor...

It sort of worked for awhile, but I finally gave up and visited with some of the parents instead...he kept running away anyway...I guess some things just never change?!

I was only able to snap one shot of Taylor in the sack race, he didn't like it as much as Maddie.

He did however, LOVE the tug of war!

Those boys where all red faced, sweaty messes! But they had a blast, they even took on the parents and teachers! (I think the adults let the kids win!)

It was a good ending to a great 1st year in Virginia. The kids will be going to different schools next year,(not sure how I feel about that) K-3rd grade goes to one elementary and 4th-6th grade go to another, we will see how it goes next year?

We are looking forward to this summer spent with good friends, family, sun, sand, and water!!!

Field Trip to the ~Children's Museum~

2011-06-18T20:05:00.001-05:00

Maddie's kindergarten class got to go on their field trip to the newly remodeled Children's Museum. Maddie was so excited to ride the on bus with all her friends from school. The chaperones had to follow the bus, but I would of loved to see how cute they were. I love watching Maddie with her little girlfriends, they are so cute and funny!

I won't go into details on the pictures...

I will let them speak for themselves...haha...love this face!

WHOA...a Tornado!!!

She loved watching the trains from the little bubble...

Every kid loves bubbles, Maddie is no exception! I had a hard time getting her to move on!

Maddie with just a hand full of her new group of friends here in Virginia!!!

What a fun day she had!!!

~A Visit from Grammy~

2011-05-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

My Mom came out from Las Vegas to visit us for a week. We loved having her here. I have to admit I am a bit selfish with my Mom...I planned her visit when the kids were in school so we could shop and do all the fun things Mom's and daughters like to do! We just made sure to be home in time for the kids to come home from school. The weather was perfect and we spent a lot of time sitting on the front porch watching the kids, and the pup playing.

Of course living here in Virginia there is plenty of things to do and see. One of our visits was to Colonial Williamsburg. You just can't get enough of the history around here!

I love how there are people walking the streets in their period clothing. I think this lady might of been a little peeved I was taking her picture???

The gardens this time of year where beautiful!

My Mom is an avid reader...in fact while she was here, she read something like 8 books. Her kindle died and she forgot to bring the charger, so she had go buy a few more books. I think her granddaughter might be just like her...

Maddie constantly has a book in her hand!

Me, on the other hand...I just read on my phone...

The last day Mom was here Langley AFB had an air show. The weather changed that day and it was a bit chilly and rainy. Thankfully, it cleared up enough that we didn't get soaked.

We LOVED having Grammy here for the week...it went by way too fast!

And just so you know...

The WILLICUTIE Bed & Breakfast is taking reservations...so come see us!!!

Strawberry ~PICKIN'~

2011-05-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

There's nothing quite like fresh strawberry's that scream's summer!!!

When we drove by this strawberry patch...we had to stop!!!

Maddie even found a new pet...ladybug!

Definitely a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!!!

I've made the jam and the shortcake is in the oven...yum!

What we did for SPRING break ~part 2~

2011-04-28T18:33:00.001-05:00

We had originally planned to go up to D.C. the beginning of April so we could see the peak of the cherry blossoms, but the weather forecast just didn't cooperate, so we decided to reschedule for spring break instead. Dale took a few days off and we headed to Mt. Vernon first...

It was a beautiful day! Perfect weather to wander the grounds where our first president George Washington lived. It was a busy day there, I think a lot of other spring breakers had our same idea.

We enjoyed walking around the estate looking at the animals...Maddie thought the sheep were stinky...
Dale taught the kids how to whistle with a blade of grass...
We also spent a lot of time goofing off waiting for our turn to tour the mansion...

I loved the gardens...and I took full advantage of the photo-op!

This is the only tree left on the estate that dates back to the time when George and Martha Washington lived in the mansion.

These chairs are over a hundred years old...it was relaxing to just sit and look at the view of the Potomac River...we were still being goofy though!

Boy...what a difference a day makes! We went from sunny blue skies and 70 degrees in Mt. Vernon to waking up Friday to grey skies and a brisk 45 degrees...not the kind of weather we wanted while exploring the National Mall.

The camera didn't come out as much, since it was raining off and on, (but mostly on). We did manage to get a few shots in front of the National Archives, the Capital, Washington Monument, and the White House (it was pouring down rain while we at the White House, so we didn't stick around for a better picture).

We hit the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, and American History. Maddie was so disappointed that we didn't walk to see the Lincoln Memorial , but she spent most of the day on her Daddy's shoulders, and the rest of us were about walked out...we walked about 5 miles (and I'm not exaggerating either!)

We loved it even though it was cold and rainy. We look forward to our next trip to finish what we started. We also stopped by to see our good friends the Warnocks for a few hours...but we were anxious to get home to our favorite little pooch. It was the first time we left her for so long. I think she had a great time with her new friends...
This is what we came home too... (I know it's blurry, but it's the best I got!)

She was all decked out with her purple necklace and new bling on her dog tag!

She also was clean and smelled of puppy perfume!!!

What we did for SPRING break ~part one~

2011-04-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

Maddie has been wanting to try riding her bike without training wheels...
So we have been practicing with her...

...and finally she has done it on her own! (she is still such a little chicken though!)

I met a new friend recently, that also just moved here. We took our kids, that happen to be the same age :) to the beach for the afternoon. We took them down to Virginia beach...it couldn't of been a more perfect day to sit on the beach and relax! 82 degrees with a slight breeze...heaven! The water however was...FREEZING! The kids could of cared less...they had so much fun jumping the waves and playing in the sand!

I was trying to get a picture of Taylor, and he saw me and started to run...I really don't get him?

I'm going to get a picture of him regardless...cRaZy kid!!! (I think he secretly loves the attention!)

It was a perfect spring day!!!

Stay tuned for ~part two~

Taylor for PRESIDENT???

2011-04-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

It might not be a bad idea...

Lots of money for everyone and pizza every Saturday!!!

So move over Obama...and forget it Trump...

TAYLOR FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Poor Phoebe...

2011-04-03T17:51:00.000-05:00

Wants to go out and play too...

Doggie pile on Daddy...

Life is good...

It's all about TAYLOR today!

2011-03-28T12:48:00.001-05:00

It's taking my "not so little boy" turning 9 today, to get me back to blogging again! Hopefully I can get back into the routine of keeping our friends and family updated on our lives here in Virginia! But today my buddy turned 9, so here is a little bit of what he has been up to lately...

I love his blue eyes and his contagious laugh...as much as he makes us crazy around our house, life would not be the same without him!!! We love you and are so blessed to be your parents!!!

We celebrated his birthday on Saturday with some of his new friends at the roller skating rink. They had so much fun...I remember the roller skating rink being pretty awesome when I was his age too!!!
Even Dale got out there on his skates! We all got a kick out of the old guy in the yellow shirt and brown pants...he is an instructor there at the rink, but I think he is stuck in the 1970's...haha! Check out the girlies...aren't they beautiful!!!

Taylor had a great time, he couldn't even wait to play with one of the gift's he got...they had to break open the Beyblade and battle!!! It took him a couple tries to blow all his candles out, eventually he was able to blow them all out!

Taylor has also been keeping busy with cub scouts. He loves scouts so much, and has wonderful leaders. He will be moving onto the Bear Den this week.

A few weeks ago they had the Pinewood Derby...and he did pretty awesome!!!

Taylor's car is the "Red Destroyer"

and took 1st place!!! (woot!woot!)

You can't find Taylor very often without his OU hat on...and of course he saw I had the camera out, so he had to hide under it...some things never change!

He took 2nd over all...not too shabby for his 1st Pinewood Derby!

Here's to another great year....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!!

Sand & Sun

2011-02-25T10:29:00.001-06:00

I dusted off my camera the other day and actually took it with me to the beach. Yes, the beach!!! I love that we live close to many, many beaches...now if the weather would just warm up everyday, I might need to take a walk on the beach everyday!!!

Dog Days.

2011-01-22T08:17:00.007-06:00

Let's just say...

She's lucky she's cute!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-12T19:41:00.000-06:00

We forgot to drink our Martinelli's on New Year's Eve, probably because we all dozed off watching Dick Clark's ROCKIN' EVE...so we had it with our breakfast instead...Hi Taylor...you can't get away from me and my camera!

We got all the Christmas decorations down...

Except for our Christmas cards...I love having our friends hanging on the door, so I'm not taking them down yet. Besides, some of them we got after Christmas! We were a little scarce this year, I would like to think they didn't make it to us because we moved, not for some other reason. There is just something about getting Christmas cards, I love it!

Well...here goes, we have a new furry friend that joined our family on Saturday...

Meet PHOEBE ANN WILLICUTIE...aka..PAW (funny, huh...Dale came up with that one! He's clever like that!)

She is pretty cute, the kids and Dale are having so much fun playing with her. I enjoy just watching them and how funny that little creature is. I get the lovely duty of taking care of her 85% of the time, which means potty training. I wish they came already potty trained...oh well. The things we do for our kids and husband.

I must say though...she really is doing good. She is sleeping through the night now (whew!) and is doing pretty good with the potty training. She is a really good puppy, so I guess I will admit I like her...a lot.

She loves to chew and play.

I think she likes Dale the best...she cried this morning at the door when he left for work...kinda cute!

This is her favorite thing to do to Dale...so funny to watch!

She likes Taylor's hair too, maybe you should let me cut your hair Taylor?!

I just love the smiles she is putting on my kids faces!!!

House Guests!!!

2011-01-07T20:04:00.000-06:00

Some of our favorite people came down from D.C. to visit last week. There is ALWAYS fun to be had when the Warnock's come to play.

Our kids get along so well, and the Mom's love it!

We had enough left over snow that the kids built a snowman, they loved playing out in the cold, white stuff!

We all had a great time on the wii with Just Dance2...the Mom's even boogied, but of course we can't post that!!!

Colby had the camera and even got a REAL smile out of Taylor! (love it!)

Remember that nerf gun I was talking about...well the girls pretty much didn't have a chance with these 2 boys and their guns!

Love the laugh on John's face...priceless!

Dale set up his tent up in the bonus room for the boys to camp out in...and play games until the wee hours of the morning...

The rest of the kiddos lined up in a row in their sleeping bags on the floor in Taylor's room. (nice smiles girls??)

These 2 get along great, I still can't believe how big they are getting!

One of the things I admire most about the Warnock kids, is their creativity. I taped some butcher paper to the floor, and told them to draw something fantastic...and they didn't disappoint!

To get to our house you have to drive on a bridge that is almost 5 miles long, so I LOVED it when I saw what these girls came up with! I love everything from the bridge to the purple clouds. This piece of artwork is now hanging proudly in the bonus room. Can't wait for these guys to come back so we can add more artwork to the barren walls!

And of course what is a visit from Colby without a trip to Sonic...ok 2 trips to Sonic!!! I'm so glad she shares my obsession!

My life is about to change tomorrow...we are bringing home our new puppy Phoebe!

I'm scared...real scared!!!

Christmas twenty~ten.

2011-01-04T18:52:00.000-06:00

I got the kids to pose for the traditional Christmas Eve picture before they opened their Christmas jammies.

I just LOVE the smiles on their faces as they rip into their presents!

Still loving Maddie's excitement....but what happen Taylor???

You know you are getting pajamas so why the "oh geez, they are just pajamas" face? Oh yeah...every year he hopes it will be something else! Nope!

But Maddie is so thrilled with clothes, and I LOVE that about her! (of course we all know I did that to her :P)

So as I was going through my pictures to post, I realized I took a lot of video, but not a lot of pictures...so here are a few of Christmas Morning...

Maddie got the coveted American Girl doll, she named her Megan. She also got a bunch of outfits to change her into, and a bed for her. She loves her and is so cute with her!

Taylor got the Nerf Stampede gun...the mother of all nerf guns. He also got his own camera and the new Razor "Siege" scooter. I didn't get any still shots, but I'm positive you will see a lot of photos with Taylor and the stampede, it's a real hit!

We are just so happy we were able to be together as a family this Christmas. It was a nice quiet day!

That evening the news was reporting that a huge snow storm was headed our way...and boy were they right!

The next morning we woke up to a blanket of snow, and it continued to snow all day long! (They even cancelled church!) We ended up getting over a foot of snow. Too bad we didn't have snow gear to go and play in it.

Taylor and Dale got to work shoveling the walks. I went out and shot just a few pictures, but it was too cold and I didn't want my camera to get wet...so I went in and stayed :)

Whoops...the snow flake got Dale in the face!

They played in it for a little bit, but Maddie is like her Mom...we don't like to be cold or wet.

Taylor, on the other hand is like his Dad, he doesn't care...

I mean who shovels snow and plays in it for hours with just a hoodie on?

A Christmas Tradition.

2010-12-30T20:14:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to get caught up on blog posts. I know Christmas has come and gone, but one of the things the kids look forward to doing with their Dad is baking and decorating cookies. They missed out on it last year since he was gone, so they had been asking and begging every night!

Getting all ready for the decorating.

Being silly.

Let the decorating begin.

Tasting.

Happy eating.

We ended up eating most them. We didn't get around to delivering any because they kept disappearing...oh well, there is always next year!

I'm making some progress...3 posts in one night...I'm on a roll!

A quick trip to D.C.

2010-12-30T19:31:00.000-06:00

Earlier this month we took a quick trip up to D.C. to visit with some of our friends from our time out at Beale AFB. One of the best things about the Air Force are the people you meet along the way. It is so fun to be stationed out here on the east coast and get to see the friends we met on the west coast.

We left the kids with a babysitter and rode the metro into old Alexandria for a fun lunch with the Warnock's and Armstrong's. Of course the ladies needed to pose for a pic...

Colby, Rebecca, and Cara.

On our way to the restaurant we saw this cupcake place we knew we had to stop by after lunch. Colby and I had went for the vanilla bean with chocolate frosting...YUM.MMY!

It was a fun little afternoon date with some great friends!

Still wishing we weren't 2 1/2 hours away, but we will take what we can get!

Big Apple~Day 2~My Birthday!

2010-12-30T18:28:00.001-06:00

Saturday the 27th was my birthday, so we left all the kiddies home with Rachel (thank you, thank you!) and headed into the city for a fun day with no kids. First on the agenda was to try and get my fake coach handbag from Chinatown. Kerri and Paul dropped Dale and I off at Broadway and Canal St. to try to quickly get the goods. We had quite the "underground" experience locating my much desired bag, but in the end we found one and thankfully Dale was with me to negotiate! Sorry no picture of the bag...but I love it! After that we headed to the theater district for our show.

I have wanted to see Mamma Mia on Broadway for sometime...I love Abba! It was a fun show, especially the 6 or 7 encore songs they performed in spandex...the whole audience was up dancing...it was so fun!!! I'm so glad Kerri made this happen for me, she is such a great friend!!!

After the show we made the trek up Broadway to a very delicious and highly recommended Italian Restaurant. It was so yummy! They even brought out canoli's for desert with a candle...they were heavenly!

We had fun walking around Times Square and soaking up the sites and people. It was my best Birthday so far! Having my birthday so close to Thanksgiving, it sometimes gets over looked, so I was so happy to have such a fun weekend with friends and family!

The Big Apple~Day 1

2010-12-26T18:24:00.003-06:00

The day after Thanksgiving we rented a 10 passenger van and headed into the city with our 6 kids in tow. Paul was the perfect taxi driver, he knows how to drive in NYC, he got us right to times square in no time!

Paul, Kerri, Rachel, Spencer, Caitlin & Courtney!

After a few quick pics we went to get a bite to eat at Cosi's...

You can make your own s'mores table side. the kids loved it! (sorry about the out of focus pictures, it's the best I've got!)

After lunch we went on our trek of the city...first stop...Rockefeller Center!

It was so crowded you could hardly walk. We attempted to go into the Lego store for the kids, but had to get out of there before we were trampled!

The boys were so disappointed that Paul volunteered to take them back in to pick something out...what a nice guy! So the rest of us walked over to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

We then just wandered down 5th Ave. looking for FAO Schwarz. The kids loved the biggest toy store! I didn't take any pictures in there...too crazy, it was Black Friday after all!

Kerri and I across from Central park. I'm so glad we have been able to keep in contact for so many years!

Another attempt for a "good" family pic at one of the entrances to Central park. We didn't get to go into the park. By this point the kids were done walking around!

One of my favorite shots with my main squeeze! What a fun day!!!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-13T19:14:00.002-06:00

This year for Thanksgiving we got to head up to Pennsylvania to my good friend Kerri's house. We have been close friends since junior high, and without giving my age away...that would be ummm...about 27 years! The last time we got to spend Thanksgiving with them was back when we lived in North Carolina and I was pregnant with Taylor. So, it's been 9 years! (we have seen each other since then)

We were looking forward to getting our kids together, she has a 12 year daughter, an 8 year old son, and twin girls Maddie's age, so it was so fun to get the kids together again.

Don't these 3 look like they could all be sister's?

Kerri is an amazing cook, and had everything ready to go...including her homemade rolls!

Check out Maddie...I think she had at least 3!

Here are the kids at their table...of course the boys would not look at the camera, go figure.

The adults table.

We got a little surprise snow storm that came through and left us some fun stuff to play in for awhile. Dale and Taylor had fun throwing snowballs.

Maddie loved eating it!

We had such a fun day being thankful for being back together as a family and spending it with such great friends!

An afternoon in Colonial Williamsburg.

2010-12-02T16:12:00.002-06:00

One of the many benefits of where we live now, is there is SO much to do in a very close proximity to us. We are going to take advantage of as much of it as we can while we live here!

The first weekend after Dale got home we headed over to Colonial Williamsburg, which is only about 30 minutes away. We went ahead and got an annual pass, so we can go back as often as we want.

The weather couldn't of been more perfect, another benefit of living here is the weather...the fall season tends to last all the way into December. The colors of the trees are amazing!

The kids and Dale pose with Thomas Jefferson.

Taylor begged to take the pictures...so I let him, only if he would let me take some of him :p

They have a children's area with little activities and games for the kids.

See what I mean about the colors of the trees?

Off with their heads!!!

If there is a tree...Taylor will climb it!

It was fun to see all the people walking around in their period clothing and acting as if it were 1776.

Loved listening to these young men! They had to be in high school, but they were very good!

I will let him take pictures with my camera whenever he wants if I can get smiles like this all the time!

Stay tuned for our next adventure...NYC!!!

Guess what Maddie wants for Christmas???

2010-11-22T15:23:00.000-06:00

Home for Good!!!

2010-11-21T17:18:00.003-06:00

Dale finally finished his one year remote assignment to Saudi Arabia! We were so excited to finally have him back home, especially since we moved across the country without him and we have been a bit lonely!

We spent the afternoon before he came home, making a sign to hold up at the airport. Maddie and I did most of the work...Taylor just isn't into the coloring thing anymore.

Maddie was cracking me up while we were waiting for him...she laid the sign on the ground and was wiggling her hips in circles and singing...she sure makes us laugh!

Taylor decided he wanted to hide behind the pole so he could jump out and surprise his Dad...except that didn't work. Dale saw Maddie and went running up to her, and Taylor was still hiding, oblivious to the fact that his Dad was already holding his sister, and I was too busy trying to get pictures and video to notice Taylor was still over behind the door...silly kid!

The lighting was horrible in this airport, and I was just happy to see Dale, so I didn't take many pictures...but the ones I did get, show the joy!

WELCOME HOME DADDY!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-30T21:53:00.002-05:00

Trick or Treating was a great way to end our time here in Oklahoma! We had PERFECT weather and wonderful friends to spend it with.

We are leaving tomorrow for Virginia, there will be a lot of tears as we pull out of town, but we will be leaving with very fond memories and very dear friends!

SOLD...JUST KIDDING!!!

2010-10-19T23:05:00.003-05:00

Don't even ask...

SOLD!

2010-10-03T14:10:00.002-05:00

I have such mixed emotions about seeing the Sold sign in our yard...

We have lived here for over 4 years, which is longer then anywhere else we have lived since we started this journey in the Air Force.

This is also the first time we bought a house...a house we have loved!

I'm going to cry at closing, I'm sure...

We are just so relieved and grateful though, that the "right family" came along, just at the right time to buy our home. I have no doubt there was divine intervention in this particular family choosing our house...they even asked for me to leave Maddie's big M on the wall, because their daughter's name starts with an M!

We are leaving such dear friends who we are going to miss so much...I really don't want to think about saying goodbye...it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it...so I'm not going to think about it right now.

We close in a couple weeks, so I only have this week until the packers come. I keep looking around my house taking mental pictures, and again tearing up to think we only have a week left in this house.

It will be a crazy rest of the month, so I'm pretty sure the blog will be neglected for the next month or so. I will come back just as soon as I can with pictures of our new home in Virginia. We also have a date for November 14th for Dale to come home from his 1 year deployment...can I get a HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so happy we are almost done and we can have our Daddy back!

Here is a little eye candy for ya'll...I'm in love with this picture of my kids...I think I need a ginormous one to hang in my new house!!!!

...and to all our "Okie-hommies" we will MISS you all!!!

"I'm a Cowgirl"

2010-09-24T16:57:00.002-05:00

Yes we are still here, just been busy, and lazy...

I haven't pulled out the camera much, and I haven't been motivated to blog much.

I will try to be better.

Couldn't resist these pink boots when I saw them...

Then when Maddie saw herself...she yelled "I'm a cowgirl!"

Taylor is hiding as usual...such a stinker!

Back to School 2010...

2010-08-20T22:59:00.002-05:00

New outfits...New Shoes...

What's a new school year without some cute pics of the kiddos? Taylor obliged and actually smiled for a picture, but don't be fooled, it took a lot coaxing...A LOT!!! Which is why this is the only picture of him...smiling (sort of).

Taylor, of course wanted to ride the bus. Maddie wanted to WAIT for the bus, but was too scared to ride it! (I wouldn't of let her ride it anyway...I'm not ready for her to be that BIG!)

My Beautiful (toothless) Kindergartener!

Can I do this Mom?

Yes! She walked right in and sat down in her spot! I was so proud of her being such a BIG girl!

I went and poked my head in to take a peak of Taylor...and I got caught!

This year the kids get to go to a brand new school. They are so excited, too bad they only get to go for a couple of months. I know they will have a great experience there. I'm impressed with both teachers so far!

I really am secretly sad that summer is over...so we will still be hanging out at the pool as much as we can!

I guess turning 5 means...

2010-08-14T19:53:00.002-05:00

A visit from the toothfairy...

Twice in one week!!!

What the heck? This is MY baby we are talking about here!

I SO was not expecting her to loose her teeth so soon!

And now I have to give her to her Kindergarten teacher this week too...

GEEZ!! STOP GROWING UP ALREADY!!!

Maddie turned 5...3 weeks ago!

2010-08-08T18:46:00.004-05:00

She woke up bright and early, and couldn't wait to open her presents!

My cousin Carie was here visiting us from California, so while we were at church she took care of making Maddie's cake as "purplicious" as she could, with what I had in the cupboard's.

I love Maddie's shy look as we were singing her Happy Birthday!

We had her party at jump zone later on in the week...she couldn't stop talking about it!

Maddie with some of her favorite girls!

She was pretty good at the air hockey table!

Her favorite part was sitting in the throne...she didn't get off until it was time to go home!

Some more of Maddie with her besties!

Maddie's Top 5 Favs...

5. Jumping on the trampoline

4. eating Oreo cookies

3. swimming

2. playing with friends

1. coloring..painting..crafting!

Happy Birthday Sis...can't believe you are 5! My baby is growing up way too fast!

{CABO SAN LUCAS}

2010-07-31T21:19:00.003-05:00

We loved Cabo...

Dale left early early in the morning to go scuba diving, he loved it and said it was beautiful.

(He brought a cheap underwater throw away camera, that obviously didn't take good pictures...it kind of looks like these pictures were taken back in 1982 or something!)

At least a few of the pictures turned out...

well...sort of.

The kids and I left a couple hours later on a "tender boat" ride across the bay.

We walked around and shopped at the flea market and bought more little souvenirs.

It was surprisingly chilly, only about 80 degrees and windy with no humidity. It was really the perfect day!

The kids waiting patiently for Dad to get back from his scuba diving trip.

We then had some lunch at a yummy place called "No shoes, No shirt, No Worries"

We also found it interesting that when ever you ordered a soda it was always in a can...nothing on tap...hmmm wonder why???

...and Yes I really have curly hair, but I hate it (especially when it's short) and I fight it, except when I'm on vacation and in the water a lot!

The kids loved seeing the tiger cub.

(they wanted way too many pesos for a picture with the cub.)

Walking the streets of Cabo...it was really our favorite port in Mexico.

We took a boat ride out to see the famous Lover's beach and the Arch.

The "Window to the Pacific"

The Arch from the Sea of Cortez side.

The Arch from the Pacific side.

The kids bought these little whistle thingy's from a little girl on the side of the road...

They loved them, but they were annoying...luckily they have forgotten about them!

We had such a great time on our cruise. We are already planning our next one...

We got back from our trip only to send Dale back to Saudi Arabia for 3 1/2 more months. It's hard, but we have a lot to look forward to in the next few months.

We found out this week we will be moving to Virginia. Dale will be stationed at Langley AFB, just north of Virginia Beach, VA and just a couple hours south of Washington, D.C.

We are very excited about heading back to the east coast! There is so much history that we are excited to explore with the kids.

I am ready for summer to be over...without Dad around time is slowly ticking by.

Hopefully with all the changes going on in our lives, time will fly by!

{Mazatlan}

2010-07-26T18:41:00.004-05:00

We started our day in Mazatlan with an "open air taxi" ride which, as you can see is basically a glorified golf cart! It was a little scary driving 40mph through the streets of Mazatlan with no windows, and seat belts! Needless to say I had a tight hold on my kiddos!

Dale took the front seat so he could work on his espanol...

The kids loved the ride...

We wondered the streets looking for the path way to the beach...

We found the beach, and all the Mexicans selling stuff. Maddie wanted "those hair braids with beads" so we came across a woman who only charged $20 for half her head...(I thought stuff was cheaper in Mexico...ya, not so much!)

While Dale and Taylor were out body surfing, Maddie played in the sand!

and did a little posing for her Mom!

Among all the "retailers" along the beach...were some guys trying to get you up in the air on a parasail.

I have always wanted to go...so with a little negotiating I was up, up and away! I took Dale's camera up with me wrapped around my wrist!

There's my family down there somewhere!

After a fun day at the beach, we found an authentic little Mexican restaurant that had THE.BEST.SALSA.EVER!!! Their fajita's were pretty darn good too! Taylor thought the cheese was the best he had ever had!

Back to the boat for another night at sea...our next stop Cabo San Lucas...

Together Again...part 2 {{ THE CRUISE}}

2010-07-23T22:48:00.004-05:00

We set sail from Long Beach, CA headed to the Mexican Riviera. We had such a fun time taking advantage of all the activities and food on the ship.

The kids loved the swimming pools, water slide, splash pad, and the HOT tub! We were a little surprised at how cold it was...60 or so degrees outside! What??? I thought it was supposed to be warm?!

Fun times on the ship...

Our first port:

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

We thought it was so funny that the first thing we saw at the port was Wal-mart...had to get a picture of that! (and NO we didn't go!)

We only brought the little point-and-shoot camera off the ship , so the pics aren't that great...but you get the picture (ha!)

Our first plan for Puerto Vallarta, was a snorkling and kayaking excursion out by the Marieta Islands.

Here we are before the Catamaran took forever to get there...

Dale practicing his balance...or did he have a few too many drinks??? (I only say that because, everyone else on the boat DID have a few too many!)

Dale and Taylor loved the snorkeling! I would of enjoyed it a little more if Maddie would of liked it...she did come out with me, but we got a little freaked out when someone said they saw a jellyfish!

Taylor and I had fun kayaking.

After the snorkeling trip, we took the kids on their first taxi ride into town to do a little site seeing and shopping.

It was fun wandering through all the shops...looking for just the right sombrero...

Red and small???

Or Blue and Big???

Maddie went straight for the pink!

playing some tunes...

We finished the day off with some dinner at Senor Frogs!

Our first experience in Mexico was really fun...hot and humid! We got back on the ship and headed to Mazatlan...

Together Again...Part 1

2010-07-13T10:47:00.002-05:00

Dale wasn't home but 2 days before we off on our whirl wind 2 1/2 week adventure.

1st destination...Cobia Family Reunion in Brian Head, Utah.

Our first stop along the way was Vail, Colorado. We stopped there to enjoy the mountains for a few hours. When we got there we found out they were having a big farmer's market that day.

It was so fun taste testing all the yummies and just loving the 75 degree weather!!!

Taylor wanted a turn with the camera, I didn't realize until later he took about 20 pictures of us in this pose...kids are so funny!

That night we made it to Richfield, Utah and spent the night. The next morning we had a few hours to kill while waiting for the family to all meet up...

We went on a tour of Cove Fort. It is a fort that was built back in 1867 and is the only fort built by the LDS settlers in the 1800's that is still standing.

We enjoyed seeing how the people lived back then. You can learn more about the fort here.

After Cove Fort, we met up with the family...all 34 of us under one roof!

We had a great time...

Hiking in Cedar Breaks...

(notice my Dad's shirt...Team Poppy, my sister found it and thought it was perfect since my Dad goes by Poppy!)

Poppy with his 21 grandkids!

Playing at the near by park...

Lots of crafting by all the girls...and a few of the little boys.

Another shirt my sister found for Dad that is VERY appropriate :)

Nate and Baby Boone.

I didn't see much of Taylor...he was always off playing with his cousins somewhere...

The whole Family...

My great parents, who started all this craziness!!

We had such a great time, it's too bad we can't get everybody together more often!

After our time at the cabin we headed to Las Vegas and spent a couple more days at my parents house before taking off to California...

Taylor's Baptism.

2010-07-06T16:34:00.002-05:00

Taylor turned 8 back in March, so he has been patiently waiting for his Dad to come home to baptize him.

We were so happy to have so many friends be there to support him!

We are so proud of your decision to be baptized Taylor!!!

Daddy is home!!!

2010-06-26T14:51:00.002-05:00

After a 3 hour delay Dale finally got home at 10:45pm! The kids were so excited!

We made a big banner to welcome him home...too bad it was dark when we actually got home!

The kids patiently waiting for him to get off the plane!

Needless to say the kids and I are so happy he is home for 3 weeks.

We are having a great time! A lot has happened in the short time he has been home, so there will be a lot of catching up to do on the blog.

But that will have to wait until we get home from our fun filled vacation.

Here is the video I attempted to get of the kids when they first saw their Dad.

Safety Town...Drop-out.

2010-06-12T23:05:00.002-05:00

One of the great things our local mall offers is a free program for kids going into kindergarten called, Safety Town. The kids learn all about being safe on their bikes, they also learn about street signs and safe walking. Then the firemen even come and teach fire safety. It's all set up in a little miniature town, with street lights and crosswalks and little buildings. It runs for 45 minutes, for 5 days.

Taylor did this and loved it, he had a great time! So, Maddie recently got a "big girl" bike so we have been telling her all about safety town, she was excited to go.

The first day was great, she went right in the little red school house and listened, then they all learned about safe walking and walked around the little town "practicing." I thought, "great!" she will love it tomorrow when she gets to ride the bikes...

hmmm...she came out the little red school house with that "concerned Maddie" look...

the instructer tried to get her to choose a bike, but instead she stood there and teared up...

I wasn't sure why she was so timid about it...I decided to just sit back and see what she did without interfering, in hopes she would eventually get on a bike and ride.

she just stood there and observed everyone else riding past her...

A little more coaxing from her instruct0r...

She's thinking about it...

Oh...she has her hand on the handle...

Awww Darn!! She missed her turn!

Instead she just stood there and looked purdy...

Needless to say...she didn't want to go back...

I can't believe my kid dropped out of Safety Town! Silly Girl!

It's Official...

2010-06-09T16:16:00.001-05:00

The house is on the market.

I'm feeling sad about it too.

Maddie's Dance Recital.

2010-06-05T14:34:00.004-05:00

Maddie has enjoyed dance this year. We changed to a different studio, and I'm so glad we did! Her teacher has been so good for her. She has made some great new friends and loves to dance!

Here is Maddie with some of our friends from church that also take at the same studio...aren't they darling?!

Maddie got some purple flowers from her Daddy...I love the semi-shy sweet look on her face.

Maddie with Miss Brianna her dance teacher.

Mrs. Reynold's her Pre-K teacher even came...Maddie was thrilled to have her there! I love that Mrs.Reynold's took time out of her busy day to come! Have I said lately how much we love her? We just can't stand the thought of not seeing her this summer....so Maddie is going to her Mother's day out program she runs in the summer...score!!! Now if we could just take her with us!!!

I decided not to force Taylor into going to a 2 1/2 hour dance recital, so it was just Maddie and Mom. We had a great time and I sure enjoyed the rest of the show too!

Here is Maddie's dance from the rehearsal (they didn't allow cameras or video the day of the show) Enjoy the cute little show for those of you that care! (and thanks Katee for taking the video!)

We are looking forward to a very busy week of sports camp, safety town, getting the final touches done on the house for realtor visits, swimming...and a count down to Dad coming home...only 10 days! WooHoo!!!

End of School Wrap-Up...

2010-05-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

I've been on a blogging hiatus...but I suppose it's time to get caught up, so this is going to be a long one folks...

Maddie had her "Land Run" picnic...all the kiddos lined up ready to run and claim their land...

Maddie was obviously upset someone took her land first...priceless look I caught there huh?!

She got over it pretty quickly :o)

Taylor played soccer this season. He loved it and did really well too!

Taylor had his 2nd grade awards program, I missed him getting his award, because I was taking Maddie to school...dang it!

I attempted to get a picture of him with it, but as you can see he wasn't going for it...stinker!

He wouldn't even smile for me with his teacher. I guess he thinks he's too cool for that, like I said before..S.T.I.N.K.E.R!

I knew if I tried hard enough I could get a picture of that kid smiling :o)!!!

Maddie had her pre-K awards program.

Cute video of the kids singing their Pre-K song. *please don't judge my video skills...it was very wobbly at first...I was trying to get away from the ugly heads in the way...HA!!!

Maddie blowing her Mommy a kiss!

Super kids day at Taylor's school...These boys were so funny to watch, but boy did I have to run to keep up with them!

Well, that pretty much sums it up...another school year come and gone.

This will be the last one here in Oklahoma, which is going to be sad.

We will really miss all our friends here.

We are looking forward to a fun summer filled with days at the pool with great friends.

But most importantly...Dad comes home on June 16th for 23 days...woohoo! We will be heading to Utah for a family reunion, then setting sail for a week to the Mexican Riviera, can't wait!!!

My Mom...

2010-05-09T18:34:00.004-05:00

Finally after almost 4 years, Grammy got to come out and visit the kids and I.

We had a great time doing what us Cobia girls do best...Shopping! Maddie is technically a "willicutie" but I've already got her trained pretty good at the whole shopping thing. In fact, the other day when I picked her up from school, she asked me what we were doing today...I told her I didn't know yet, she then said "How about we go to a store like Target or Hobby Lobby?!" So yes, she is well on her way to be a great shopper just like her Grammy and Mom!

Unfortunately, I didn't pull out my camera very much.

I did bring it the day we went up to the Oklahoma City Memorial.

Maddie took this one...can you tell? Not too bad, especially since the camera almost weighs as much as she does!

We also did a little eating...this is Maddie posing for me at the cupcake shop!

My Mom and Maddie with our cupcakes!

Maddie was being silly for us, so I just have to share these next few...

And the night before my Mom went home, I realized I hadn't gotten one picture of my Mom with Taylor...so we had to snap a quick one of Taylor fresh out the shower and ready for bed.

I'm so glad my Mom was able to come visit us. She is the best Mom and Grammy! We love her so much and are blessed to have her in our lives!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Pre-K at the ZOO.

2010-04-26T19:28:00.004-05:00

Maddie took her very first ride on the bus for a field trip to the zoo.

Along with 1200 other Pre-K kids...to see Elvis read the book, "The Chicken Dance"

She got to eat lunch with all her friends.

Then she got to see the new Children's Zoo!

She was a little hesitant to pet the goats in the "barnyard"

but if no one is looking, she just might barely touch it!

She was "Super" excited to see Super Why there too!

She loved playing in the waterfall...

and skipped and played down the stream.

Maddie and Mrs. R...who we wish we could just have for the next 12 years of Maddie's life, she really is a gem of a teacher!

A face only a Mother could LOVE!

2010-04-08T21:24:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Saudi.

2010-04-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hi Guys!

Since Dale has been over in Saudi, he has worked to get his scuba diving certification.

They got to go to the Red Sea to certify. It is one of the top 5 places to scuba dive in the world.

I think he had a great time!

Some of the things Dale does in his free time...

Hangs out with his new found friends...

At the Camel Races!!!

He even sent me a few treats...Of course he sent me some diet coke, then some jam's, and these caramel waffle things, which are very good! I told him he is going to have send me more of those!

We are glad he is keeping busy with all his activities and new friends!

But we know he would much rather be home with us. We are getting closer, we are almost half way done, we are on month 5! Yay! And come June 17th-ish, he will be home for 3 weeks! Can't wait!

a few of our EASTER activities.

2010-04-04T19:32:00.003-05:00

The kids both have a new set of wheels...

What a nice day we had today.

The kids got along so well, which isn't always the case around here!

I love General Conference weekend. It's always so nice to get spiritually rejuvenated!

We had beautiful weather, I opened the windows and enjoyed the spring breeze sweep through my home.

Hope this weather sticks around...I love it!!!

My Easter Bunnies.

2010-04-04T10:35:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter!

Remembering Lilly.

2010-04-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

It's April 1st today.

It was 6 years ago today my sweet little niece Lilly passed away.

My brother and sister-in-law always do something special to remember her on this day.

This year my Sister-in-law joined a contest here. It is a photographer that is photographing 30 strangers in 30 days. He picked 30 people out of over 500...

Guess what...he picked her and my niece (Lilly's older sister Autumn) to be the 1st to be photographed today!

What a fun opportunity for Jennifer and Autumn to be be photographed with Lilly's photo on this day. I can't wait to see it.

So be looking here for all the fun photographs!

We are thinking about Aaron and Jennifer today. It always brings tears to my eyes when I think of this trial they face each day, not having Lilly here on earth with them.

We love you guys and can't wait to see your pictures!!!

I can't believe he's 8!

2010-03-28T10:32:00.003-05:00

But he is! Today is his birthday, but we celebrated with some friends Friday night.

I was crazy enough to think taking 7 boys to a movie was a great idea...

Thanks to my friend Sarah, she offered to come help (since she did the same thing a week before, so she knew it wasn't going to be an easy task to corral 7 boys!)

We went to see "How to train your Dragon" on opening night, so that too made it a little crazy...we managed though, and the boys loved it, and had a great time!

I still can't believe Taylor is 8, he is looking forward to becoming a boy scout and getting baptized. He has to wait for Dad to come home in June before he gets baptized, but he is OK with that, because it is important to him to have his Dad baptize him.

Little Miss helped me make the cupcakes for the party while Taylor was at school. She wanted "one of those things with the light on them that you can blow out" so she got one...she cracks me up!

We will share more of Taylor's birthday fun later...he is out riding his new electric scooter right now...sure hope I can get him in soon to get ready for church!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Our Spring Break getaway.

2010-03-19T19:39:00.005-05:00

We headed down to Houston for our 2nd annual spring break trip with our cousins!

It all started here...and obviously Taylor had a blast!

Maddie just hung around and watched the boys on the 4 wheelers...she was too afraid to get on and take a ride.

She enjoyed visiting with her cousin "Lollie"

Uncle Jared gave all the girls a little lesson on fishing.

Maddie got some one-on-one time too!

Taylor loved playing in the fire...it was making me so nervous! I kept having visions of someone getting burned with all the sticks those boys were playing with, I know I'm a nervous Mom!

I just loved this picture of Maddie laughing with her cousins.

Then the bonfire was lit...you can only imagine how high my blood pressure shot up when I saw Taylor with his big stick playing in the fire!

Maddie always has so much fun with her 5 cousins...it's a little girl's heaven going to my brother's house! I caught them playing "make-up" here...

She even got some hoop time!

...and some storytime! (if you know Maddie at all she loves books and is always "reading" them to whoever will listen)

We got rain one day, so the kids ended up doing a lot of this...(my brother has an awesome set up with the video games out in the workshop...genious!)

and this...

Thankfully the sun came out again and the games were on again!

We also took the kids swimming and Jennifer and I got some retail therapy with and WITHOUT children! We can't wait to see our cousins again this summer!

Maybe...

2010-03-11T21:49:00.005-06:00

I will get around to blogging again...

Just not in the mood lately...

Just give me a another week or so, and hopefully I'll be back...

I will leave you with a little eye candy...

Maddie had to have this new swimming suit...Ok, maybe her Mom had to have her have it :)

I will have a lot to blog about after spring break...

Have a Great Week!!!

Oh, I almost forgot...you need to check out this give away my friends sister is doing on her blog...

some cute stuff ladies!
Check it out here.

Random.

2010-02-22T16:11:00.003-06:00

Just a random update on what we've been up too...

This little cutie may have those big baby blues wide open here...

However...I seem to find her more like this lately...

maybe she is going through a growth spurt or something??? Last night she fell asleep at 6pm, and woke up at 7am! (but I'm not complaining at all!)

It was Art night at Taylor's school last week...I paid $1 for this awesome piece of artwork entitled "crazy squares"

A few other activities we have had going on is Maddie's dance class... (these next few pics were taken with my phone...thus the poor quality)

One of the fun things Taylor and I do each week while Maddie is at dance, is Taylor picks a place to eat since he goes directly to Judo after dance...it is a good opportunity for him and I to have some one-on-one time.

He is discovering some new treats...like rootbeer floats...and our new favorite place is a self-serve yogurt place called "Orange Tree"

Both kids had dentists appointments...with great results NO cavities!

I didn't get a picture of little Miss since she still cries the whole time at the dentist...she doesn't like it so much. I'm hoping she grows out of it soon. I remember the first time we took Taylor to this dentist when he was 4. As soon as we got out of the car he took off running around to the side of the building! He did not want to go, so he thought he could run away, it was pretty funny...and every 6 months when we pull up to our appointment he says..."remember Mom, when I tried to run away, because I didn't want to go to the dentist?" He has grown up so much since then! Let's hope Maddie will get up on the chair next time without crocodile tears!

Be my {Valentine}

2010-02-12T13:57:00.003-06:00

Today was Maddie's class Valentine party. I love the smile on her face when she noticed I was there.

They each got a sugar cookie to decorate...Maddie only eats the frosting.

She did pretty well putting her pizza away...

Probably because she was starving because she wouldn't eat breakfast.

They got a cute little flip book from their book buddies.

She loves it.

Maddie with her teacher Mrs.Reynolds (best teacher ever, btw!)

They also sang their alphabet song...so cute. I only recorded the last little bit because I forgot I have video on my camera, which I am loving! (This is mostly for her Daddy's enjoyment, but you can watch too!)

The kids and I made some Valentine cookies the other night too, yes I'm having to bake a little since Dale isn't around to do it. I am actually enjoying it...a little.

After a long, hard day...Maddie fell asleep on the couch, with her babies close by!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Snow Buddies.

2010-02-07T18:34:00.003-06:00

Well...not really, it just sounded like a good title.

Because, like I said before...Maddie is like her Momma, and doesn't care so much about the cold and snow.

but this kid on the other hand...

Loves it! And had no problem falling back in the snow when I asked him to make me a snow angel!

She did come out for a few minutes to watch her brother play!

and play he did! Had so much fun sledding until he was wet!

This picture is just because...I know her Daddy will love it as much as I do!

I guess we are in for more snow tomorrow...

I'm done with the cold and winter...bring on Spring please!!!

Ice.Ice.Snow.

2010-01-29T13:05:00.003-06:00

Day 1:

~woke up got in the shower and ready for the day...

~turned on the TV to find out...

~No school, because of the Big Storm...Great!

First thing Taylor did was run outside and started playing in the wet, cold stuff!

I did not want to step outside of my house in fear of slipping and falling on my head like I did in the last ice storm...so I tried to get some pictures of Taylor breaking up the ice on the trampoline from my back doorway.

He got smart and came inside to play. Our next door neighbor came over to hang out.

All they did for hours was play with their DSi's...

They didn't even stop to eat...

Finally they got tired of that, and found other various activities to keep them busy...like jumping off the top bunk onto the beanbag...luckily no one got hurt.

I took this picture to show the ice on my dining room window. You can't even see out the window because of the ice!

Day 2:

We woke up to the beginning of a snow storm...it is pretty...but I still don't like it...my life revolves around me running around staying busy...not sitting around my house all day. When it snows in Oklahoma it pretty much cripples the city.

This is the ice that has accumulated on my house...crazy huh?!

And of course...the fact that it was beginning to snow did not keep Taylor inside...
Can you see the ice on the trampoline enclosure?

Maddie even decided she was missing out too, so she geared up and headed out...I decided I wanted to get a few pictures of both of the kids playing...it didn't last long though...I don't like to be cold, and I didn't want my new camera to get wet!

This is my sanity...good thing I picked up a 24 pack before the storm hit!

The snow is still coming down, so I'm sure this will be the longest weekend of my life!!! Good thing I got a 24 pack and not just a 12!

Taylor takes Gold.

2010-01-24T21:39:00.004-06:00

We spent all day at the Sooner State Games yesterday.

And once again...Taylor went away with the Gold medal in his division.

I'm thinking he needs some tougher competition.

Here is a video of one his matches yesterday. (you might want to mute, so you don't have to hear my commentary!)

Maddie had her moment to shine on the mat...she really wasn't supposed to be on there, but let's be honest she was bored, and being cute!

Way to go Taylor!!!

Scenes from Saudi.

2010-01-22T10:30:00.004-06:00

This is Saudi Arabia...

This isn't quite how I had invisioned it...

I guess I had pictured it a little more sandy? And less rocky...

Dale has taken on a new hobby...

It's called "HASHING"

I will probably do a horrible job of describing what it really is...so I'm not going to try very hard.

There is a big group of people from many different countries that get together to go on this adventure. There are the "Brit's" (British), there are the "Ausie's" (Australian's) and my favorite was when I asked him what they call us as American's he said, we are the "Yank's!"

Anyway...someone goes the day before and sets the trail with flour, then everybody meets the next day for the start of the race. You can either walk it or run the trail. It is obviously a little harder then just a run, I would say it is more like a hike, but then if you run it...well I don't really understand the whole thing...Dale really should be the one explaining this...

They also can lead you on a false trail, so you have to make sure you stay on the right trail...or you might get lost?

I love Dale's signature "hands on his hips" pose...We miss you honey :)

We love hearing about his fun adventures in the desert, going "into town", and going to church on Friday in a country that doesn't allow you to practice Christianity.

This kid...

2010-01-16T22:12:00.003-06:00

Gives me a lot of reasons to laugh...

Here are just a few...

This sign he made himself. It is hanging on his bedroom door.

(if you couldn't tell, it is a girl crossed out, when that didn't keep other kids out he added the "no little kids either")

This is how I have found him watching TV lately.

Speaking of TV...the funniest thing he did this week was...

Set his alarm for 4am!

When I asked him WHY in the world would he want to get up that early he said, "so I could watch TV for 3 hours before I go to school." (you should of seen the smirk on his face!)

Needless to say, I will be checking his alarm every night before I go to bed...just in case.

Pink.

2010-01-15T22:14:00.002-06:00

My friend Mrs. Morty and I threw a baby shower for our friend "Scrappy"...it was all things Pink!

She has 3 boys...so we needed to make sure her closet was filled with pink...not blue!

Their lives are about to change forever...in so many ways!!!

It has been so fun getting ready for her appearance into this world...only 16 more days, but who's counting??? Scrappy! HA!

Our Christmas Vacation...Vegas Style!

2010-01-08T20:51:00.006-06:00

We were excited to spend Christmas this year with my family. The kids had fun spending time with their cousins that they rarely get to see.

Taylor loved hanging out with his oldest cousin Jake...he thought he was pretty cool being able to play video games with him and his friends. Taylor also wants to grow his hair out just like Jake's...not sure I can handle that one!

Maddie thinks he is pretty cool too! (I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual!)

Maddie loved playing with "baby Casen" and Aydan.

My Mom and I took the kids one night to see the lights and sample some chocolates at Ethel M's...Poppy was being grumpy that night and didn't feel like going...wait Poppy was grumpy every night..HA!!

The traditional picture in front of the tree on Christmas Eve before they opened their Christmas jammies.

Auntie Sara brought gifts for all the kids...do you think Maddie was a little excited about her paints?

Maddie loved my Mom's Christmas tree...I often found her looking at the tree like this, my Mom has an ornament with a picture of each grandchild, she has 20 with another on the way. Maddie loved looking at her own, she actually had to move her's down lower so she could reach it and look at it whenever she wanted, such a silly girl!

Christmas morning...waiting for uncle Brad to get there so we could see what Santa brought...I thought it was pretty cute when the kids climbed in bed with Grammy and Grumpy...I mean Poppy :)

The rest of the day was spent playing with all the new toys and games...

(I got Taylor OU jammies on purpose...my Dad is a die hard BYU fan, so we had to rub it in a little bit!)

Maddie sure loved her Uncle Aaron and loved snuggling with him.

Christmas night we drove down to the strip to see the dancing water show at The Bellagio Hotel.

We walked through the Atruim of Flowers.

Maddie had the best seat in the house!

Brennan, Taylor, & Autumn. My brother Aaron and his cute little family...Jac, Jennifer, Autumn, and baby Edson will be making his appearance next month!

Of course the sisters and Mom had do lunch and a little shopping...Cheesecake Factory was delish!

My sista's Kendra & Sara

Me and the best Mom ever!

We had a great time and even missed 14 inches of snow back home in Oklahoma...Taylor was bummed, but I was happy to be in 60 degree weather, Thank you very much!

2010

2010-01-03T00:30:00.001-06:00

I have a lot to catch up with...

and I will...

eventually...

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christhmas...

2009-12-24T13:55:00.001-06:00

We love to hear Maddie wish you a Merry Christmas...she has a little lisp...

Happy Holiday's!

Promotions.

2009-12-17T06:40:00.002-06:00

It's been a week of promotions...

1st and foremost the BIG promotion was for Dale...

General Litchfield and his staff made this spur of the moment promotion a special event for our family. Dale was supposed to pin on over in Saudi this coming March, but because of some great turn of events Dale was able to get his rank in advance...a very rare occurance, General Litchfield said he has never done this before.

Taylor was bound and determined to get that rank on his Dad...

he was having a few issues with the button...

He eventually got it done.

Introducing Major Williquette...that's got a pretty good ring to it!

Taylor had his own promotions ceremony.

He received his 2nd degree orange belt.

Thanks for smiling for me bud...

Congrats to both of my boys!

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...

2009-12-12T14:26:00.002-06:00

Glad as I can be...

Put my arms around his neck...hug him tight like this!

still here...and a cute girl in dancing shoes!

2009-12-10T12:55:00.003-06:00

What is about this time of year? It's just busy, but I don't really have a lot to blog about. We were excited to find out a few weeks ago, that Dale had to come out to a conference in Indianapolis this week...YAY for us, because that means he can come see us for a few days...5 to be exact!!! So tomorrow after I pick Maddie up from school, we are headed to the airport to pick him up!!!

Some other exciting news is...remember how Dale was selected for Major earlier this year? Well, he isn't supposed to actually pin on until March, which meant the kids and I wouldn't be able to be a part of it (bummer) well...he got an email a few days ago saying he was selected to be "frocked" meaning he gets his Major rank pinned on earlier then March...like on TUESDAY! Yes, that means the kids and I do get to pin him on! So happy about the fact we get to be part of it! and so happy the kids get to see their Dad even if it is for only 5 days! Ok...so anyway...

Maddie had her parent watch day at dance yesterday...so cute to watch!!! I love little girls in tights and leotards trying to dance, it's so entertaining!

I will leave you with a few pictures of Miss Maddie showing off...

I may be MIA the rest of the year...headed to my parents in Las Vegas for the holidays, we'll see if I have time to blog while I'm there???

Merry Christmas!!!

Sticks.

2009-12-01T19:22:00.002-06:00

I don't know what it is about sticks when these 6 get together...

Whatever it takes to occupy them for at least a little while anyway...

and aren't these 3 adorable?

Wish I had some blue eyes like these 3 do...

We had a fun weekend...

Thanks for making my birthday weekend fun!

Feeling Thankful.

2009-11-26T12:41:00.003-06:00

for a few things today...

my cute little family...

my stinkin' adorable kids...

an awesome husband and Dad for those stinkin' adorable kids...

incredible parents, and grandparents for my kids...

I guess when your husband is on the other side of the world, and the rest of your family is scattered across the country...you tend to reflect a little more on the blessings we have.

I'm just grateful for the life I have, and the people that are in it...even though they may be in Saudi Arabia...Oklahoma...Nevada...California...Wisconsin...Utah...Texas...

and because I have been scolded by a few people for not keeping up with my blog very well lately...here is an update:

The kids both had their Thanksgiving feasts at school this week...so here is proof I was there...

after Maddie's feast they sang the cutest song with sign language...

then each child shared what they were Thankful for...Maddie said "my daddy and mommy" awww...that's my sweet girl!!!

Taylor's class has been talking about the pilgrims and the indians. I loved how they picked if they wanted to be a pilgrim or an indian. His class also went around and shared what they were thankful for...Taylor said "nintendo dsi" NICE...someone needs a little lesson on what to be grateful for, don't ya think?

It's been a busy few weeks, but busy is good.

Looking forward to the Christmas holiday to start tomorrow...hopefully I can get in the mood, I've been having a difficult time without my man around! He is the one who pulls out the Christmas music and starts baking cookies December 1st!

Saying Goodbye...Again!!!

2009-11-11T21:44:00.004-06:00

It's so hard to prepare yourself and your kids for Dad to leave...for a long time. I have learned it is the waiting for him to leave that is one of the hardest things.

So, in preparation for Dad to head over seas, we had a fun little family night out on the greens.

Dale was trying to teach Maddie how to hit the ball...

Dale forgot we were playing mini-golf...not pool!

Taylor wanted his picture with the "7" flag...since he is 7!

Maddie got bored half way through, and didn't want to play anymore...so she just ran around being cute!

Seriously... I have the cutest boy! How can he be so stinking adorable, but at the same time be the biggest stinker, ever??? (I love that kid!)

(I love this kid...too!)

I love my little family!

The next day we took Taylor out of school so we could see Dale off at the airport.

I love the way the kids are looking at their Dad...I was telling Dale to smile, (because more often then not, he doesn't smile) the kids both looked up at him at the same time...they sure love their DAD...you can see it in their eyes!

We got special permission for the kids and I to wait at the gate with him...good thing we had the cell phone and camera to keep us busy...waiting for what seemed like forever...

I really didn't like saying goodbye...not knowing for sure how long it would be until we saw him again. We knew he would be coming home for a few weeks in the summer, and he had at least one conference back here in the states, but we weren't sure when that would be.

When he got there, he did find out when the confernece is...next month!!! Wish they would of told us before I cried my eyes out at the airport...I can handle a month! So, now he will get to come home for a few days, which means...we will be saying GOODBYE again in a month! ugh!

Oh well?!

My Cali Trip.

2009-11-07T22:32:00.006-06:00

I decided since Dale was leaving the country...I deserved a little trip by myself before he left.

So I hopped on a plane to see my bestest friends...

It started with Shannon picking me up from the airport, and doing what we do best together...

EAT & SHOP!

This is Shannon and her gorgeous daughter Kylie...Shannon you are gorgeous too :)

We stole Shannon's husband's car (I call it his Mid-life crisis car)...and went where else???

Shopping...

Then I was let loose with the "BESTEST" my Shelby!

I took their family pictures, and then gave her husband Eric the camera to shoot a few of Shelby and I...

C'mon Shelby...let's be serious here...ok...one more time!

There...Perfect! (not too shabby Eric...you should buy my camera...then I can buy me a better one! ha!)

We then had to try "Johnny Garlic's" for dinner. If you watch "Diner's, Drive-in's, & Dive's" then you know who Guy Fieri is. It happens to be Dale's favorite show on the Food Network, so I had to go to his restuarant...and rub it in his face! (love you dear) They even gave a me an autographed picture!

It was DELISH...roasted garlic chicken...yum!

Me with the "Bestest in the Westest" and her adorable side-kick Ella Pearl!

Of course, we shopped till we dropped and had a great time! I sure miss you friend!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:27:00.002-05:00

We got together with some friends for dinner and trick or treating...

The kids had fun...and we have more candy then we need around this house!

Saying Goodbye.

2009-10-30T14:03:00.003-05:00

Dale sold his beloved Passat.

Taking off the Packers license plate...

She has been a great car...we will miss her!

PEACE OUT!

Dale also had his Farewell from the 565th AMX Squadron today.

He was the Deputy Director of the B-1's and the B-52 bombers.

Here he is receiving some words of appreciation from Colonel Cato.
And here we have a couple more pictures for the office...not sure how to make them fit on the wall with all the others, we are about out of room.

And...Maddie had a Halloween party at school today, and she got these purple teeth...

She is Daddy's little monster...BOO!

The Lake House.

2009-10-28T10:30:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month we spent the weekend with some friends...the Bailey's.

It was such a relaxing weekend, and a great place for the kids.

The first evening we got there, the kids had fun running around the retro 1980's "style" house, and the dad's started the fire for some s'mores.

There was also this swing...Maddie was in heaven!

...and this teepee, you could rent it for $25 extra and camp out in it.

Katee and I told the guys they could sleep out there with the kids if they wanted...they declined.

Maddie looked on as Dale got the sticks ready for the marshmellows.

Sunset off the back deck over looking the lake.

The next afternoon the kids suited up in their life jackets for a little ride out on the canoe.

Maddie was cracking me up with her singing as loud as she could...

The boys just hanging out on the hammock...well Taylor was obviously on the lookout for something to shoot at.

Later on that day we went to check out the Chickasaw National Recreational Area.

It was a lot of fun there. The kids had fun skipping rocks in the streams, and climbing and jumping and running.

They also kept themselves busy playing games...hide and seek was a favorite!

We had a great time!

The count down has begun...

Dale leaves next week...tear...sniff...sigh...

May I take your order...Please?

2009-10-17T15:58:00.002-05:00

I've been a little anxious to let Maddie dress up in her Halloween costume...

I love it.

Who knows how much longer I will get away with being able to pick out her costume?

...and of course, I had to take some pictures of her.

Surprise, surprise Taylor wouldn't have anything to do with it, since we were going out in public.

Taylor wouldn't even go on the front porch with his sister...

but he would crunch down on the back patio...he was so afraid of someone seeing him over the fence.

Such a silly kid!

At least I got this one.

Air Force Ball 2009.

2009-10-08T13:51:00.003-05:00

I have been meaning to post these pictures my friend Katee took for Dale and I.

(Thank you Katee!)

We haven't been to the Air Force Ball for a really long time, so I thought since Dale is deploying soon, it would be good to have some fun nice pictures of us together...because really how often do we dress up for an event like this? Not often enough!!!

Here are a few of my favorites...

...and every girl needs a great pair of red shoes...and I found mine the day of the ball...SCORE!

{State Fair} It's all about the food!

2009-09-29T13:47:00.003-05:00

Let's face it, we love to go to the fair for the food. At least I know we do!

Of course the kids wanted cotton candy...so we got that out of the way first.

Then we needed some dinner...

Greasy corndog's, Cajun chicken on a stick, with "freshly" squeezed lemonade.

All for 25 big ones...they sure get ya with the price of everything.

Then we saw the corn-on-the-cob...couldn't pass that up!

Dad even got in on the action!

I guess we didn't just go for the food...

Taylor said he has always wanted to climb a "real" rock wall, so we gave in and paid the $5.

He had a hard time at first, and said he couldn't make it.

Then, they let him move to the side of the wall that was easier...and he did it!!!

He got to pick a prize for making it to the top...his choice...a blow up guitar!
(at least it doesn't make noise :p)

...and Maddie dreaming of riding on the big swings.
(swinging happens to be one of Maddie's favorite things to do these days)

She was a little too small to go by herself, and no lap rides...maybe next year?

Disney on Ice.

2009-09-27T15:58:00.005-05:00

I decided since Dale was out of town, it would be fun to take the kids to Disney on Ice.

Maddie wasn't too keen on the idea at first...she is always a little weery of things she has never been to before.
She cried when we got there early to see the pre-show of Cinderella...Hellllo...she loves Cinderella!

She just doesn't like the real deal I guess.

She did warm up a bit with a little bribery...cotton candy and popcorn!

The cute pink hat came with the popcorn...Taylor even sported it for me...Can you believe it?

I think it was only because I finally caved, and bought the dumb sno-cone...for 10 bucks...geez! (at least it came with a souvenier cup)

Taylor's favorite part was Cars...he thought he got ripped off because the whole second half of the show was Tinkerbell...I guess I forgot to tell him about that part :)

Maddie loved it though!

We had fun, and the kids were very good!

I loved how they thanked me over and over for taking them!

Wordless Wednesday...You Rock!

2009-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

The other part of our Labor Day weekend.

2009-09-16T14:58:00.004-05:00

We went to get another Meers burger and

see some buffalo down at the Witchita Mountains with our friends the Bailey's.

When we got to Meers this time, we were a bit disappointed...

they were out of milk, which meant,

NO milkshakes and NO ice cream for the cobbler...BUMMER!

That was half the reason to go...burgers, shakes and cobbler ala mode!!!

We still had a fun time,

and hope the Bailey's aren't too afraid to hang out with us again!

Turner Falls.

2009-09-13T15:57:00.009-05:00

Our Labor Day weekend started out down in Turner Falls, OK.

I have been wanting to check this place out for sometime. So, I'm glad we finally

made our way down there.

The kids had a great time playing in the little streams of water.

Taylor loved the water holes too.

We took a break from the water to have a little snack,

We LOVE it when there are snowcones and nachos!

Those happen to be a favorite summer time snack.

Taylor was trying to catch these little itty bitty fish...

he thought he caught one here, but he didn't...bummer!

Maddie was just being Maddie, very cautious...

She was afraid she ws going to slip, and fall in.

Maddie's little feet next her daddy's big feet!

They had this big water hole, or pond I guess...

with this old rickety slide that looked like it was built back in the 60's...

It had about a 4 foot drop off into the water hole.

I was a little surprised Taylor wanted to go on it...I thought he might be afraid,

but he did it!

I love the look on his face in these pictures...

they are a little blurry, because he was going so fast down the slide.

I love the look on his face...do you think he was a little scared?

He may have been afraid for a few seconds...but then he couldn't wait to go again!

And we can't wait to go to Turner Falls again...

in fact we've booked a weekend getaway in a couple weeks, we're hoping

for some fall like weather this time. We'll see, you never know here in Oklahoma?!

Hi-Ho...Hi-Ho it's off to work she goes.

2009-09-06T17:55:00.002-05:00

First of all I will explain her outfit...

Our next door neighbor who is 8 and no longer into the "dress-up" stage,

gave Maddie a huge bag full of dress-up clothes,

including those glasses...

pretty stinkin' cute huh?!

As soon as she got the bag, she picked out Snow White and put the glasses on.

A little while later, I noticed her out in the back picking weeds!

She got that from me...we get these annoying little weeds in our lawn,

and they drive me crazy!

She has seen me pull these weeds many times.

I guess when she went out back she saw some and decided to start working.

I just thought it was too cute not to share...and remember!

Knocked Out.

2009-09-04T13:38:00.002-05:00

The other day Taylor came home from school with one less tooth...

While standing in line, one of his friends reached his arm back and accidently bumped Tay

in the mouth...

Taylor said his tooth just went flying...they searched around for it,

but never did find it.

That's OK, because the toothfairy knew what happened,

and left him a little something anyway!

I think it's kinda cute how funny our kids look at this stage of their lives.

As goofy as they may look, they are still so stinkin' cute!

Hangin' with the Warnock's.

2009-09-01T16:19:00.005-05:00

When the Dad's are away the Mom's and the kids will play!

That was the plan this last weekend...the kids and I headed down to Texas to visit with the Warnock's, since both Dad's were on vacation.

(I mean TDY, Air Force acronym for business trip.)

Colby had a great idea to get a babysitter (poor girl) so we could go to dinner and a movie.

We had dinner and went to see "The Time Traveler's Wife."
When we got home, we were really hoping for the kids to be asleep...ya right!

But that's OK...the kids get really ornery and tired and throw temper tantrums! YAY!

Gotta love being a Mom!

The next morning one of the kids thought it would be fun to paint sticks...

So, Colby being the awesome Mom that she is (because I wouldn't have ) got out all the paints and let them paint their sticks.

I love how detailed Taylor was about picking out his colors and his design.

Maddie was obviously excited about something and telling me all about it, but I can't remember what it was...I just love this look on her face...

At one point Maddie started crying for a "bub"....we're talking a major crying, meltdown of a fit! I took her into one of the room's to calm her down and figure out what the heck a "bub" was...

after a few mintues I finally realized what a bub was...it was a BIB!

They wear them at school when they paint...duh Mom!

Luckily, Colby was prepared and had one for her to wear...WHEW!

So we went from sad to happy in a matter of seconds!

She also has learned that if you mix Red, Black, and White together you get

PURPLE!!!

All the kids with their completed sticks...all ready for battle.

After lunch we headed to the neighborhood pool...

...where the Mom's hung out with our Diet Coke's

until the little cuties thought they needed some too!

The late night had obviously started catching up to the kids...

After the pool, everyone was exhausted, so we headed home...

My kids fell asleep within 15 minutes on the road and slept until the next morning...

SWEET!!!

I hope you are ready for more weekend's like this Colby!

Soapy fun!

2009-08-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

The other day Taylor had a (GREAT) idea to squirt dish soap

on the trampoline and turn on the sprinkler...

Whatever...I thought, at least it will keep him occupied for awhile, right?

I just sat and watched and laughed at how much fun they were having!

Then of course, I had to grab the camera!

Oh...to be a kid again!

Old Friends...and has it really been 20 years?

2009-08-20T14:14:00.004-05:00

When I think back to High School it really doesn't feel like it was really 20 years ago!

But it was, and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm OLD!

The proof is, one of the fun things we did while we were in Utah was attend

my 20th High School reunion.

I really did enjoy visiting with old friends and classmates.

I didn't pull out my camera as much as I should of, but I did get a few shots of some of my friends from Junior High and High School.

(There were a couple of my closest friends from HS that didn't make it to the reunion...bummer)

Me, Kimberly, Susan, & Kerri

Toni & I grew up living across the street from eachother. It was so much fun to catch up with her, we haven't seen one another since a year or so after high school, it was crazy for me to find out she has 7 kids!!! I never would of thought she would have that many, but she obviously loves it, and is a great Mom!

Our last stop before heading back home to Oklahoma was to visit my old roommate Angie

and her husband Dave, and their dog Grady. They were traveling in Michigan when we got to Utah, so we only got to spend one day with them, but it was a good one, for sure!

Taylor made a new best friend...

he would not leave that poor dog alone...he begged and begged for us to take him home with us!

It took a little longer for Maddie to warm up to him...

but eventually she did, and even fed him a treat!

I love visiting Angie and Dave, they always go way out of their way...

but the best part of it was...Dave always cooks something Fabulous!

We also had another one of my old friends Cheryl come hang out and feast with us!

I worked with Cheryl at the salon for a few years and we have stayed in contact over the years.

She always makes my hair beautiful when I go to Utah!

...and "Feast" your eyes on one of the fantastic meals Dave cooked up.

After dinner we all sat around the fire pit and roasted marshmellows...

and ate them...

...and talked and talked until the wee hours of the night.

Just like the old days...it was such a great time!

Thanks to Angie and Dave and their 5 star hotel!!!

Mountains.

2009-08-16T14:56:00.003-05:00

Sundance.

One of the things I miss most about Utah is the Mountains.

We met up with with one my old friends I grew up with, and her 4 kids.
We took the 15 minute drive up to Sundance to ride the chair lift to the top.

The kids loved the ride up. It was gorgeous, I have really forgotten how

beautiful the mountains are!

Once we got to the top we walked around for a bit,

and took some pictures of the kids "on top of the world!"

Then we let the kids run around on the beautiful soft green grass...

love.love.love. the grass.

I have an appreciation for nice grass since living in Oklahoma.

(no offense, they just have bermuda grass...not so lush and soft and green and pretty...sorry!)

We then had a nice dinner at one of the restuarants there.

We had such a fun time with the Madsen's! Taylor and Spencer are 2 peas in a pod, and Maddie and twin's had a great time together! We really need to get together more often...it's really a shame they live in PA and we live in OK...too far!

Snowbird.

We had debated on going to Park City, but when we found out all the fun stuff they had at Snowbird, we decided to go there instead.

Taylor and I decided on the Alpine slide...

Maddie wasn't too keen on the idea, but I made her go anyway.
She ended up loving it, and wanted to do it again!
Taylor tried to get bucked off the bull...

he actually did pretty good!

Dale's choice was the zip line...along with everyone else!

After Dale's ride we took the "Persian Chairlift" to the top... and they weren't kidding when they said to the top! It was probably 30 degrees colder up there, and we weren't prepared in our short sleeves and shorts! Burrrr! The kids complained the whole ride up...the further we went up, the colder it got.

By the time we got to the top there was still snow on the ground...crazy!
After a few snowballs we got back on the lift to go down...

it was even colder on the way down!

Taylor wanted one last ride down the slide, so we let him go by himself!
He felt like such a big kid!

We had such a great time in the mountains!

First Day of School.

2009-08-13T16:17:00.004-05:00

I usually like to be at school with Taylor his first day of school.

But ya know, he is a big time 2nd grader now,

and he wanted to ride the bus...it kinda hurts my feelings he's not so into his Mom

these days, I guess that's what happens when they grow up?

I guess I also should be happy about his independence.

So with a few quick snap shots of him getting on the bus...

he was off!

At least I still have my little girl...

she still loves me :)

Here she is in her "new" outfit she picked out for her 1st day...

(have I mentioned I love having a little girl to dress up?)

Her Daddy gave her a sucker so she wouldn't be sad to leave her Mommy :)

(ok, I made that up to make myself feel better)

Dad took the morning off to see his little girl at her 1st day of Pre-K.

I'm so excited about her teacher...she is one of a kind!

What teacher makes it a point to have a bench set up outside her room to get a picture with each of her students? I love it, and Maddie did too!

She wasn't even sad when we left :(

A kiss and we were off...

hmmm...now what to do with myself???

Vegas Heat.

2009-08-10T15:56:00.002-05:00

Another tradition when we visit family in Vegas is to eat dinner

at the Green Valley Ranch Buffet. My Dad swears they have THE.BEST.

crab legs anywhere...he would know too! I myself have never

tried them, until this trip...

They were Ok, but I'm not a big fan of crab...

give me a nice piece of grilled salmon or halibut and I will be happy!

After dinner we walked the District (an outdoor mall...not sure why they would do that in Vegas)

The kids had fun trying to get a drink from the misting systems.

Of course Maddie (I really mean me) found a few things she needed...

good thing her Poppy was there :)

The only thing to do outside was go swimming.

We started out at one of the local pools...

the kids were having fun, but I hated it...too many people and I wanted to relax in the

water, not get dumped on!

So we left and spent the rest of the afternoon at my sister's in laws...

Much better!

The only problem was...Maddie was with her boy cousins, and thought it was OK to take her

suit off and put her cousins shorts on, with no shirt,,,just like the boys!

Silly girl...if she weren't so darn cute?!

Family & Friends.

2009-08-06T07:04:00.005-05:00

We are back from our 2 week trek out west to visit family and friends.

We had such a great time!

I always love being able to spend time at my parents,

this time was no exception...I did a bunch of haircuts...and Dale installed 3

sink faucets! (they always like to put us to work :)

I love that the kids got to spend some quality time with their Grammie & Poppy!

Maddie sure loves her "Gwammie"

Some of the things my Mom and I love to do when we visit is:

Shopping...Shopping...and a little more Shopping,

and to rest our tired feet, we got a pedicure too...(we missed you Kendra!)

I also got to spend the afternoon with an old friend I went to Hair school with...

way back in the day :)

After spending a week in Vegas we headed up to Utah.

Our first stop was to visit with one my old Mission companions...we have such great memories from our adventures in Sweden.

We have always stayed close, and our lives have paralled one another's...we got married within a month of each other, and our kids are about the same age (boy..girl...except she had a third baby...girl, we aren't going there though!)

Stephanie and Ryan wanted to take Taylor and I fishing for frogs...

Taylor love.love.LOVED it!

Thanks Steph for taking such great care of us...We loved staying with you and your family!

We seriously need to live by eachother!

Flying High!

2009-07-25T18:35:00.004-05:00

Dale and I took our first Helicopter ride!

My sister works for a tour company and got us this awesome ride over the strip!

It was amazing!

The pictures are a bit blurry,

because you can't really use a tripod when you're sitting in the helicopter :)

It was only about a 15 minute ride,

you basically head south on the strip then back up again.

It was definitely the best way to see the strip!

It was even timed right to see the water show at

The Bellagio!

We had the pilot take our picture after we landed,

he offered to while we were in the air...

but we declined :)

It's not the best picture, Dale isn't even in focus,

but it's the only one he took, so we will take what we can get!

What an experience! Thanks to my sister for having the connections to give us

this ride of our life!

After our ride we took a little walk down the strip to check things out,

I wasn't impressed...let's just say I love my sheltered life!

Seeing the strip from the air was WAY better!

Finally...some peace and quiet.

2009-07-23T19:04:00.003-05:00

We are obviously wearing out the kids,

I can't remember the last time Taylor fell asleep in

the car in the middle of the afternoon!

We are having a great time hanging with the fam!

Maddie's Princess Tea Party.

2009-07-19T20:37:00.002-05:00

4 little princesses + food + fun =

Maddie's Princess Tea Party

We are on the road traveling to see family for the next 2 weeks,

so stay tuned to see our fun adventures!!!