One Lucky Girl

That lucky girl would be... ME! Mike got me flowers today. It sure helped, but that is not the only reason I am a lucky girl. Just wanted to say "I love you Mike."

Joseph, Oregon Part 1

Gary and Vanessa took us to a fun little place called Joseph, Oregon. It was about a 31/2 hour drive there, so to entertain ourselves during the drive we took pictures of ourselves and made fun of gross gas station bathrooms along the way, and sang to each other! We are really good at being silly. Hayden and McKall did really well during the drive. We stayed in cute little cabins, and had so much fun there. We went with Gary and Vanessa, Caitlyn, Grandma and Grandpa Whittier, Sarah, and Brian and the kiddos.

Mike drove everyone around in a little fishing boat. McKall did not like wearing a life jacket, so her ride was short and sweet. Hayden threw a royal tantrum (with the cabin neighbors watching) when everyone was having boat rides. It turns out he thought there were sharks in the lake and was worried about everyone. We finally convinced him there were no sharks so he reluctantly got on the boat, but ended up having a great time.

We had lots (and lots) of yummy food, a camp fire, and smores. There was a little playground area where the kids played all day. Hayden got a kick out of playing ping pong with Grandpa Gary... he was gigging like crazy. At the end of every day the kids were caked with dirt and exhausted.

Mckall having smores!

Joseph, Oregon Part 2

We took the Wallowa Lake Tram up Mt. Howard. It was about a 15 minute ride up to the top. We weren't sure if the kids would like it or not, but they had a lot of fun going up! When we got to the top there was snow everywhere, but we hiked on the trail for a bit and luckily the snow was gone. We hiked the trail to the top of the mountain, and it was beautiful.

Hayden was feeding the chipmunks trail mix right out of his hand.

Pearly Whites

Hayden and McKall had their first trip to the dentist. Hayden was a little apprehensive at first, but after he told the hygienist about going to the "Kung Fu Panda" movie he was fine! McKall just laid there, but she didn't like getting her teeth cleaned.

Mostly Fat Guys

Mostly Fat Guys, yes, that is the name of Mike softball team! They don't have the greatest record, but they have fun.

The kids and I enjoy going to the games to play with our friends. The kids get to run and I get to chat. And we try to watch the game too :) This is Hayden with his friends Gavin, Jack, and Kyton.

This would be great!!

McKall is starting to show some interest in potty training! Yeah! Her big brother is showing her all she needs to know. Yep, she is pretty much the most adorable thing I have ever seen!

Fishing!!

Mike and Hayden love to go fishing together... but they can't catch any fish!!

McKall and I walked around the paths while the boys were fishing.

Jason Aldean Concert

Mike surprised me, for my 31st birthday, with tickets to the Jason Aldean concert. This is amazing because Mike really hates country, but he must really love me to go! Mike may not admit it, because it was a country concert, but he had a really fun time too. I had no voice afterward! Mike and I celebrated our 8th anniversary this year. My wonderful mom took the kids overnight, and Mike and I had a glorious time alone. I am so grateful to be married to my sweetie. Ha! What an awful picture of us at the concert, but it is all I had!

Soccer- Spring 2010

Hayden played Spring Soccer this year. He really improved over last season and enjoyed playing. Watching three year old's play soccer is hilarious! Hayden made several goals this season and was very proud of himself. He still reminds us of the times he was "really fast" and made goals. He has "special" tennis shoes that help him run fast. This picture is Hayden showing us his really strong muscles.

Hayden received a medal at his last game and is convinced he got it because he ran really fast and made three goals in one game. He loved his coach and all of the other players. This season was really cold. For several games we were bundled up in winter clothing. We all had a really fun time.

whoops!

Hayden and McKall can play FOREVER in the bathtub. Hayden taught Mckall to pour water over his head (by doing it to her) so she thinks this is the funniest thing ever to to. Hayden gets mad and I have to remind him that he taught her how to do it! One night McKall was done with the bath, but Hayden wanted to stay in longer, so I got McKall out and into her PJ's. I was getting Hayden's PJ's ready and I hear a splash and Hayden yelling, "No Princess...Mommy come here fast." McKall apparently was NOT done with her bath!!

One thing Hayden and McKall are good at is being Silly and Crazy! McKall is finally old enough that they can play together, and in turn antagonize each other... all day long. Most of my days are spent resolving stolen toy dramas, but I love it. They love to chase each other around the kitchen table in circles and circles. They giggle and laugh together and really love each other. Mckall is a little dare devil. I will walk out of the room and not a minute later she is climbing on the kitchen table or moving a chair into the kitchen so she can get on to the counter. She is old enough to go to nursery and she loves playing with the other kids. She is starting to talk, and our favorite word she says is "hotdog." She loves being outside. She has a head of adorable ringlets, and I hope they stay! She loves to dance and spin in circles and do what ever Hayden is doing. She loves her blankies and to snuggle. The funniest thing she is doing now is she stands at the top of the stairs and yells at the top of her lungs "daddy" and "Hay" (for Hayden). We found out she is allergic to dairy, so she has been drinking soy milk.

Hayden finished preschool for the year and still asks in the morning if he has school. He loved it! He impresses me everyday with his memory of little details. He loves to read books and figure out "mysteries." He likes to find problems he can solve for me. Hayden asks a million questions everyday and knows so much. Sometimes he will say things and I will ask him how he knows that and he says "I just know words mom." He likes to sing and at church he loves to find the hymns we are singing. He loves to snuggle with me and pull my hair...still. He has been doing this since he was really little. He really wants to be four. He is so excited for his upcoming birthday. He loves playing with his friends and loves going to Chuck E. Cheese and Rafikki.

To both of you... I love you more than anything in the world. I can't imagine my life without you!