Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday mom!!! I have to say I am so lucky to have the mom I do. How grateful I am for the grandma she has been to my kids. She has created so many memories for my kids, memories that the kids will forever remember. How grateful I am for the sacrifices she has made for me throughout my life. There are many times that I truly would have been lost if I did not have her to back me up or pick me up. Thank you, mom, for being who you are and for loving me and my family. We love you

Happy Birthday Kait

Happy 14th Birthday, Kaitlyn Lake!!! Its so hard to believe that my baby girl is already 14. You bring so much energy to our home, and we love it!! From soccer to snowboarding to running track to keeping your siblings in check, you do it all with a 110%. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished already. Hope you have a great day, sweetie, we love you

Time to recap!

I haven't posted for quite a while and now it's time to play catch up. I'm going to be skipping over a large amount of content for fear that I would be here for several hours. For this reason the following pictures are the highlights of our holiday memories in 2008.

Libby sitting on Bryson's head, classic.

I am a fan of the fake smile. Here's an interesting one.

I don't know if she's smiling or if she's hungry?

Nothing fake about that smile. This little girl loves her uncle.

Here's the reverse of that. Benny has kind of a Mona Lisa smile goin on.

Dinner at the melting pot

This birthday/christmas for Sam shall henceforth be known as the the Transformer fad 2008. And seriously can you blame him... I had mine too. I dare say Transformers were cooler back in my day, but then again i'm totally biased. I remember when Conan was the most awesome action flick around, I don't think our kids would tolerate the sword fighing unless Arnold grew about 4 other arms and the swords were shooting fireworks.

Awesome game in Chuck E. Cheese's. If you see Paige ask her about the "Big Shot Story".

Cute girls with some latin person. I think she's related to Salma Hayek or something.

Rapid expanders are so cool.

The work in progress. I'm glad I didn't have to do all that crap when I was his age.

Here's the little man receiving the priesthood. I knew there was a reason I had a suit. Very proud of you buddy!

and who wouldn't be proud of this one. By the way she's turning 16 this year and will be sharing the roads. Make sure you buckle your seatbelts....and you guys better wear a helmet.

Happy Birthday Bryson

Happy "12th" birthday, son!!! Bryson is an amazing kid. He is the type of kid that has the biggest heart but likes to keep it well hidden. This winter one of our neighbors has been so sick, Bryson has been the first one at their house to shovel whenever it snows. No one has asked, he has just done it. He is so excited for this Sunday when he will be ordained as a deacon and be able to pass the sacrament. Bryson loves his sisters or should we say loves to bug his sisters, its fun to see the interaction with all of them. Bryson loves to golf and has become very good at it. Luckily for him, I am getting a new set of clubs soon and will be able to join him on the course. Bryson loves to get down on the ground and play with his cute cousins. He has also enjoyed being able to snowboard this winter. Bryson, we love you so much and are so happy you are part of our family. Happy B-day, bud

Emilie's photo shoot

Emilie was asked by a photographer to do a photo shoot for her senior pictures. Emilie had so much fun. It was funny because the girls love to watch "America's Next Top Model", Em came home saying how hard it really was, she had a hard time doing the serious poses, but the ones with her smiling are amazing. Its so hard to believe we are doing senior pictures, have already ordered her cap and gown and ordered her graduation announcements. Our little girl is growing up!!!

My dad

I know it has been forever since we have posted. Life has been busy and hopefully this weekend Andrew and I can post some pictures. But today I need to pay tribute to my dad. He passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. He spent Saturday in Malad with one of his best friends riding the 4-wheelers, something he loved to do. And then Sunday morning he didn't wake up. Its so hard to put into words how I feel, its such an empty feeling. I am so grateful to have been his daughter and am so thankful for all that he has taught me. My kids will grately miss their grandpa and I will so miss my dad. I am so grateful for my faith and how it is somehow giving me some comfort that I can have the opportunity to see him again one day. Love you dad

Tang Soo Do Karate

Bryson has been learning Martial Arts since March of this year. It seems pretty awesome. I sat in on one of the sessions and saw the workout they all get. I was really impressed to see how well Bryson has taken up the commands (all in Korean), his form, and intensity he brings to learning Tang Soo Do.

I saw that a lot of the moves were done in combination. Making sure that even an offensive move utilized other parts i.e. arm or leg to block.

Bryson has recently been promoted in rank. He went from his nooby white belt to an orange belt.

In fact, you'll notice his belt has a white stripe. This is of higher rank as well. I believe the next ranking is a green belt.

This is Bryson after he said he was tougher than me. Take special note of the deep meditation he is able to maintain. I'm sure without his training in the martial arts he would be crying. Unfortunately he gave me no such pleasure.