Yes, my fifth attempt at getting a picture of my three kids together for the Christmas card…..there really were NONE that could have even remotely worked this go around. Don’t believe me? Well, here’s proof……
Attempt #5
Attempt #4
My fourth attempt at Christmas cards. It was this attempt that I thought I had one…..until I printed it out. Didn’t love it. I had to really work with it to get rid of shadows and it just didn’t work. But, I’ll share here anyway!
Adult Trip!
Kirk and I left the kids overnight for the first time and headed to L.A. I know, it took a while to leave the kids overnight. Like 6 years. But, we did it and now we’ll do it once a year. Maybe more! Kirk had a convention out there so I tagged along. We had such a great time. The first full day there we spent a couple hours in the water (freezing Pacific without wet suits) kayaking. What an experience! Two schools of dolphins swam right by us. I’ll admit, I was a little freaked out being in regular clothes in the freezing cold water. Tons of kelp(seaweed) around too….which they said we would get stuck in if we fell in but not to freak out. Whatever. I would have. Thankfully, we didn’t experience that. When he was in meetings all day, his boss’s wife and I went and explored L.A. We were really hoping to see some famous people, but all we got were the wax figures of them
Such a fantastic trip! And, a BIG thank you to my mom who graciously came and stayed with our kids. It was during the week, too, so she had to bus everyone around to preschool and such. She admitted complete exhaustion when we got home!
Posted in Family
Happy Halloween!
Happy 6th Birthday, Andrew!
Happy Birthday, handsome. We truly can’t believe you are 6. Where have the last 6 years gone? You have grown up to be a very handsome, well behaved, amazing boy. You are SO great with both your sisters. You have become much more outgoing in the last year…..still timid at times, but definitely getting out of your comfort zone more and more. You LOVE babies. I can’t say that enough. It’s like you are drawn to them and that makes me smile. You see, people used to tell me that all the time when I was younger. I love seeing a little part of me, in you. We had a family party here at home for you, and you also got to have a party at the bounce place with all your friends. Another thing I love about you? You had to make sure EVERY SINGLE boy in your class was invited to your party. You didn’t want to leave anyone out. I love that you are wanting to include everyone in all that you do. I only hope that you keep that attitude forever.
You still LOVE soccer. Daddy helps coach and the two of you play three times a week! I know Daddy cherishes that one on one time with you. And, I know, you do too. You really love football as well. You’ve also mentioned karate lately so we’ll see if that happens in the new year. Happy Birthday, buddy! We love you.

Kenzie got to bounce after most of the boys have left. Couldn't watch her and 15 other boys at once!
Leaves
A New Adventure
I’ve decided to pursue a passion of mine. Photography. I’ve started a side business and so far, so good. I’ll be adding to it in the coming year! I love taking pictures of children, families, babies, etc. I think it’s so important to have pictures of your family. Memories you will forever cherish. I would love to be a part of those memories for you and your family. Please contact me if you are interested in making lifelong memories!
My website is here. Take a peek. I think you’ll love what you see!
Posted in Family
The Pumpkin Patch
I love the fall. I love taking the kids to the pumpkin patch. We missed out on going last year because Kenzie was SO sick. So, I felt twice the excitement in taking the kids this year! We had such a great time. Before we got on the hayride to head to the pumpkins, the kids got to each do one ride. Andrew chose the bikes/pedal cars/whatever they are called. Kayla chose the pumpkin train. It wasn’t busy at all the day we went so both kids ended up on their own for their rides. We then headed to the pumpkin patch, where they all picked out their own pumpkin. After the pumpkins, Andrew and Kayla got to bounce on this huge bubble/trampoline. They loved it.
This also became my second attempt at getting a picture for our Christmas cards. As you will see looking through the pictures, there isn’t even one remotely good one to show you. Another failed attempt. Lots of other great pictures, though!

Kayla on the pumpkin train. Don't think it was as much fun by herself, but she says she still liked it.
Soccer and Gymnastics
OK Gina, my goal is to be caught up with this blog by Christmas. Will that make you happy?
Kayla did both soccer and gymnastics this fall. While she loved both, she decided to continue with gymnastics and add in some ballet. I have to work on finding that ballet class! Gymnastics – I think her favorites are the uneven bars and the trampoline.
Posted in Kayla
Attempt #1
So, you all can thank Aunt Gina for this post. She won’t STOP driving me NUTS about not seeing a post in a while!
We decided to take the kids to a park to try and get a picture for our Christmas cards and let them play for a while. Good thing we did this little outing in October as it ended up taking SIX DIFFERENT tries to get an OK picture. I’m talking 6 different days trying to get ONE picture. 16 month olds just don’t want to cooperate much. As most of you will see very soon, we didn’t use any of these.
I will admit, we did get some great ones of Andrew and Kayla, individually. These are completely unedited pictures, just trying to get Gina to be quiet.

































































