It's supposed to be Spring!

Yes...it is technically spring, but it's also 34 degrees and snowing. Our true Arizona blood rebelled though, and this is what we looked like today.

The difference between boys and girls

Girls dance, and boys practice their "moves".

Easter Weekend

I have to laugh as I look at these pictures after talking to Kevin on the phone. When I told him we went hunting for eggs in the fog, he asked if we had an Easter Bunny there. I told him there wasn't, then asked why. He said, "Because that's the thing horror movies are made from. Freaky, unnatural creatures coming out of the mist." I had to laugh. He's right.

This picture is of Brooklyn and her BEST friend Oakley - My friend Keeley's daughter.

We also took a nice 6+ mile bike ride with the kids down to a private beach at the end of Puget Sound where there was a perfect view of Rainier and the Olympics...there was an old submarine dock and a shipwrecked boat that looked exactly like the SS Mino. (Gilligan's Island). NO pictures though. I forgot the camera.

I also forgot to take the camera on Monday when Chris and I took Bailey and Brody skiing. It was the first time I've ever been able to go with the kids. I'm always at home with the younger ones, but my STELLAR friend Keeley took Brooklyn & Braden for me all day (while her husband is deployed in some undisclosed location in the Middle East. Thank You - Thank You Keeley!!)Bailey is a very cautious skier, but quite competent. Brody struggled at first until Chris teased him that I might be better, then he bolted off the lift every time bound to be the first one at the bottom of the hill. He was. He also did it without turning and squatting as he flew STRAIGHT down the runs. We will be investing in helmets the next time we go.

I had to add this even though Braden's birthday is the day after Christmas. We're all looking a little rough in the video, but we were watching it again today because Braden loves to watch himself. We personally think it's hilarious - it was actually 'take 2' since Brody blew out his candles the first time, so Braden is unusually intense so no one else will blow them out for him again.

Typical scenes at our house include:
1. My out of control picture wall - which I have intentions of adding to. I just need a bigger couch now!

2. Braden with some sort of dishware on his head.

3. One of Bailey's school concerts (her 3rd now).

3. The kids choosing to eat outside as if it were 70 degrees and sunny

(which of course it isn't - more like 40 and drizzling).

4. Braden finding somewhere new to sleep every other night.

5. My kids constantly looking like castoffs, refusing to dress, do their hair, or respect personal space.

A little farm outside of Spokane. I wanted to take a picture of my kids in the acres and acres of wheat ready to be harvested and drove around for several miles until I found a farm house with an older woman working in her garden. When I stopped and asked if I could take a picture in her wheat field, she agreed, and the next thing I know she's handed Brooklyn a chicken.

Riverfront Park, Spokane

A Blog...I finally 'get' it.

Okay...Between Kate & Randi, then with the mocking of some of my YW, I decided to actually do this. I need to add that I had to actually have one of my YW girls show me how. (I probably shouldn't have admitted that.) I'm not good at cute stories, so you may just end up with more pictures than anything. This is also my second 'posting'. I just didn't realize I never published the first one. So...this site will be what it is - a retarded mess.

Versailles, outside of Paris

The Coliseum, Rome

Venice

Bailey's Baptism

Brody's fall from 'grace'