Wrapping up the year 2008

I can't believe the year has come to a close. Where did the time go? We always say this at the end of the year and promise next year to take things slower, to do less and enjoy more. This year was full of fun and growing, kids getting bigger and lives becoming more enriched. We are so grateful for all our friends and family and love every moment we get to spend with each other. We are grateful that our business has continued to support our families during these difficult times. After returning from Kauai we had only a couple of weeks to prepare for Christmas. We went out to cut down our own tree and quickly decorated and did our shopping. Then we were able to spend the rest of the time visiting and celebrating. The kids Christmas break came a week early when we received a bunch of snow and ice and cold weather. The kids sure did enjoy not having to go to school that last week. We wish the best for you and your families as well in the coming year and enjoy staying in touch with each other even if it is only online. What busy lives we all live, but it is so nice to see a little glimpse into each of your lives through blogs, pictures and e-mails. With that, we say Happy Holidays and have a great New Year!!
P.S. I was going to post some pictures but our internet has been down for quite a while and I cannot get the pictures to load on Jason't computer...Oh well, check back later...

Hanalei, Kauai

I realized there were so many pictures of our trip to Kauai, and more in the making, so I thought I would post a few. Someone asked me before we left, "what on earth are you going to do over there for 3 weeks, I would get so bored!" Well let me tell you I think I could stay here for years, we have only 1 week left and I am already sad. The kids have had lots of beach time from digging in the sand, to boogie boarding and surfing. We've seen amazing waterfalls, turtles, and whales. Cayden enjoys catching Geckos and Preston and Maddox like all the chickens that roam free here. There is no real hurry to go anywhere and we have no time frame once we get there. With that in mind here is a few photos of our time together.
Cayden catching some waves as well as Maddox and Dad below
London wants to try surfing...
We try our hand at fishing, and it is so easy here. Sorry Grandpa!



Preston fell in love with Boogie Boarding and the beach.



We found some baby chickens that were not afraid of us at all, although once my kids were through with them I think they might be smart to FEAR kids now...

This is on South Shore at the Spouting Horn, a big blow hole that the kids thought was so cool.

These are the waterfalls that all feed the stream that runs alongside our property. There is usually only one little trickle in the center, but this day it rained so hard the mountain was covered. It was pretty amazing to see.

And a few more beach shots...

Maddox turns 3!

Maddox had been talking about going to Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday forever, even though we had never officially planned it, that was just where he had decided in his mind. So about a week before jis bithday, we finally decided to give in and let him go. Let me tell you that kid was in heaven. What is it that kids love about places like this sooo much? It can't possibly be the cardboard pizza. But it is all about games and fun and they all had their fill. Happy Birthday my cute little baby boy, I hope it was your best birthday yet.

Happy Halloween

Here go the Trick or Treaters...

This is at Cayden's 3rd grade class party. Can you believe we had 4 halloween, or should I say "Harvest" parties, in one week. It was a busy week to say the least!

Ready For Church. It is always a struggle to get out the door in time for church, but today we did it and had 10 min to spare when we pulled in the parking lot, needless to say it was quite empty. As we walked inside there was no one in the pews, we would have our pick today of where to sit. When I asked where everbody was it was then we came to realize that we were not just 10minutes early but 1hour and 10min. I have never been a casulty of Daylight savings time, but never say never, because today was my day. Oh well, I plan on putting the kids to bed at the same time and enjoying my extra hour after they are in bed, not knowing the difference!

Northern Lights Pumpkin Patch with Preston's Pre-School.

My two cowboys
Cayden the chainsaw slayer

Can you believe she kept the hat on?

TOFW

For those of you who don't know, that means "Time Out For Women." It was a great women's conference with really good speakers and music. And let me tell you I should put myself in time out more often. I had a great couple of days without kids, going where I want and doing what I want, when I want. I even went to the bathroom all by myself. Thanks girls...and Jason for staying home with all the dogs.

Go Ducks

We had a great time with friends at the recent game against UCLA, it helps that we won too. My friend(since 4th grade) Kelli and her husband and kids came down from Portland, it's always fun to see them.

Bathtime

I think she is a little confused as to where we bath ourselves in this house. I don't know if I should post a naked picture of my daughter but it was quite a surprise to find her standing in the dishwasher naked. She loves to try and take her diaper off, and add to that the fact that she loves to climb into anything, drawer, cupboard, shelf, box, etc. well there you have it.

Preston took care of his class pet, Champ, for 2 days and was quite protective of him.

London Turns 1

I can't believe a whole year has passed since we had our baby girl. I hope I can hold onto her sweet baby scent for a long time. I feel so sad that she is getting so big and independent already. On her birthday she took her first actual steps. She is just so precious to me I can't even describe the feelings. We had a great party and lots of fun...

The girl already has her own paparazzi...(all cousins for now, but hey who knows!)