Spring Break 2010

We decided this year to take all of the kids down to Arizona to Blaine's parents new house. It was awesome and the weather was PERFECT. I have to say that my only complaint was that I was so tired from trying to keep up with the kids(and their daddy)!Makena got to go swimsuit shopping with grandma and gave us a fashion show everyday. She loves to play the part all too much.
Hayden just wanted to float around carelessly and I think his daddy did too.
Grandma and Papa with all their kiddos!!
Hayden explored a lot on this trip and learned how to ride on the tandem bike behind daddy. No more pulling the whole trailer behind the bikes!! Ya for daddy!
We took in a few Mariner spring training games and the kids loved the facility.

We hit the zoo and of course rode the trains. Hayden's day was made. Then it was back to Mariner field to do some Easter egg hunting, visit our favorite furry friend and take part in the free carnival they offered. Oh and did I say the weather was perfect!



It was an awesome trip that was followed up by a 40 hour torturous trip home but I will save that for a later blog. Happy Spring everyone!!

What Have We Been Up To???

What have we been up to some might ask? All I can say in reply is EVERYTHING!!!! We are as busy as we have ever been and trying to pack as much as we can into a day. However, we have been VERY excited to welcome our new Cousin Kruze Jacob to the family. Born Feb 15th he is the cutest, sweetest little thing ever. Kimberly and TJ are also the most perfect parents and even though he turned a month old today I do not think that a day has not gone by that he hasn't had a visitor. I know we cant get enough of this little guy!!!

Christmas 2009

We all know that the presents are not the important part of Christmas but I have to admit most of my Christmas pictures this year are from present opening. The kids just seem to get so excited to get into the good stuff. The most important part of the pictures of course are the family that we got to share this Christmas with.
Hayden was all too ready to help anyone open their presents. This was the biggest present and he had to be a part of it even though it was for Kimberly and TJ...well....or baby Kruze anyway!!

This would be the calm after the storm picture. It took days before I could see the living room floor again. I am glad we only have to do this once a year!!

More mayhem!!

The storm cannot begin with out a pot of coffee brewed for the adults. Sometimes I am not sure which one is the adult in this picture. Makena loved seeing aunt Keri though!!

Christmas for Hayden at age 4 1/2. He is sooo much fun these days!! (I NEVER thought those words would come out of my mouth. Did you just see that pig fly by??)

Every year Grammy bring cookies over for a little Christmas eve cookie decorating. I am now at the gym daily trying to work off all those cookies. Only another 700 hours to go!!!

Another Christmas is now in the books and just as special as all of the rest! Now to 2010!!

Busy Little Elves

Really?...... Has it been a month since I have done a blog???? Time is flying and again I am struggling to keep hold of all the memorable moments that are racing by. We had a great Thanksgiving and it only took minutes for the kids to unload every container that said "Christmas stuff" on it. They have been very busy "decorating " the house and they are very proud of what they have done. I am leaning more toward the "less is more" theory, but, I have clearly lost that battle. Blaine has waisted no time working on his exterior illumination project and even added a three story lighted Christmas tree to the back of the house. So if you are in town....its not hard to find us!!

With the decorations have come the Christmas movies, hats and of course the never ending wish lists.

We did take some time to do the tree of sharing this year and let each of the kids choose a child and we went to by gifts for them. I hope this is a tradition they carry on themselves.

So from the crazy Dodson clan, we really hope everyone is having a great holiday season and takes some time to record all the memories!!!!!

Some Days

I took this picture in my laundry room last week. I think it is a good representation of life right now. Moving forward....a little messy and chaotic sometimes.....but we are getting it done!!! However this is not a one time thing. My laundry room looks like this a little more than I would like. The good news? It does get cleaned out about once a week and I am thinking about painting it green!!!

Halloween Craziness

In between all of the homework, sports and house painting this week we did take a little time to have a little fun. We started with pumpkin carving Wednesday night followed by a couple of little school parties and ended the week with the BIG night. TICK OR TREAT?????
Hayden was as proud as ever of his jack o lantern. He wanted it to look just like him. I think the resemblance is remarkable???????

At Hayden's preschool there were no costumes this year but lots of fall fun!!!

His favorite part of class was singing the pumpkin song.

Hayden and I joined Bryden at his school party. I think that these parties are defiantly job security for Blaine. Sugar, sugar and more sugar with that please!!!

You will have to excuse the horrible picture but Indiana Jones, the Pirate and Bumblebee were not dressed until dark and the lighting was bad.

Sis at her school party.....

Hayden as Bumble Bee. When people would ask him what he was going to be for Halloween he would say "Bumble Bee...The Transformer not the stinger one".

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,
I know it has been so long since I have updated you. I know it seems an eternity since I have downloaded new pictures to save as memories. I know everyone probably thinks I have forgotten you completely. The truth is I think about you everyday. I know I have been so busy that I have neglected you BUT........ I promise to update soon. Its just crazy with three kids playing soccer, basketball, swim team and flag football right now. Seven days a week we go go go and one day I will stop and reflect on the craziness. I PROMISE!!!!