For Grandma T. and Grandma M.

Little man is growing too fast for my liking, and I wanted to share some images. I'll post some pictures of everyone, because they're all growing up too fast!  We miss you and can't wait until we get to see you again!

John loves this photo... or not. 

My future kindergartener! 

D's secret talent 

Goose with her "yay-yay" 

Love this kid! 

And I love the whole clan! 

Crazy kids 

Optical illusion? 

Love this pic... 

John loves this one, for obvious reasons... :) 

 

Little poser 

Tubba bubba! 

My handsome little man!

 

Hello? Anyone there?

So, I'm not the best blogger.  No news there.  But alas, I have returned and hope to get semi-caught up.  It might be rather comical since lots has happened since I last posted.  In fact, Daniel has lost three more teeth and is gone all day in school as a first grader.  Boo!  Rachel is now a big preschooler that hates to watch anyone kiss and can cuddle like no one elses business.  Sarah has become one of the wildest and craziest children ever to bless our home (and we've had some pretty big crazies!) who has this mischievious grin and a sparkle in her eyes-- she is so fun!  And Tyler...  Who's Tyler, you ask?  Well, he is our baby boy!  A lot happens in a year, apparently!  Tyler is a gem of a baby.  The joy of our household.  He couldn't be more adored by his siblings and certainly his mom and dad.  I absolutely CHERISH this little guy! 

Ty rocks!

Ballerina girl.

Bat princess extraordinaire!

"Argh Pirate".

Vampire ninja.

Goose at BYU.  Doesn't her mother believe in jackets?

My big bubba boy.  You know you want to eat those cheeks!

D @ BYU in October.

Can't a mother get some laundry done, for Pete's sake?!

 

I love this crazy crew!  Here's to consistent posting for the future!

The tooth fairy has arrived!!

D has had this tooth dangling in his mouth for the past several weeks, and we had no idea when it was going to come out! Being that this was D's FIRST loose tooth, we had to tread waters carefully. We did our best to wiggle and twist, but it was stubborn. Finally, we resolved to just let it come out on its own. Two days ago, while eating a stale cookie before school, Daniel walked up to me in the kitchen while I had my back to him and said, "Mommy, I think that my tooth fell out!" He had teased me with this line before, so I wasn't going to be fooled. He told me again, and I did the obligatory glance over my shoulder to discover a bloody mouth! I ran to him and looked at what was in his hand! Indeed, my little man had lost his first tooth! He was so excited that he was shaking! He promptly told me that, "The tooth fairy is going to come tonight and I'm going to get money to buy my 'Spiderman web shooter' from the store!" Sorry kid, the Tooth Fairy isn't made of money! :) I love this toothless kid-- he sure is growing up!

Enjoy this super flattering shot of me and my three chins. :)

Someone need a squirrel exterminator?

Squirrels have decided to make our attic their home. We don't appreciate their presence and wish that they would leave. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that there were several points of entrance through our roof vents (about 9 of our 16-- no wonder they were so thrilled with their new abode!). John, a true animal lover at heart (I couldn't speak this with more sarcasm-- John detests animals), tackled the project with gusto and fixed the roof vents by climbing around in the attic, setting traps to catch the perpetrators, and releasing the crazy beasts to a happier place. If you know John, you know that this probably had to be his least favorite thing to do EVER, but he rocked it and I was so proud of him. So, if you're ever in need of a squirrel man, give him a ring! :)

Rapunzel! Chopped off her hair! (As sung by the wicked mother in "Tangled")

After three and a half years with her beautiful locks, Rachel took a big step and chopped off at least 12-14 inches to create the cutest "Princess" bob known to man! :) She looks adorable and absolutely LOVES her new hair. I can't count the times she's looked at herself in the mirror. And I truly can't wipe that smile off of her face.

Why cut it? Well, when Rapunzel doesn't let Mama brush it or do anything with it, it becomes a hazzard for catching insects and food, catching pee as she's using the potty, etc... It was definitely a good move! Way to go, beautiful!

And sorry, none of these pictures do the "do" justice. She looks adorable. You'll have to come and see her in person. :)

Happy Christmas, all!

I have neglected our annual Christmas card... again. I promise that it will reinvent itself soon. In the meantime, enjoy my family report!

Sarah is affectionately called "Destructa-girl" because she manages to destroy everything in her path. She has grown up so much that she is now wearing many of Rachel's clothes. Sarah loves anything that her siblings or another child has in their posession first, and won't relent until it's hers... :) She is a ball of energy and humor. She knows how to entertain a crowd. Sarah has the sweetest little smile, but our camera is rarely quick enough to catch it. We seem to capture Miss Scrunchy Face, instead. We love everything about our goose!

Rachel is such a big girl now. Trailing behind Daniel in most events of the day, she does not want to be left behind. She thinks that Daniel's friends are her friends and wants to be included in everything, even superhero fighting. She is still our little princess who loves everything about dressing up, looking beautiful, playing doting mother to her dolls and baby sister, and dancing and singing around the house. She is often caught talking to her boyfriends "Alvin, Simon, or Theodore" on the cell phone, and their conversations are quite enchanting. She is growing up so fast and will be a Sunbeam next year... Rachie-bop is adored by all.

D-man is a huge kindergartener now. He is growing up rapidly before my eyes. I hate it, but what can I do? When I tell him that I don't want him to grow up anymore, he tells me that, "I have to, Mommy!" Fortunately, he has promised that I can visit him whenever I want after he gets married and lives on his own. :) Can someone tell his future wife? Daniel is an awesome reader and I love watching him as he learns more and more and more! His friends are an important part of his life; he calls them his "Masters" (like in TMNT). D is constantly thinking/plotting/planning/dreaming/scheming/talking about superheroes and superpowers... That's our boy! We love him to pieces!

John is a rock star. He and his friend decided to run a half marathon this past October and they did it! I was so impressed with his commitment and drive. It inspired me to want to run one, but I think that it's in my ten-year plan... He still works hard and is adored by his family. When he walks in the door, there is a mad dash to see who can get into his arms first. (The goose usually wins.) I make sure that I can be a close second, because I love this guy.

Megan (she enjoys speaking in the third person) is well. It's hard to identify what she does each day, but she always seems to be busy with something or someone. She tries to get into D's class when she can, and is grateful that she still has two sweet girls at home because life would be really boring without them. She sure loves her crazy family!

My family is cute!

Sweet little girl...

It's raining, it's pouring...

Camping with gummy worms. By the way, I HATE camping. (Please disregard the smile.)

Daddy and his girls.

Our fearless climber. Heaven help us all...

Hey big blue eyes!

Hurray for Cousin Christine! (and the zoo, in no particular order...)

Daniel graduated from preschool. Thanks Miss Janet!

Happy birthday Spidey-D!

I think that we're ready for lessons! :)

Safety first!

Impromptu family picture...

Best buddies...

I see this face (and hear the accompanying scream) quite often...

Mama and baby.

Princess Rachel, with a big wad of gum.

I have no comment.

"I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two!"

This is how little goofy Sarah smiles. I love her chunky little face!

Here is yet another post for my mother and brother who check regularly for updates. They have been incredibly patient, so I hope that they enjoy! What can I say, my family is cute! I wish that I could add lots of exciting and witty news, but I have nothing for you tonight. Just pictures. Enjoy!

Upon uploading, I have noticed some themes:

-- my children enjoy running around with as little clothing as possible

-- cheesey grins run in our family

-- we need a professional photographer to capture some wall-hanging-worthy photos (or that can photoshop ME really well)

-- I love lazy lazy summers

-- my family is cute!