Oops.

I forgot to post Father's Day! I hope that my absentmindedness isn't cause to think that I under-appreciate my loving husband. He is such a wonderful man! My husband loves me. He is an excellent father to our three children. He leads and protects our home. Brian is self-driven and works extremely hard at all he does. He strives to keep balance in his life - and always tries to put his family and the Lord first. We're so lucky to have him in our lives.
I love you, sweetheart! Happy Father's Day!!



I was so impressed with the way the kids wrapped their present. It was the first time they worked together to wrap something - completely on their own. Branson cut the paper and tore the tape. Natalya folded and taped the ends - and added the bow. Great job, kiddles, on a gift wrapped with love! They were so proud of themselves.

I love my dad. He is such a good man. He has always been a truly excellent role model to me. And the best part is... he's an even better grandaddy! My kids adore him. They can't get enough of their Grandaddy. I love you to pieces, Dad.

A Backyard Campout

Daddy was working hard during the week and the kids were bummed that they didn't get to see much of him. One morning before he left for work, he asked the kids if they wanted to have a backyard campout on the weekend - and wouldn't you know it, they did! They were beyond thrilled. In fact I think they said, "Isn't this so fun?!" like, a million times.

It's not a real campout without s'mores! Yep - that's a s'mores maker.

Unfortunately, the wind was too strong to lite the Sterno can in the s'mores maker - so we had to take it inside.

Spooky ghost stories around the fire? No. Bedtime stories around a lantern.

They didn't last all night - the wind was terrible. But they did last a few hours.

We left the tent up for a few days and the kids played "house", read books, used it as their fortress and performed magic shows - all in their tent. What a treat! Thanks daddy.

Natalya's Dance Recital

Natalya has been dancing with Bunker Dance Center for a full year. And all her dedication has culminated to this one dance recital. In it she performed a ballet piece to the song "So Close" from the movie Enchanted. Words can't express how proud I was of her! She was absolutely exquisite. I couldn't help but sob her entire performance. The best part - she loved to dance as much as I loved watching her dance.

Dress rehearsal - the day before the big day.

Grandad and Granny Kim were so nice to visit us for Natalya's first recital! It made it even more special for Natalya knowing that they were willing to travel the distance just to see her do what she loves doing the most - DANCE!

Here Grandad is towing Natalya and Branson around in the laundry.

Natalya and Granny Kim sharing a tea party together!


Natalya loved getting her hair and makeup done. I think she likes eye shadow and lip stick the best. Here she is the morning of the big day - getting her hair pulled into a low bun. She thinks she looks crazy in this picture. :)

My little sweetheart after her hair and makeup were done.

After the recital, I had her get back up on the stage for one last picture. She loved the stage. (We weren't allowed to take any pictures or film during the performance.)


Proud Daddy.


A Grandma and Grandaddy Oreo kiss! My favorite. Grandma made the sacrifice to be at her recital even though she was recuperating from her hip being replaced just 12 days earlier. What a trooper!

A beaming Granny Kim.

Natalya with her Grandad.


The bunch of us!


This calls for a celebration! Sparklers in the backyard - I lit 36 total.

Grandad doing a sweet dance! Definitely a moment to remember.

"Ruby"

Here's Natalya caught doing one of her classic "Ruby" looks. I think she's either telling someone what to do or giving advice. Regardless, she's always being the big sister!

"Max"

One of our favorite cartoons is "Max & Ruby". If you're not familiar with the show, here's a little about it:

"Max & Ruby is a half-hour animated comedy series based on the children's books by Rosemary Wells. Each episode centers on Max, a determined three-year-old bunny, and his big sister, Ruby, a smart, goal-oriented seven-year-old. The show offers an empowering message for children by showing Max and Ruby playing together and resolving their differences in ways that are respectful and supportive."

I often compare my oldest two to Max and Ruby - sometimes I even refer to them as such! Ruby is constantly trying to do big kid things - like write a book or sell lemonade at her makeshift stand, and Max always wants in on the action. He might be a pest sometimes, but he manages to help out or involve himself in a positive way.

Lately my little Max and Ruby have done such a great job playing together. They have been working out their differences in a more mature way - avoiding frustration. I love watching them from a distance playing make-believe or sharing a book.

I love this picture of my little "Max", sitting on his hands. Branson couldn't stop poking and teasing, so I had him sit on his hands for a minute. He was so cute while sitting on his hands. I couldn't help but laugh!

The best part - his eyes and mouth. Branson often peers out of the corner of his eyes and purses his lips, just like Max does when he's bummed.

Natalya Is FIVE

Our big girl turned five!! It's seriously crazy to think that it was 5 years ago that she entered our lives. She's grown so fast! It nearly brings me to tears to think that she'll be in kindergarden this August. I just want to hug my kids every day! And remember on those especially difficult days, to not wish that they were older - because you can't turn back time.

Natalya is such a big helper. She plays with her little sister and brother so well - and she helps me every day. She is happy and creative. Natalya loves to dance, sing, do art projects, and read.

Here's a picture of Natalya when we first brought her home from the hospital when she weighed less than 6 pounds:

My Little Pony Birthday Party

For Natalya's fifth birthday, she bounced back and forth between wanting a pink poodle party and a My Little Pony party. But once at the party store where she saw all the My Little Pony paraphernalia, it was decided!
She wanted to decorate cupcakes at her party.

Natalya wanted to serve carrots, apples and oats (well, oatmeal granola bars) at her party because that's what ponies eat!

As each girl came in, she chose a tiara with a My Little Pony on it - all of them different. We called them each by their My Little Pony names, and talked about how different and unique everyone one was. They loved it!

Lunch fit for a pony with Olivia, Kali, Ellie, Kelsea, Natalya, Pamie, and Lindyn. (Lindyn arrived shortly after taking this picture.)

We tried to do a pony ride game - but it turned into a dogpile on Natalya's mom game.


These unique, special little ponies each got to create their own unique, special little cupcakes! Marshmallows, gumdrops, mini M&M's, chocolate chips, Nerd's... Well let's face it, it was a sugar-high.


We sang to Natalya with 5 candles in her cupcake. Then we distributed one candle to each of the girls and sang the Happy Birthday song again, letting all the girls blow out their own candle.


Every kids' favorite part - presents!

Birthday morning

June 1st, 2009

We had her party on the Saturday before her actual birthday. So when June 1st rolled around, she got to open presents from mom and dad.

Natalya LOVES books. We have been collecting Fancy Nancy books - and she was thrilled to get another one for her birthday!

My Little Ponies. Her face says it all!

That evening we were invited to a friend's house to go swimming. It was the perfect ending to an eventful birthday. We brought her cake to share. This picture cracks me up because Brian had to hold Branson's head so he wouldn't blow out Natalya's candles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY big girl!!

Irelynn, Irelynn, Irelynn....

Irelynn is growing and changing every day! It drives me crazy! And plus, she's doing everything faster than her brother and sister. She's getting teeth earlier, crawling sooner, cruising and even walking months before her older siblings. I love the baby stage! And I just want it to last a little longer! Is that too much to ask?!

Irelynn loves tearing up tissue paper. She also likes destroying newspaper, magazines, construction paper, receipts, and starburst wrappers.

Nice weather! Perfect for naked babies to play in sprinklers and water slides. This is Irelynn playing with her best (and only) little girly friend her age.

They were so facinated with the water.

Irelynn recently discovered the toy closet. This picture reminds me of a Where's Waldo book.


I shall now call her, "The Destroyer."


Irelynn taking a nap along side her brother.


She started walking this month! And at just 9 months old! She has been taking multiple steps every day for the last couple of weeks. Natalya and Branson didn't begin crawling until they were 9 months old. It's amazing how different they all are.


She loves pushing this toy around.


Irelynn watches as her brother and sister get to do sparklers in the backyard - just for fun.

Irelynn's bottom teeth are through! She cut her first tooth the day we left from our California trip. You can see them every time she smiles.


There's nothing like an open-mouthed smile. She's such a happy girl...

Cousin Logan

My nephew Logan came to visit for the weekend just prior to leaving on his mission for the Church. He was called to serve in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana mission. I am so glad that we were able to have a moment with him. My kids absolutely loved connecting with their cousin - whether they were reading books or wrestling, they soaked up every waking moment with Logan. And they often called him, "Logie-Pogie."

Their favorite part - waking Logan up in the morning.