ERICKSON ENDINGS

marisa's birthday

2011-09-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Marisa! We love you!

happy birthday

unicorn cake made by rob

cute girls

accident prone

2011-09-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hayden came to me in the night in tears saying that she had fallen out of bed. She asked if she could crawl into bed with us. I told her I'd take her to the bathroom first. It was dark as I walked her to the bathroom and I closed the door as I turned on the light for her. When she came out I was horrified. Her entire face was covered in blood! I cleaned it up and realized that she had a large gash right over her eyebrow. She must have cut it on the corner of her little night stand next to her bad. Jeremy and I both knew that she would need stitches. So at 4:30 in the morning Jeremy took her to the emergency room. She came home with 5 stitches! Luckily she is braver than her older sister and there were few tears!

seven stitches

happy kind of

So this happened on a Friday. On Monday I get a phone call from the office telling me that Hayden is okay but I better come to the office. She had been playing on the play structure and had gotten her knee caught in the bars. It was super hot and I think she tried so hard to get it out it swelled up and she was stuck. The teachers, principal, school nurse...everyone tried everything to pry her leg from the bars. They tried soap, grease, lotion, everything. Finally, they had to call the fire department and have them use a special tool to pry her free. When I arrived at the school the giant firetruck was just pulling away. I'm so mad I didn't get a picture of it! When I got there Hayden burst into tears and just melted into my arms. She had a huge huge black bruise on ther leg but all the teachers "reassurred" me not to worry because she wasn't the first one that this had happened to. If someone is going to get hurt...it will be Hayden!

ainsley's friends

2011-09-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

In nursery class Ainsley fell and got a huge bump on her head. It actually looked quite frightening!

front view

side view was scary

Ainsley has some great friends. With Hayden gone all day she needs these gals.

ains and ellie

friends

ains and coco

Locks of Love

2011-08-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

When we went to Canada this summer McCall spent much time with her older cousins. She idolizes them and was thrilled that they included her. Some of these cousins are really into fashion and they do their own hair. McCall tried to do hers by herself but it was so hard because it was so long and thick. She was determined by the time we left Canada to get it cut. She decided she would donate it to Locks of Love because she liked the idea of helping a sick child. So she got 14 inches cut off and is thrilled with her new do! I even let her do it by herself sometimes.

before front view

before side view

before back view

cutting

14 inches of thick hair

new hair with hairdresser Lindsay

6 flags

2011-08-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

In the summer six flags is one of our favorite places to go. We have some great friends that we were able to go with. The kids had a blast everytime.

ains

call

call by herself

i think she thought you HAD to raise up your hands

call

hayd

call and tony

tony and ains on dumbo

ains

she LOVED dumbo

tony hayd call

nick park sam

tony ben hayd call and shannon is in the row behind hanging on for dear life

utah

2011-08-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last year we had so much fun in Utah so we decided to stop again on our way home from Canada. BYU was a highlight as well as Boodocks. We got to spend time in Draper with Jimmy and Hannah and in Holladay with Aunt Linda and her family. We stayed at Thanksgiving Point again (thanks Kambria) and we loved every minute. I just wish I would've taken more pictures.

bowling at BYU

mcCall liked keeping score

aust and park loved the games

the bowlers

go carts

jeremy didn't win

hayd

boys

best seat in the house

cousins

2011-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

It is always so hard for me to leave Canada. One of the reasons is I have THEE cutest neices and nephews EVER. Here are some examples of adorableness!

ains and maysa became buddies

grandma's swimming pool

ryder

park

bode...this baby has the chubbiest cheeks ever, the cutest smile and I never heard him cry once (and deb is a babe!)

uncle dares...the favorite

baseball with levi and park

maysa and klancee

westin and owen

bayley with call and hayd

owen riding a 2 wheeler

the steeds

sweet nora

fireworks

2011-07-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July we talked the kids into skipping the fireworks in exchange for ice cream, a movie and a promise that we would see fireworks in Magrath (much better traffic). So after the long day we headed back into town. There was an outdoor concert before so the kids played at the park. The fireworks were great and it was fun to see old friends and family.

ains a little sunburnt

sadie brookie mcCall

hayd

danny tammy brookie westin klancee levi

ains didn't last

uncle dares bayley and aliza

westin didn't see one firework

post parade festivities

2011-07-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

After the parade we came home for a yummy grandma dinner. Uncle Dares and Aunt Deb had prepared a mini olympics for the kids. It was so much fun and the kids (and adults) had a blast.

barb

jimmy and nora

sophie

jimmy nelson and patti

darling breaker just 4 days old

ains and hayd

jeremy with aliza and aust

too much excitement for dan

jimmy and hannah

sadie and brooke

darsey and bayley

clara and hayd

sadie avery brookie and cally

darren and jeremy

sone of the games

ains

catching the water balloons

eli

darren and justin stood like that for quite awhile

owen

tug of war...everyone vs uncle daresy

races

2011-07-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

We had to go to the races. The kids had a fun time but I don't think any of them won. Parker was so upset because he tripped right when they said "go" and he fell behind. He is competitive.

mcCall and levi...notice how happy levi is

hayden

parker tripped

austin

parade

2011-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Another great parade this year. I rode on my 20 year high school float so I missed most of it. McCall and Avery dressed in McCall's dance outfits and rode a bike in the parade. They just wanted to throw candy. It was not fun for them because the people on the horses kept telling them they were going too slow. Here are some pics that Jeremy took.

deb and nora

hayden and clara with barb

justin and bode

grandpa and deb

hayden and maysa

aust hayd ains

mCall and avery won 3rd prize

mcCall and avery

my float...my family usually sits on the other side of the street

20 years MHS

breaker kincade

2011-07-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

Breaker Kincade Nelson was born on Tuesday July 19th. I got to go to the hospital that day and see him. He almost makes me want to have another one.

pat looks amazing just hours after

tough girl

2011-07-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you have a weak stomach do not look at these pictures. I just had to show how tough Hayden is. She dropped a weight on her toe and it turned black. When we went to the water slides it came up. She never cried...even when I pulled it off. OUCH!

basketball camp

2011-07-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Basketball camp was great his year. Thanks Uncle Danny!

aust in the grey shorts

austin shooting

park

cousins

waterslide

2011-07-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

One of the highlight of summer is going to the waterslide at the stake campgound. This year did not disappoint! Here are a million pictures.

we brought a wading pool for the little kids...looks clean

gracie

ains

sadie

brooke

park

bayley and klancee

levi

hayden

ryder

westin

parker and friend noah

austin

cally

aust

park and noah

the slide...the kdis ran up that hill hundreds of times

park

Waterton

2011-07-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

We look forward to trips to Waterton in the summer. It is so beautiful and we always have a great time. This year the weather was amazing, one of the few times there has been no wind.

austin cooking the burgers

grandpa helping and girls wanting to help

girls with grandpa

waterton lakes...and ains not wanting to cooperate as usual

hayd

park

mcCall

ains

with bay and klancee

grandpa and uncle danny

levi

westin and klancee

brookie and cally

awkward shot...

park and levi

dan and tam

playing in mud

kambria birthday

2011-07-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Kambria came over to celebrate her birthday before we left for Canada. Happy Birthday Kambria!

the group

candles

scout camp

2011-07-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

This year was Austin's first year at scout camp. Austin's father and grandfather went with Austin for the first weekend. They left on Saturday morning and drove 4 hours to Camp Oljato on Huntington Lake. It was great fun and a beautiful place.

Jeremy driving with Austin's grandfather, Austin, Keaton Mehr & Brandon Heiner

Scouts taking the boat across Huntington Lake to Camp Oljato

Picture of Huntington Lake from Camp Oljato

Pre-meal ceremonies

Troop 206

Austin getting ready for camp

Jeremy heading home after the first weekend...Austin was on his own

ainsley's birthday

2011-07-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ainsley is 3! She was so excited for her big day! She had her cousins come and celebrate with her. Her favorite parts were blowing out the candles and opening the presents. Her favorite present was a giant car that she can drive. We love Ainsley and are so happy she is in our family.

happy birthday

3 candles

blowing with a little help

the group

opening

giant car

chasing giant car

so excited

birthday dinner of choice

birthday guests

clara and hayden

mcCall and avery

Some things you should know about Ainsley at age 3.
-she is OBSESSED with ears...she plays with any ones that she can get away with and when she does she says eary eary eary
-she is super independent and can even make her own pb&j sandwich
-she is a candy sneaker
-she loves juice in a sippy cup
-she loves to sleep in her mom and dad's bed
-she has to get dressed by herself and choose her own clothes
-she loves playing with her sisters
-she can spell her name
-she is a good mess maker (tote dumper)
-she loves to go with me anywhere
-she talks to everyone anywhere we go
-she calls herself "ainsley siena cutie pie" if anyone asks
-she likes to jump on the tramp and swing
-she loves to cuddle
Ainsley we love you so much! It's hard to believe my baby is 3!

who stole the cookies?

2011-07-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

At the church talent show ains was hiding something. The bishop pointed it out to us!

behind the back

the stack...she is sneaky!

spotlight showcase 2011

2011-07-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

The girls performances were so great! I was thrilled to see them doing what they love to do. This year the program was way shorter and it was awesome. Way to go McCall and Hayden!

Hayden in "Life is a Highway" jazz

pose

McCall in her tap costume

pose

hayden before

mcCall before

mcCall's tap group

with their dad

hayden

temper tantrum

2011-07-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

ainsley had a bad day

hayden turns 6

2011-07-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

It was Hayden's year for a birthday party this year. She was so excited to be turning 6 years old! She had a party at home and we did make overs and nail polish. We ate pizza, cake and ice cream, and watched a movie. It was a very fun night. Hayden was so excited to have all of her best friends there!

hayden and ains

maCall and hayd

opening presents

reading cards

eating pizza

birthday princess

happy birthday hayden

blowing out the candles

Hayden's birthday party was on a Friday. Her real birthday was on Sunday. I had a special meal and yummy cake all prepared for a 2nd day. Hayden came home from church with a fever. She spent most of the day on the couch. She perked up (with some help from children's advil) to open presents but she looks sad in most of the pictures. I was so glad she had already had a birthday party.

birthday girl sick

so sad

opening presents

happy hayden

Some things you should know about Hayden at age 6:
-she is super competitive...don't tell her she can't do something
-she is really smart and was reading chapter books in kindergarten
-she loves to do gymnastics and dance
-she is a candy sneaker
-she loves to draw and color
-she is super accident prone...if anyone gets hurt it will be Hayden
-she ALWAYS has to give me hugs and kisses before I go anywhere
-she is my most loving child
-she is my most stubborn child
-she loves to ride her bike
-she is obsessed with the color pink
-she is a pack rat
-she has an amazing memory
-she tries hard to do what is right
We love Hayden and are so glad she is in our family. Happy 6th Birthday Hayden!

austin baseball

2011-06-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Austin was on the Dodgers this year. His team did well and won the regular season title, but came up just short in the semi-finals of the playoffs. The highlight of the season was his grand slam one game!

batting

swing

throwing

stealing

awards

year end party

parker baseball

2011-06-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

This year Parker was on the Dodgers. They lost more games than they won, but they had a pretty good season, Parker had great friends on his team and his team made a great run in the playoffs and surprised a lot of people.

park LOVED playing catcher

he was SO into it

batting

running

swing

park classic

byu basketball camp 2011

2011-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Jeremy took Austin and Parker to the BYU Fathers & Sons basketball camp over the memorial day weekend. They were treated to a lot of fun and great Cannon Center food and were able to meet most of the BYU basketball team. Good times!!!

Pre-flight smoothies

Parker and Austin sitting next to Matthew Stone on the plane

Parker & Cosmo

Austin and Mike Hall

Austin & Parker with Brandon Davies

Parker with Charles Abouo & Lamont Morgan

Parker with Logan Magnusson

Parker with Chris Miles

Surprise appearance by Jimmer Fredette

Parker with Nick Martineau

Parker with Matt Carlino

Parker with Stephen Rogers

Hey Parker...who is that on the wall?

Some day...right, Parker?

Parker running the bases at Miller Field

Parker with Anson Winder

Parker with the voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell

Austin, Parker & Jeremy in the Tabernacle

After Music & the Spoken Word

Hanging out at This is the Place Heritage Park

Coach Rose signing Austin's jersey

Austin with Nick Martineau & Matt Carlino

Austin & Parker at Brady's grave

end of school

2011-06-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Summer finally! Here are some pics of the kids at the school open house and the last day of school. We had awesome teachers this year.

mrs.v

mrs. b

hayd and friend ella

hayd and buddy kendall (from mcCall's class)

mcCall and kendall

mrs. m

end of year programs

2011-06-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

The kids had a spring program at the end of the school year to show off what they had learned this year.

hayd

singing

ains

park and recorder...i don't think he was really playing

mcCall

not sure about her expression or her hand in this pic

munchkin

2011-06-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

McCall really wanted to be in the school play "The Wizard of Oz". She had to try out and was cast as Munchkin #1. She was really excited, especially for the singing parts. She LOVES to perform!

Munchkin #1

closeup

speaking part

dancing part

The play was really cute but SUPER long! McCall was thrilled when her dad brought her some flowers after.

austin is 12

2011-06-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have been in denial for awhile about having a 12 year old. I know I say it with every kids every year but it really seems like just yesterday...after 29 hours of labor and a c-section...he was born. Austin started the day with a baseball game.

Austin wanted to go bowling for his bday

the group

he chose "ihop" for his bday dinner

waiting

he liked the attention...minutes later by accident he walked into the girls restroom...so funny!

opening presents

hug

12 candles

happy birthday austin!

Some of the things that are great about Austin are:

-he loves his little brother and sisters (that's why he teases them!)

-he helps me SO much with them

-he is a straight A student

-he loves basketball

-he loves to read adventure/fastasy

-he always gets his homework done right when he gets home from school and I never have to remind him to do it

-he emptys the dishwasher everyday

-he runs errands for me all the time

-he loves to watch "The Amazing Race"

-he is patient

-if I get overwhelmed he is always there to help lighten my load

-he gives me a hug and a kiss everynight

I am so grateful for Austin and feel honored to be his mom. Happy Birthday Austin! I love you!

pinewood derby

2011-06-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

only 1 picture this year. parker got 4th in the pinewood derby.

parker for treasurer

2011-05-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Another thing that we missed! Parker ran for treasurer of the school. Marisa and Rob helped him with his speech and posters and gave him the support that we couldn't. He didn't win but it was a great experience and we were super proud of him.

piano recital

2011-05-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Marisa for going to Austin, Parker, and McCall's piano recital. Thanks to Rob for tending the littles. We already had our trip booked when I found out it was right when we would be gone on our trip. You guys were so dependable and we knew we could count on you!

austin

parker

mcCall's first recital

italy

2011-05-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Where to begin. We had such an amazing trip. Many thanks to Marisa, Rob and my parents for taking such good care of our children. We so appreciate everything they did for us to be able to go.

on a water taxi just outside of Venice

night time in Venice...absolutely beautiful

Rialto bridge

hotel room in Venice...it was really quaint and cool

Jeremy in a Florence cathedral

church dome in Florence

top of Florence bell tower...so high up there but gorgeous view

Ponte d'Oro in Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence

on top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa

a waffle shop in Pisa where Jeremy used to eat while on his mission

Cinque Terre

amazing view during our hike in Cinque Terre

waters edge in Cinque Terre

main plaza in Siena

bell tower in Siena

gelato...amazing...we had it AT LEAST once a day

yum

bell tower in San Gimignano

under the Tuscan sun...San Gimignano

Siena at dusk

Siena

the Rotelli family in Siena (Jeremy knew them on his mission)

Roman Coliseum

outside the Coliseum

Roman Forum

view from the Roman Forum

another picture at the Roman Forum

the Pantheon in Rome

outside the Pantheon

Swiss guard at the Vatican

inside the duomo at the Vatican

the Vatican Museum...on our way to the Sistine Chapel

our last hotel room...cement floor

our "patio" at our last hotel room in between the bedroom and bathroom

kitchen area attached to bathroom/shower

shower???

at least our room had an awesome view

our last day before we head to the airport

zoo fieldtrip

2011-05-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I got to go to the zoo with Hayden's class.

with friend ella

kindergarten class

with friend eric

with zebra

with mom (and eric)

mrs. v and class

hayden loves the zoo

easter

2011-05-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

aust and park

pose #1

pose #2

pose #3

easter dress

hayden

mcCall

parker

ainsley

pre easter baskets

mcCall found hers

hayden's treats

ainsley wearing treats

easter bunny

ains and eb

Six Flags

2011-04-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Granpa got us Six Flags passes this year. We always have so much fun there!

lunch

ains

bumper

this is ains fav spot

spinny ride

grandma

show

hayd

call

dad and ains

park

in line

ains

elephant

cousins visit

2011-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Danny and Tammy and kids came for a visit. We had so much fun with them! On the Sunday they were here Wendy and her family came and we had a fun get together. We hope they come and visit again soon!

group of kids...14 in all

more kids

danny and Klancee

liza lou with tammy in background

first haircut

2011-04-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

It was finally time for Hayden to get her first haircut. She was a little nervous that it would be too short but it turned out just fine. That same night Ains borrowed the scissors and gave herself a few bangs...luckily we caught her before she took off too much!

side view

back view

front view

princesses

2011-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

The girls came home from a birthday party and wanted me to take their pictures.

thoughts

2011-03-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

somedays I get so frustrated with my kids. it seems like they cry, whine, complain and fight way too much. and i am tired. sometimes exhausted. not as patient as i should be. i forget when i see my kids sleep. even on the hardest days they become angels.

one night we came home to this scene

ains

park

our babysitter

crazy hair day

2011-03-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

they were so excited

back

side

helper

2011-03-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hayden loves to help me clean!

cute cousins

2011-02-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

We are lucky to have great cousins nearby! Over the holiday weekend we had Aunt Wend and kids come for a visit.

fancy meal

silly

jayne is darling

basketball #3

2011-02-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

With most sports that our kids play we don't take pictures until usually the last game. Sorry Aust, we have very few pics of you playing basketball this year. He really did have a great year, they even won the championship! He had a great coach and a fun team!

shot

getting the ball

birthday

2011-02-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

This year my birthday was on a Sunday. Typically I don't love Sunday birthdays but this one was amazing. My family totally took care of me. I didn't have to cook, clean up and I even got to have a nap. My favorite gift was a trip to Italy! How lucky am I?

parker always makes these large creative cards (this one is a tree with a catchy slogan)

jelly bellies are my favorite (and hayd's and ain's)

blowing out MANY candles

award

2011-02-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

Parker was given the RESPECT award for his class at an assembly for his school. He was so excited and we were super proud of him. He couldn't stop smiling.

receiving the award from principal

happy

group

ains was bored

basketball #2

2011-01-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

Park played in the town basketball league this year. His team did terrific and he had a great time. He was an animal on the court and constantly had to be reminded to stay on his man and not check everyone on the court! His coach was great and he had many friends from school on the team.

dribbling

being checked

high dribble

New Years Baby

2011-01-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

So...the day after Christmas Hayden and I were sick and throwing up (didn't gain a pound over Christmas break :). The next day McCall was down, next Ainsley and finally Austin. It was a violent bug that lasted over 24 hours and completely wiped us out. On New Years Day it even hit Jeremy (he never gets sick!). By that time I was a little exhausted and surprised that the New Years Baby came!

the shoes lined up and filled

mcCall thrilled with her "pillow pal". hayd is devastated that she didn't get the unicorn :(

wii game

happy

pjs

2011-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ainsley loves her new Bitty Baby and the matching jammies that came with her!

christmas!

2010-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

I always get mad on Christmas Day because I don't take many pictures, this year was no exception. I really only have morning pics and a few from the evening. The kids were super excited to open presents this year of course. It was hard to capture all of their reactions. We had a wonderful Christmas just being together. Parker had been sick a few days before (he threw up in theTarget shoe isle) so I was happy that everyone was healthy for the day.

so excited...if only ains would cooperate so they could go downstairs

all of them

aust looking at his new bike

new bike

park with new scooter

hayd thrilled with her "just like me" doll

ains with her bitty baby

mcCall with her stocking

the kids went caroling in the evening...i love this pic

cally

girls

all girls

christmas eve

2010-12-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

We had everyone over this year for our traditional Christmas Eve pizza dinner. Everyone seemed to have a swell time. One of the highlights is the nativity...this year we only had 1 Mary. The kids caught a glimpse of Santa before they went to bed which made it hard for them to get to sleep.

dinner

sparkling lemonaid

mary and joseph

dramatic angel

the cast

christmas jammies

pre

this pic should go before the last one

christmas in sf

2010-12-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

For the last couple of years Kambria has put together a fun scavenger hunt before Christmas in San Francisco for the kids. This year the kids had so much fun and were excited to spend time with their cousins.

pre-city

cally and hayd at the castle

the favorite spot was the video game place

hayd playing skee ball

park loves the santa hat

rainforest cafe

ains loves fara...fara not so much

hayd

awh....

christmas sunday

2010-12-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

ainsley is at the worst picture taking age. or maybe it is just HER stuborness. my other girls LOVE pictures and will pose anytime andywhere as you can see. here they are on the sunday before christmas in thier new outfits. parker's sweater is a bit too big.

without ains

only decent one of them altogether

dad and two girls

dad and boys and one girl

kindergarten party

2010-12-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

The kids seem to have so many parties before Christmas. Hayden was thrilled to wear her pjs to school to party with her class. She is always excited when Ainsley can come and sit at her desk. Ainsley as usual wreaked havoc and I could see some of the mothers whispering behind my back. She just wanted to be treated like a kindergartener, that's all! Hayden, on the other hand, behaved perfectly.

Hayden at her desk with her friends Joshua, Eric, and Siya

making a gingerbread house (ains only licked a few of the knives)

almost done

two friends...ains is lucky to have have hayd to take care of her

the grinch

2010-12-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Parker's 4th grade class put on a little skit of "The Grinch" a few days before school got out for the holidays. Park was so excited and had practiced and practiced his lines. He has a hard time not smiling. Here are somne pictures of him...he is the one with the green beard.

holiday program

2010-12-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

This was ANOTHER program that the school put on for "the holidays". It is so funny watching Hayden because she really gets into it. McCall not so much. Again I got horrible pictures and none of Park.

santa

2010-12-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Santa showed up to our ward Christmas breakfast. Three of the kids were thrilled, one was terrified, and one was completely disinterested. I really tried to block Jeremy out of the picture but #5 wasn't having it!

christmas program

2010-12-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

It seems like I never get good pictures at the school programs. There are always SO many parents and getting a seat where you can actually see is near impossible....unless you get there at least 45 minutes before. It was a nice program and I really appreciate all the time and work the music teacher invests BUT they never even sang ONE Christmas song. They do Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and every other religious celebration but never ANYTHING to do with Christmas...the holiday that the majority of the children in the school celebrate. It kind of frustrates me every year. I didn't get a decent picture of Parker to include.

Hayden

McCall

football banquet

2010-12-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Bears football is over for the year and Parker got to go to a "banquet" breakfast to celebrate the season. Thanks to his amazing coaches he learned a ton and also made some great friends. The coaches made an awesome DVD of the season which is priceless and I'm sure will be watched daily.

waiting

his name is called

shaking hands

his team

tree lighting

2010-12-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

The kids always get excited to go to the tree lighting in downtown. We missed the actual lighting this year but the kids didn't seem to notice since the highlight is always the hot cider and cookies.

part of the group

hayd and dad

ainsley was super excited

mcCally with some cider

cute family

thanksgiving

2010-12-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving this year at our house. We loved having Grandma and Grandpa here even though it is not really Thanksgiving to them. We enjoyed yummy food and had a great time.

cool appetizer

darling fara

park and marisa

rob and aust

grandma and grandpa

the group

school thanksgiving

2010-12-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hayden's class had a little Thanksgiving celebration. Hayden loves it when we come and visit her at school. They sang some songs, recited some turkey poems and had a short slide show. Included, of course, was the "multicultural" meal at the end.

at her desk

multicultural class

best part (even though she didn't know most of what she was eating)

grandpa's birthday

2010-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

I can't remember the last time I celebrated my dad's birthday with him. We were so excited that he was at our house and we had a huge celebration. The kids were excited to give him presents and eat yummy chocolate cake.

opening presents with aliza, park and aust

I wanted to be there when my mom opened her christmas gift so I gave it to her early. It was a photobook of her grandkids. I think she liked it.

opening

grandma and grandpa visit

2010-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Grandma Lorraine and Grandpa Wes came and visited and took 3 of the kids to the city. San Francisco is awesome this time of year. They went to Alcatraz and walked around the wharf and had a great time.

the giant tree at the wharf

mcCall on the boat to alcatraz

audio tour

cally and park

best friends

the boat

san francisco

2010-12-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

The kids had a couple of days off school so we took a trip to the city. It was a long day but we had a great time.

wharf

mcCall and hayden enjoying the sea otters

rainforest cafe

ains-a-ley

kambria took family pics at the golden gate

we couldn't walk too far down the beach

christmas card 2010...thanks kambria

2nd choice...it was impossible to get ains to smile

hayden elisabeth

mcCally

basketball

2010-12-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

We signed McCall up for the town co-ed basketball program this year. She was one of the few girls in the league. She loved it and had a great time. Here are some pics of her season.

practice

dribbling (a tad high)

pass

defense

pass to me (that kid NEVER passed)

shot

Lost Tooth

2010-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

McCall has been wiggling her tooth around for weeks. She was thrilled to finally lose her 1st front top tooth. I was kind of sad.

toothless and happy

scary night 2010

2010-12-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

This year the kids were excited to have 3 days to wear their costumes and celebrate Halloween. I thought it would last forever but it was fun to see them so happy. I didn't get any pics that turned out of the school parade since my camera quit working. We got a new camera the next day. Here are pics from each night, for some reason they are not in order.

Ainsley fell asleep in her high chair right before trick or treating. She was trying so hard to stay awake!

We wondered if it was even worth it to wake her up...

...especially when she finally did wake up and threw a gigantic temper tantrum.

The kids right before trick or treating...I had to hold Ains because she did not cooperate.

Ainsley, the fairy

Hayden, the blue princess (cinderella...it has to be a princess every year)

Parker, the football player (he wins the "easiest costume award")

Austin, scary guy in a mask that scares Ains

McCally, the witch (I convinced her to be a nice, not scary, one)

Hayden, post trick or treating

Me, cowgirl on the night of the trunk or treat...we went to a party so I had to throw together a costume. (Hayden told me I looked more like a farmer)

at the trunk or treat

hayden at the trunk or treat

McCall at the trunk or treat

soccer wrap up

2010-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

After watching years and years of older brother and sisters soccer games, Hayden was thrilled to have the opportunity to finally take the field. She was on a great team called the Saberkittens and she had an amazing season. While I'm quite certain that soccer will not be her future sport of choice, she had a fun time and made some awesome friends.
running down the field

she always played with a smile

throwing the ball into play

posing for a picture...she's really good at that

water break

new hairdo

white jersey

saberkittens 2010

bears football

2010-12-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

parker has found a new love. the season started out slow...he had a lot to learn. it was tough. practice 5 days a week. 40 minute round trip to practice. 2+ hours long. in the hot sun. and boy did they ever run. saturday morning games where he'd have to leave at 5 am. weekly weigh ins. but parker loved every minute of it. if you asked him his favorite part was "tackling people". we saw a lot of improvement in him through out the year. he was sad when the season was finally done. will we do it again? of course!
talking to coaches before a play (parker is in black ;)

lining up

here he goes (#54)

approaching

getting there

just about

contact

going

gone!

new play

he's got him

down

just about

got him!

team after a win

#54

Grandpa came to some games

mom and ains

park and hayd

with dad

birthday

2010-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday DAD!

sleeping beauties

2010-12-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

hayden

2010-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

hayd was so excited when it was her turn to take home the class frog. she is in mrs. vieira's "fun frogs" k/1 class. we were a little worried in the beginning about how it would be for her to spend her kindergarten experience in a first grade setting. so far it has been fine. she loves her "older" friends and especially loves her teacher who has done a terrific job with her.
she loves to pose for pictures. she cried when she found out she was in the class with the "green" bags since she really wanted purple and it is her 2nd favorite color. green has moved up to 7th on her favorite color list.

wearing her "frog" pjs too

mcCall's birthday

2010-11-16T13:04:00.001-08:00

McCall turned 7 and couldn't have been more excited! She was thrilled to take doughnuts (her favorite) to school to share with her classmates and friends.
birthday girl

happy birthday mcCall

i love mcCall

with her dad

austin parker hayden and ainsley all love mcCall too

cally requested a cookie dough ice cream cake from baskin robbins

blowing out the candles

Some things about McCally. Seriously McCall is the best kid. As a baby she was by far my easiest. At times I forgot I had her because she slept all the time and hardly ever cried. She has grown up to be my easiest kid too. She is always the one trying to make peace or helping the kids to get along. She is sensitive to the feelings of others especially me. She will help me with whatever I need whenever I need it. She has been such a big help for her younger sisters, and they really look up to her. She has a special relationship with her brother, Parker, and was so excited to be near his classroom this year in school. She is always looking to befriend those that don't have friends. She is so conscientious about saying her prayers and she writes in her journal nearly every night. She wants to do what's right. She such a good example to me. I am so proud of my little girl.

we can't get enough of baby fara

2010-11-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

I know this was so long ago but I've had it done for months and just haven't published it. We were so excited to see baby Fara the day after she was born! She is so adorable!

marisa looking amazing after delivering

austin with his new cousin

hayden with fara

too cute for words

everyone fights to hold her

one more

ains-a-ley

2010-11-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

some quick pics of my baby, who is growing up way too fast.
i still make her sit in a high chair even though she is big enough for a booster

she loves to play with everyone and anyones ears...so wierd I know. she will grab them and say eary eary eary...

she is so active...we went to the park one day and she rushed in the street faster than I could get to her...luckily a lady in the car that was coming toward her saw her and stopped...i think i aged 20 years...i now stay by the gate so she can't escape

my three girls

they all love and adore ainsley

ANNIE

2010-11-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

McCall and Hayden and I were so excited to go to a childrens musical production of "Annie" at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. I grew up watching and listening to the music of Annie and my girls LOVE the movie so we couldn't wait for it to start!
before the show

The show was so good. We loved every minute of it!

aunt marisa's bday

2010-11-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Marisa! We love you!