January Birthday Bash

January is Birthday Bonanza month. First is Byron's and then Kellee and then Ashton. We have added two grandsons to the fun as well. You can see one of them in the corner of the picture. Not sure what Ashton has the giggles about but I am sure that Byron is at the bottom of it.

Byron got some cool signs to hang on the wall of his "Man Cave".

Ashton got a new iPod! This boy loves and lives music! He is so very talented and amazes me all of the time at what he comes up with either on the guitar or the piano.

Among the things that Kellee got was a beautiful scarf from her sister, Meghan.

This is Payten (on the left) and Skyler (right). They are exactly two years apart and good buddies.

Newest Family Member

This is my son, Ashton, and his new bride, Becky. This was taken just after they were married on the beach in Santa Barbara. It was supposed to be a secret but when Ashton called me before he left town I all of a sudden got 'mother's intuition' and asked him if they were running away to get married. After an awkward silence, awkward conversation that ended with him hanging up on me he called back and confirmed my suspicions. To get the record straight, however, they were not running away, they had been planning since October but just hadn't told any family, they were going to surprise us at the monthly family dinner this month. That was supposed to be next Sunday and I had it all planned out where I would have a cute single-layer wedding cake made by a friend and I would bring it out as dessert and then they would make their announcement. Well, they couldn't wait so I had a day to throw together the cake. Below is the result:

Scary, I know. At least the ducks are cute and they appreciated it so much! We are so glad to have Becky as a part of our family. She is a sweet girl and has really helped Ashton get on top of taking care of his health and many other events that have spelled out a not so hot year for him.

Fun for Free!

For the past couple of months I have been substituting in one of the three nurseries in my ward. I have a couple of more months left and I am really having the time of my life. I wanted to post some pictures of some of the little cuties I get to hang out with but after the Relief Society meeting we had last night about safe use of the internet I vow never to post pictures of anyone's children without their consent. So....you are just gonna have to take my word for it, these kids are adorable. They have gotten used to having me around now so they are talking more and watching them sing during singing time is a hoot! They know the actions for all of the songs but getting them to match up with the verse that is being sung at the time can get a little tricky and can provide a lot of entertainment. This past Sunday we had finished up singing time but had not sung one of the 'regulars' so while we were putting up chairs and getting toys out, one of the little boys sat on the adult chair and led everyone through Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star...with all of the actions. This is the same little guy who will come over and rub the top of my head if he thinks that I need some love. What a sweet experience to be a part of these kids' first step in Primary. I used to think that Young Women's was the best (secretly still do) and then I really got a kick out of being Cubmaster. I never thought that I could really love Nursery but I had a short stint a few years ago that came at a point in my life that made my time there very healing. Now I'm hooked. BTW, for those of you who have kids in my Nursery class, I will be giving you the pictures of your little ones rather than putting them here.

Catch up!

A tomato family was out for a walk. The baby tomato kept falling behind. The daddy tomato turned around and stepped on him and said, "Ketchup!". I know, that's a horrible joke and I cannot not remember where I heard it. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was many years ago and that it was one of my brothers. Anyway, I posted a lot of pictures from the summer. Take a look at all or some or none. Either way, they are all there. Enjoy!

October Family Party

Our family party for October also honored a couple of October birthdays. We had Carne Asada tacos (sorry, no pictures). I know,weird, usually we take lots of pictures of thd food. Also no present opening pictures or candle blowing out pictures. Oh well, we'll do better next time. Hard to believe that it will be Thanksgiving when that happens.

This is Kaitlynn. Her birthday is in October but we didn't celebrate her birthday today.

This is Meghan and Payten and Lilly on the trampoline. They love it when she bounces them. Meghan was one of the birthday girls.

Preston-who slept through most of the party.

Patrick, Kaitlynn and Papa

Camryn and the garden hose.

Lilly and Kaitlynn. Lilly was also one of the birthday girls.

Preston's Blessing

In September Patrick and Kellee blessed Preston. I had a guest photographer-Payten-so excuse the camera angle.

Me

Lilly

Byron and Meghan-notice the cute wall decorations-Kellee is so talented.

Kellee

Kellee, Beth, Kevin, Kevin's girlfriend and Preston

Quincy-who wished to remain anonymous.

Kellee, Sean, Meghan-in-law

Beth, Preston, Sean and Ally

Campout and Fun with P,L and K

Payten and Lilly were sad that they weren't able to go camping with us this year so we had a mini campout with them. The first part was not so camp out-ish. Dinner at Carl's Jr.

Now the "camping" begins.

Chillin' in the backyard.

Squirting Grandpa with water.

Roasting marshmallows on the BBQ

Smore's!!!

The next day we met Kellee and Kaitlynn and Preston and went to the Bean Museum.

Kaitlynn loved the fish on the wall. I don't have any pictures but she HATED the tigers and lions.

The drinking fountain was also a big hit with her.

The museum has scavenger hunts for all age levels. The kids are working on one that has pictures of different animals to look for.

After the museum we hit another hot spot-Pirate Island Pizza! They have a bunch of different games that the kids can play using tokens and they get paid in tickets-ala Chuckie Cheese. Then they can take the tickets and buy stuff.

Payten using his skills.

They also had a play place with slides that Kaitlynn loved.

Lilly riding the merry-go-round.