Family Moments

Summer album 2009

2009-08-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

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American Lake

2009-08-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Bamboo sand castle

Look I found a rock!

Sand Angel

Drifting out to sea!

Hailey and Madison headed out with my parents to spend the night in a cabin on Ft. Lewis our Army base.

Braden and I spent the day there with them and had dinner but then headed home. I was leaving all the fun for the grandparents with two girls in an unknown place. ;-) Although I heard from them the next day and they did great. They were so excited to be doing something different that they were up early ready to play in the lake again.

More Mason Lake

2009-08-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

It took us awhile to convice Braden to head on out with us bu the did it and didn't want to get out. I was a little scared that he'd flip us in as he kept moving around alot! I wasn't really looking forward to falling in with him and swimming back to the dock. ;-)
My Little Pirate!
Got to love playing in the rocks!

Madison showing off her new shades!

Mason Lake

2009-08-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today we went to visit my sister out at her inlaws lake house. It was a very fun last minute thing that we decided to do. We had a wonderful time with great weather. All of the cousins had a great time playing and sitting out on the island!
Here the kids stood in their hot tub. ;-) It was way warmer then the lake that is for sure.
Hanging out in the Island!
Have to get a little bit wet even if the water was cold.

Happy 2nd Birthday Braden

2009-08-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Braden!!

Well we ended up having a wonderful day. We had just gotten back from our Canada trip and I had Strep Throat so bad! I wasn't even sure if i was going to make it to do something for his birthday. Luckily my throat was better from the antibiotics and i was just feeling tired. Aunt Tammy came through and had decorations, a cake and a Pinata. My parents came out to dinner with out last minute and it all worked out. We love you Braden and can't believe how big you are now.

Time sure does fly by and we are so proud of our both of our kids.

Cultus Lake, Canada

2009-08-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Wow we had an amazing time up in Canada visiting with my grandparents. I'm also trying the new Google Picasa and seeing how it works with posting and downloading pictures. There were so many pictures that I want to put on here but the kids are calling for me.
I thought i'd just share a few for now.

Princess Party

2009-06-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today Hailey went to her friend from school Princess Birthday party. We had an amazing time. I wish I could have a birthday party there for me. Not sure that any of the dresses would fit me.

The girls got there and got to make a princess wand and decorate it to their hearts content. Then it was nail painting time followed with changing of the clothes. Once the birthday girl picked her dress with her newly done updo hair that they did for her all the girls got to pick a dress.

Hailey picked the Sleeping Beauty dress.
Once the girls were ready for the party they were taught princess etiquette and read a story we were allowed back in the room to be introduced to our beautiful princess's.

They were then off to the tea party. Real china for 7 five year olds man were we all holding our breath as you heard clank clank. It was alot of fun though to see them pick tons of food. Obviously their eyes were bigger then their stomachs. Yet they still enjoyed it.

And now Hailey wants her party there but we have months before that and she'll probably forget about it by then? Well maybe not.

It isn't easy to forget being a princess for a day.

Riding a Bike

2009-05-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Well It took us about two days to get Hailey comfortable riding her bike. We did switch her to her smaller bike even though we started working with her on her bigger bike. The minute she got on the smaller one she took off. Now we can't get her off of the bike.

Braden couldn't be outdone.. So PaPa Perrine bought him a spiderman hotwheel. He loves scooting on it as he can't quite reach the pedal. It doesn't stop him from scooting around the neighborhood. We are told quite often from Braden "MY BIKE" don't go near it.

The Loft Bed is Here!

2009-05-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well It has been awhile since we sold Hailey's Castle bed but it has sure been worth it. Here are some pictures of the new bed. Now we are just working on finding something to hang in the front to give her a little hide away.

Selling the Castle Bed

2009-03-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend we got the idea to get Hailey a Loft bed. We haven't found one yet but the plan was we'd sale Hailey's castle bed. This is the bed she transitioned into from her crib. I put the bed on Craigslist on Saturday and that night i got an e-mail about someone wanting it. They came Sunday after churcha and it was SOLD!

I really didn't think i'd take it as hard as i did. Hailey was ready and had no problem as for her she was getting a "bunk bed" To her they are the same although she knows she'll get to play under her bed. Let me tell you that night it was really hard for Hailey. Not because she missed her Castle bed but because she was expecting a new bed that day.

We haven't found a loft bed that we like or that is in our price range. Let me tell you there are some nice ones out there but i'm not spending $2,000 on a bed for her. So now Andy and his dad are going to make a bed a loft bed for her. I"m looking forward to it as i'm sentimental that way when things are handmade. So now Hailey is drawing her plans for her new bed. As soon as it is done i'll post some pictures but as for now here is her big girl bed that now belongs to a little girl who is 18months. I know she'll love the bed as Hailey got the bed at that age and we had some fun memories in that castle bed.

Congratulations Manda! Our Favorite Corrections Officer!

2009-02-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

My Sister in law Manda graduated from the Corrections Academy at the end of January. We were honored to be there with her for this exciting day. She has been working in the Kititas jail for quite some time but is now official. Welcome to the working world Manda. In June we will attend her graduation from CWU!!

Braden is always doing what BIG Sister is doing!

2009-02-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

So Hailey decided to play on her Barbie laptop. Braden also has a little laptop and since Miss. Hailey brought hers up to the table Mr. Braden had to follow. Hailey has to be careful in alot of things that she does as someone is always watching and ready to do the same thing. Jumping off of the couch is something that Braden is not ready to do yet.

I also like to say in the picture that they have learned this look from me. Nothing like checking Facebook or e-mail throughout the day.

Braden's First Tumble

2009-02-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago Braden had his first tumble down the driveway. Let me tell you when you hear your baby's head hit the cement it isn't a good thing. It was really loud. I'm sure all the neighbors thought i was crazy as I dropped all my stuff in the middle of the driveway to grab him and run in the house. I must say Arnica Gel is the best stuff for any bumps. I have used this many times and let me tell you every parent should own some.

MOPS Convention

2008-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to the MOPS convention in Dallas. The convention was at the Gaylord Texan Resort and what a beautiful resort it was. I went with four other girls from our MOPS group and we had a wonderful time. We are pretty much kept busy with all the sessions. We start our day off all together. All 5,000 women in one room hearing inspiring stories and singing praises. What an experience. Then you fight the crowd of 5,000 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks in between. ;-) We did bring some things to eat in our room which saved us time and an angry tummy.

After the General Session we broke up into smaller groups of the seminars of our choice. My first class was Leaving Heartprints. The main point I came out with this class is learning that "We were handpicked by God to be our children's mother not to be perfect but to make a difference."

We also must realize our habits can affect our children and we can change that for the sake of our children. ;-) I definitely know that I have some.

We must have stayed up talking and laughing till 2:30am in the morning only to get up by 6:30 to get ready for another day. It was well worth it to have some girl time with some wonderful ladies.

Oh and did I mention getting our pictures done with Kim Hill, Jaci Velasquez, Avalon and hearing Plumb for the first time which i'm going to run out and buy her CDS.

I'm looking forward to MOPS Convention again next year is in Nashville!

Flower Girl

2008-09-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hailey was a flower girl in my cousin's wedding up in Minter Garden, Canada. What a beautiful garden. I think I went a little camera happy as I have over 200 pictures from the wedding. Here are some pictures from the wedding.

Hailey's pierced ears

2008-08-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today Hailey wanted her ears pierced. I have asked for a year off and on if she wanted them pierced. To be honest I was more afraid for her then she was of getting them done. I was honest with her and told her it will hurt. We also watched an episode of John and Kate plus 8 where the one little girl gets her ears pierced and cries afterwards. Hailey was such a big girl that not even a tear came out of her or a sound. She just jumped and looked at me when they first did it but was fine. I was holding her hands but to be honest I was squeezing her hand more then she was mine. I"m so proud of my Hailey Bugs.

Another milestone in our children's life. Braden is starting to stand in the middle of the living room and then falls down and claps for himself. It is so cute. Now we just need to get him to WALK!

Hailey's first Hair cut

2008-08-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hailey got her hair cut not to long ago. I didn't think i'd be so sad but I was when it was all done. I think it was because she has been asking for it and it just seems like a big girl decision. At first I thought maybe she figured out a way to not have her hair done in ponytails anymore. She really does hate having her hair brushed.
She still doesn't like it brushed but with it shorter it doesn't last as long.
Here is a picture of Hailey before and after her big girl haircut!

Braden's First Birthday

2008-08-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2008
Braden's first birthday!
We had small family get together to celebrate Braden turning ONE!
I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Here are some pictures of his special day.

Braden's First Haircut

2008-07-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Braden had his first haircut the other day.
Our friend Kari was nice enough to cut his hair for us. He had holding the one shaver while she used the big one on him. It was sad to see his hair go but I did not want him sporting a mullet. ;-)

2008-07-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Cultus Lake

2008-07-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Canada to visit with my grandparents. We had a WONDERFUL time! We went up to their trailer at Cultus lake and Hailey played with her cousin Madison and Evan. They sure had fun swimming, jumping on the trampoline and riding their bikes.

It's amazing how fast kids can become friends. The little girl a few spots down befriended the kids and they all played so well together.

Hailey had her first experience sleeping in a trailer, roasting marshmellows on a camp fire not a bbq grill ;-). And being allowed to go to bed past 10 o'clock. Who can resist sitting under the stars with no pollution.

Braden had his first swimming experience, okay I wouldn't call it swimming as he was all snuggled up in grandma's arm as the water was a bit chilly when you first got in. Then it warmed up. Hailey was always willing to jump right in with her life vest on.

It was really hard to come home but it really isn't that far to go to visit them Sure it takes an extra hour to get there with kids as we stop in Lynden to let them play at McDonalds and sitting at the border can be a hit or miss. Some days you can get there just right while other days you have an hour wait.

I defintely plan on going up there again before summer ends. It's so hard finding time with Hailey's social calendar.

We are doing Vacation Bible school and swimming lessons now and then it's off to another camp at church. Must be nice to be young.

Enjoy the pictures.

A Single mom for 2 weeks

2008-07-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well Andy was sent to San Jose, CA for two weeks! Wouldn't you know it they told him on my birthday and the next day he was gone!
I keep telling him he needs to quit doing his job so well as he is reliable and they can count on him. I guess that is a good thing as they do want him to be a supervisor. We are just waiting on when that happens.

Anyways. I feel like a single mom. I give all single moms a big kudos to you! I am so spoiled to have someone to call to pick up that gallon of milk or to help me get in the door when I come home with the kids! Now i'm on my own and making more then one trip to get things out of the car.

Putting the kids to bed is longer as its all on me! ;-) Hailey has been a big girl and helping out alot.
Andy also will be back the day before Braden's First Birthday. I guess i'm getting to do all the shopping and planning for that. Thankfully it's just a small family get together to celebrate Braden's special day.