Groves Family Memories

Almost there......

2012-02-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

Okay I just realized that I haven't posted on Christmas with Grandma and Papa, Gram and Pops or at home. Here I thought I was doing good and pretty much caught up. Alas, you will have to endure another post from 2011. Sorry!!! However, this is going to be a busy month so hopefully, I can keep up with 2012. Papa's birthday is Monday, Jenna's on the 23rd and Greg's on the 25th. None of these include visits from Jordyn, parties for friends or anything else that may come up!! IN other words STAY TUNED!!!!!!!

For now all of us are doing well. Mom and daddy are trying not to think about the double digit birthday coming up. WE are NOT ready for our precious Jenna to be 10!!!

Hope you all are having a wonderful 2012 so far.

Happy Birthday New Mexico

2012-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to New Mexico!! Our state is 100 years old. New Mexico may be considered a desert, but it is actually very diverse. Mountains, forests, desert and beautiful sunsets. You can leave Las Cruces and drive to Ruidoso and it looks as if you have left New Mexico. It is wonderful. Anyway, Las Cruces decided to have a Centennial parade in honor of our state's 100th birthday. Most of the parade was made up of schools from the Las Cruces Public Schools. Each school had a poster with the year it was started. The girls and I could have walked in it, but chose to watch instead. The best part was that this parade once again went around the downtown mall like they all used to. I really do like them better downtown. Anyway, here are a few pictures from the parade.

I know some of the pictures are a little random, but there are reasons for why I took pictures of them.

Ready and waiting for the parade to begin.

Our colors being presented by the JR ROTC from each High School

Gram taught here for YEARS and Greg went to here!!

Always the favorite sight in a parade!

Our High School!!!! Number 1

My current school, favorite administration and Jenna and Kaci's school.

Our Librarian and one of Kaci's good friends.

Sydney's mom and a colleague

I love the Mesilla Plaza and I thought this float was cool.

I know this is our rival school, but I am a Mayfield and I think their costumes are cool.

The first school I taught at, I loved the 80s theme.

Our friend Colton on the float for Tombaugh. This is not only where Jenna and Kaci's good friends Colton, Cady, and Grace go to school, it is also the last school Gram taught in. Oh and their Principal is a friend of mine.

Tammy and Cady walking. Sorry didn't crop it first.

Coach Michael on the Desert Hills float. Mckaela and Mckynze go here and are good friends too.

This is possibly going to be Kaci and Jenna's High School. IF they go to Centennial it will definately help with the rivalry in our house;)

We really do LOVE New Mexico and were glad we got to see this! Happy Birthday NM!!!!!!!

Fun with Friends!!!!!!!!

2012-02-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

After playing in the snow with daddy we came inside nd warmed up a bit. Then I got a crazy idea to go take more pictures in the snow. So our great friends Shanna, Alyssa, Ashleigh Adalyn and Steve joined us. The crazy part is that when I thought up the idea it was still nice, but by the time we actually went out it had gotten breezy and was colder. However, it was still lots of fun!!! The girls are so funny together. Here are few of my favorites!

This one was taken before Adalyn got really mad at us:)

Snow Day Again

2012-02-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

In December during our fun holiday break it snowed AGAIN!! Twice in one month that is wonderful. Greg had to go to work, but he came home so that he could play in the snow with the girls. He also was sweet and bought them new gloves so they could play in the snow!! The best part of this snowstorm was that the snow was the kind that was good for making a snowman.

The snowman

Daddy and Kaci have a snowball fight!!

San Tan Flats

2012-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

Outside of Phoenix is a restaurant called San Tan Flats. I have been a couple times and the girls really enjoy it. The few times I have been though we sat inside to eat, so I hadn't seen all the cool stuff outside. The girls really enjoy going and the food is good. On the weekends it has live music and dancing at night. At one point a church was trying to shut it down because according to them dancing should be against the law. Makes me giggle just a bit. However, it is still open and the ruling never went through. I am hoping when we go back to visit I can go do an actual photo shoot with the girls all dressed in their hats, boots, belts and buckles. There are so many good spots for photos.
The crazy part was while we were there eating a couple came in and they did their engagement photos. Here are a few of my favorites.

All of the girls loved it and I actually got my niece Jordyn to smile for me. Point for me:)

Swimming fun at Christmas

2012-01-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

The fun part about Christmas in Phoenix is that it is usually warm enough to swim in heated pools. The girls got to swim twice. Once at the hotel and once at my Grandma's apartment complex. They had a great time!

The pictures below my cousin Steven took. He decided to play with my camera. He is really into media and technology. However, he does mostly video so he wanted to play with my camera. He is pretty good.

Gingerbread Fun

2012-01-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Before we headed to Phoenix my aunt called to ask if the girls would like to have Gingerbread making party. Of Course! was my answer. On Sunday when after church, lunch and naps we were ready for the party to begin. Hannah, mom and I ran to Hobby Lobby real quick and then we came back to the start of gingerbread houses. The process started out with Andrew & Callan, Colin & Kaci, Papa & Jenna, Brian & Eden and Jordyn and Shari. However, by the time we got back Eden and Jordyn were done and playing. Before the houses were done it was an adult house party because the kids gave up!!:-) Kaci I will say lasted the longest.

Yes even I helped at one point

Andrew/Callan & Hannah/Eden's House

Callan/Andrew and Shari's House

Kaci's House

Jenna's House

Build A Bear is a Family Affair

2012-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

This year Grandma and Papa gave all three girls gift cards to Build a Bear. I think they did it since they knew we would be in Phoenix:) Well, we decided that Miss Eden and Miss Callan should get to go too so we made sure to plan our trip when they could go. It was lots of fun! I enjoy watching my girls make and dress their animals, but adding three little ones to it was even better.

Jordyn is soooo independent that she had to type up her own birth certificate!

She did a good job and really focused.

Kaci's turn!!

Time to give her a bath

Jenna's turn!

Her polar bear needed a bath too.

Eden's turn!!!!!!

Hannah dressing Callan's puppy!

Callan and her puppy

Jenna with her polar bear in her favorite color:)

Eden and Princess "Tangled"

Kaci with Koalie the Koala

After Build a Bear we were all hungry so we headed to the Spaghetti Factory. It was really quite yummy. Hannah, my mom, Shari, and Grandma all were discussing what to do after lunch so I took three of the girls out to watch the water fountain. Colin and Jordyn joined us.

Kaci LOVES carrying Callan!!!!!!!!

The four girls. This was the best pic I got this time:)

Eden and Callan playing peek-a-boo with me

Christmas Pt1- Presents with Jordyn, Shari and Colin

2012-01-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

This year instead of Jordyn, Colin and Shari coming to Cruces for Christmas we went to Phoenix. Unfortunately, Greg was not able to join us. We missed him!!!! Friday after school was out we packed up and headed to Phoenix with my mom and dad. That night we met Jordyn, Colin and Shari for dinner. After dinner we headed to the hotel to check in and get to bed. The next day we had lunch with them, Grandma, Hannah, Brock, Brian, Eden and Callan. After lunch we headed back to the hotel to open presents and play.

The Living Christmas Tree

2012-01-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Each year the kids look forward to singing in the Living Christmas tree that our church puts on. The only difference this year was that Jenna got to be an ornament. She was going to be a gingerbread man, but the ended up as a star. It worked out though, because she was still very happy about it. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

The last night one of the ornaments was sick so Mckaela got to be a star. Here are the three of them

Jenna with her buds giving her bunny ears

Best Buds-Jagger, Jenna, Colton and Mckaela: I missed Travis

The Littles-Jackson, Cady, Mckenzie, Carly and Kaci

Once again it was a great event. I didn't get to see the whole thing this year, but the girls did and they loved it! So, until next year.....

Ella the Enchanted Elf

2012-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

This year we added a new little person to our family for Christmas. Ella the Enchanted Elf came to our house. When she came we had to name her and her "magic" was given to her. Each day she watched the girls. Then when we all went to bed she would go report to Santa on how they behaved. the girls would talk to her, but they knew that if they touched her she would loose her magic. We found her in several different places, some silly and some just fun. I do have to say she wasn't quite as naughty as some of her elf friends. We shall see what she does next year when she arrives again just before Christmas.

She snuck into their room one night.

This one was crazy!!

These were the ones I got from my phone. In the cereal box.

Hanging with Mary and Joseph

In the tree. We found her there several times.

I think she must have been playing the Wii.

Ella also showed up in Phoenix. We were all very surprised!! I didn't get pictures of her there though. Maybe next year. The girls miss having her around, but we know she will return next year!!

Snow Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

In December we were warned that a winter storm was coming. We all thought okay, a drop in temperatures and a few flakes. Well, the LORD showed us!! :) On Monday, December 5th it started snowing around 10:00 and continued all day. The snow was not the snowmam making kind, but it was snow and fun to play in!! They next day school was called off because of all the ice on the roads. Which didn't bother us, because we got to play in it some more. However, since we don't get snow much and don't really go to the mountains where it does snow the girls didn't have snow gloves, but that didn't bother them. So after playing in it they came in and took warm showers and had hot chocolate. (both times)

Jenna

Kaci

Our precious girls!!!

Kaci and her snowangel

Jenna and her snowangel

The girls begged to hit the trampoline to knock the snow off.

The photos below are to show what the yard and tree looked like on Monday and then on Tuesday.

Above is the backyard tree on 12/5/11. Below is what it looked like the next day-12/6/11

Above on 12/5 LOTS of white. Below on 12/6 LOTS of leaves

I just found it crazy that the leaves went from covering the tree and still kind of green to covering the ground and brown!!

It was a very fun couple of days, even if we had to make the day up:)

Balletfolklorico

2012-01-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

This year the girls are involved in Ballet Folklorico at school. With their wanting to dance all the time this is good for them. They also like being able to dress up. One of the great things about it is that they are learning about another culture at the same time. Rehearsals are anywhere between one and two days a week for an hour.

In the Fall semester Kaci's group went on a field trip to Good Samaritan and another Nursing Home to perform for the residents. It was Kaci's group, the after school choir and another one of the groups. Jenna's group will get to go this coming Spring.

It was NOT planned, but they both ended up in orange.

Thanksgiving

2012-01-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

This year Thanksgiving was extra special, because it was Gram's birthday also!! We got up and hung out and watched the Macy's parade. Then it was time to get ready to go. We are so thankful for family!!!!!!!!! We had dinner and celebrated Gram's birthday. "Grandma" Cindy and "Grandpa" Claude also came to dinner. It was yummy and fun.

Gram's birthday present-personalized ornaments.

Watching Gram's birthday powerpoint

They are crazy!!

Licking the candle

Thank you Lord for all you do for us!!! We are soooo blessed with all you've given us.

Halloween

2012-01-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we had a cute pirate and Alex from Waverly Place:) They both looked very sweet. Once again Jordyn joined us for a night of fun. She was Minnie Mouse. We didn't go on our normal trick or treating adventures since it was a school night, but Trunk or Treat at our church was still lots of fun. We saw lots of friends and had a good time. After the girls had gone to all the cars Kaci and Jordyn with Shari to trick or treat around mom and dad's neighborhood. Jenna however, was wanting to be a "big" girl, so she stayed and hung with her friends Colton and McKaela. They passed out candy for Colton's grandparents-Grammy and Grandpa Mac.

Jenna is ready!

Kaci ready to change your view of pirates

Kaci is holding our candy pumpkin man that my mom bought us

Jenna trying to decide if she should make it come to life:)

Alex and Pistol Pete

Pink pirate and Wonder Woman

Our pumpkins and pumpkin man

Minnie Mouse Jordyn

The three cousins!

The crew-Jenna, Colton, Mckaela, Mckynze, Kaci and Cady (missing Jagger and Jackson)

Thing 1 aka Ian and Thing 2 aka Titus

Adalyn the glamorous ghost above. Kaci, Alyssa and Ashleigh below

Jordyn hanging with Grandma before going trick or treating

It was quick and fun! However, as a teacher I must say that Nov. 1st should always be a professional development day")

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends!!! I am looking forward to a new year and the blessings that God has in store for us. I am sorry that I didn't finish getting caught up on my blog before the New Year hit, however, I will do my best to have it updated soon!!

In closing I just want to say that I hope your holidays and the upcoming year are full of family, fun, laughter, love and most of all the blessing from our Father!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Good-bye Soccer 2011

2011-12-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Well, soccer is offically over for the year 2011. It is full of mixed emotions. The girls loved playing. However, with the holiday season upon us it will be wonderful to have some free time to focus on our family and get ready for the holidays. Fortunately and unfortunatly the girls will not be playing in the Spring.
As I previously posted Jenna played in her season of soccer after taking several years off. I was very proud of her and how far she has come. She still played defender this season which she did very well. Ms. Joy thought she did so well putting her body between the other player and the goal that she thinks she would do great in basketball. :) She made us proud!! She also got to play forward. Colin McVaugh was her coach again along with Michael Hamrick. They did a wonderful job and we are very thankful for them. Jenna truly enjoys playing with friends she has known for 9 years and those she has gained through soccer.

Jenna showing off her shirt that Miss Tammy made her!!

Coach Colin, Jenna and her trophy

Miss Tammy suggested trophies with their pictures this year.

Kaci moved up to U8 this year. This means longer games, bigger fields, another player and the start to learning positions. Michael Hamrick and Daddy were her coaches. During games when Greg could not be there Colin stepped in to help. We are thankful she was able to stay with coaches we know and they worked well with her. She did a great job assisting her teammates with getting goals. I think her favorite part though was playing goalie. Once she got used to it she did an excellent job!! Not sure mommy wants that to be the position she wants to play though:)

Kaci showing off her shirt!

Coach Michael, Coach Daddy, Kaci and her trophy

Kaci was very proud of her new trophy!

Here are a few pictures just cuz.

Now we will find something fun to do til the fall when soccer starts again. THANK YOU Coach Colin, Coach Michael, Coach Jeff and Coach Daddy!!!!!!!!!!

Pumpkins Part 2

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

This year the girls got to carve pumpkins twice! This time they carved them with their daddy. It was fun for them. The best part about carving pumpkins is the time you get to spend with family. Of course daddy wasn't a fan of having his picture taken, but he was a good sport.

Jenna's pumpkin

Daddy's pumpkin

Kaci's pumpkin

Pumpkin Time!!

2011-12-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

One of the things the girls look forward to at Halloween is carving pumpkins. I have never liked cleaning them out, but carving was fun. This year they got to carve pumpkins with Jordyn and Shari on Saturday. Jordyn was not as into carving pumpkins as the girls, but she did help out a bit. Then on Sunday they carved their pumpkins with daddy and were really happy to do it.

Kaci trying to decide what to carve. Then she decided to draw her own:)

Jenna watching her Papa help her etch out her design. She is cleaning the pumpkin and smiling:)

Jordyn with the tape to help keep the paper on the pumpkins and Shari starting to carve.

Kaci cleaning the pumpkin

Papa and Grandm were helping with pumpkins too!!

Jenna helping out Jordyn!!

Jordyn and her Papa working on pumpkins!

Jordyn cleaning out her pumpkin!!

Mommy even helped.

Well, this was all for the carving at Grandma and Papa's house.

Awards

2011-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Conlee for the last few years has started giving awards to students at the end of each nine weeks. These awards have very strict criteria and MUST be earned. Principal's Honor Roll is for those who have a 3.5 or higher. They can also earn Honor Roll, Character Counts, PE, Music, Computer, Perfect Attendance or Excellent Attendance, Improvement or a Conlee Colt award.
Well, this year the awards assembly ended up being during Red Ribbon on mix match day. This was crazy! I have a hard time with the girls going to school not matching as it is, but on awards day it was even harder!! Anyway, Jenna was pretty matching, but Kaci's socks were a little crazy and that drove me nuts.

The MOST important part though was that both girls got awards. Kaci got Honor Roll and Excellent Attendance. Jenna got Perfect Attendance, Character Counts and Prinicipal's Honor Roll!!!!!! I was one proud momma!!!!!!!

Red Ribbon Week

2011-12-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

In October the LCPS schools all participated in Red Ribbon Week. This is a week where we talk to the students about being drug free. The kids have fun days during this week too. Crazy hair, team jersey, all ready, hats day, mismatch day these are examples of the fun that happens during the week. One of the other things that the kids get to particpate in is an essay, song or poster contest. This year Jenna wrote and essay for Red Ribbon week and she did a wonderful job and won!!! I was one proud momma!!

Here she is with her prizes for winning! Sorry, a medal, certificate and a pencil

The girls in their new jammies for Pajama day!!

Kaci with some of her friends and classmates ready for the parade!

Off they go!! The parade went around the block. This was the first year the school did it.

Jenna and her friend from class carrying the banner they made for Red Ribbon week.

Jenna is excited about the assembly:)

This is one of the baseball players from NMSU. He was very nice and the girls loved listening to him. He was kind enough to let me take is picture.

Red Ribbon week went off without a hitch and it was LOTS of fun!!

Quick update

2011-11-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well, as you may see I am WAY behind on my posts!!! Hopefully, with the holiday coming up I can get caught up and you will see some of the fun stuff the girls have been doing. I am also hoping to get new pictures taken of the girls. Jenna's 9 year pics, even though she's almost 10 and Kaci's 7 year. It was around this time last year I took new ones. Here are some things to watch for: Halloween, Pumpkin carving, Jordyn and the girls, Red Ribbon Week, end of soccer, church performance and so many other things.

The girls are not the only busy ones. Greg is still keeping busy making us proud!! I will try to get some pictures of him up too, but he is as bad as me and doesn't like his picture taken. However, I did get some at Halloween.

Well, that is it for now!! Gotta run and get some work done. Just keep watching, I WILL get caught up before the mad rush of Christmas:)

Swimming party

2011-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

On Sunday afternoon we finished up Kaci's birthday weekend with a swimming party. The nice part about living in New Mexico is that at the beginning of October it is still warm enough to swim. Most of her best friends were in attendance and that made the day extra special. We know how precious Sunday afternoons are and Kaci, mommy and daddy are grateful for friends choosing to spend that day helping us celebrate our sweet 7year old. Also I just realized that somehow I have lost the pictures of Kaci with Grandma and Papa, and Gram and Pops. That is soooo frustrating. They were there and made it even more special to have all of them!!!

Grandma and Gram trying to put together the center piece for our table.

Kaci and Alyssa

Jenna and Ashley being silly!

Jagger trying to decide whether or not to get in.

Colton poses for me.

Miss Adalyn

Miss Cady smiling, even though she was cold.

The four musketeers! Jenna, Mckaela and Colton have known each other for oh 9+ years. However, Jagger fits in like he has been around just as long.

Meghan showing off her tumbling skills

Daddy working the grill!!!

Kaci, Meghan and Alyssa playing

Kaci ready to eat some cake!

With her cake!

Kaci and Mckynze

Kaci and Cady

Kaci and Meghan

There are many more photos, but these were some of my favorites. I realized I missed Kaci and Jackson somehow, but I have some of him. Thank you all for making her birthday a lot of fun!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!!!! We LOVE you and can't believe your seven.

Birthday Part 2 and Wedding Fun

2011-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Kaci woke up early and was ready to start HER day. Since her daddy was on the radio I had her wait to open her gifts. However, I did let her open the one from her sister! Then we hung out for a bit, got ready and headed to breakfast.

She really wanted Village Inn, but they were sooooo busy she picked Burger King. So after a good breakfast we headed to the mall to get her and Jenna's hair done. Both girls LOVE to get their hair washed, trimmed and fixed up by Miss Katie!! Kaci told me several weeks earlier that she wouldn't complain about going to a wedding on her birthday if I would make an appointment with Katie. So I did. However, I forgot to take my camera so I didn't get any shots of them getting it done. Then after a bit of relaxing we all got dressed and headed to wedding reception. The groom is the dance instructor for the NMSU dance sport team and is also a professional dancer. So you can guess there was LOTS of dancing!!! Kaci got to dance with the groom several times and also one of his students. She was on cloud 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our precious baby doll! She is now seven where did the time go?

Daddy with his Birthday Girl and Jenna!!

Time to dance!!!!!!!!!

The girls also had fun dancing with other kids at the reception

Our birthday girl ready to take a picture in the photo booth!!

Here are the girls dancing with the groom!

Daddy got a picture of mommy and Jenna. Surprising I know.

Kaci loved this dance!

This is the groom dancing with his niece and Kaci. They became great friends!

I LOVE the smile on her face!! I think he enjoyed it too.

Happy Birthday our sweet Kaci!!!!!! She did tell us it was one of her BEST birthdays EVER!!!

Birthday part 1-Friday

2011-10-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Kaci got to take cupcakes to school. Unfortunately I was not able to be at school that day so Miss Shanna took pictures for me and Daddy surprised Kaci. Jenna was even able to go in for the birthday celebration.

Waiting for cupcakes!

Passing out her cupcakes

Dancing to Mr. Barrio's guitar playing!

Kaci's wonderful teacher!!!!!

Silly "frosting face" Kaci

Our birthday girl!

Daddy sporting "his" new crown and backpack

The class!!

Friday night Kaci got to choose dinner since we would be at a wedding reception during dinner on her birthday. She chose Texas Roadhouse. Her favorite part is sitting on the saddle! Grandma and Papa joined us for dinner too. However, I didn't get a picture of them with her. Bad mommy. Thank you though Grandma and Papa for joining us!!!

Kaci and her sister. She was a little chilly waiting for our turn

Daddy and his girls!

Finally!! She thought they forgot:)

We can't believe she is seven already! Where did the time go?

Pink Week!!!

2011-10-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

For the fifth year in row LCPS has helped celebrate paint the town pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Each day was themed different. However, I didn't take pictures everyday, but here are a few I took during the week.

This was taken on pink accessory day!

A close up of the cute shirt Miss Tammy made for the girls!!

Jenna LOVED her shirt!

Last year we started a tradition of making a human ribbon on Friday of Pink Week.

I worked through my fear of heights to take this picture.

Just thought I would have fun with coloring pics

Kaci in her shirt!

It was a great week and full of fun! THANK YOU Miss Tammy for their shirts!!!!!!! I think I might need one next year:)

Fair 2011

2011-10-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

The girls were dressed and ready for the fair! This year both of the girls entered projects into the fair. So after looking at tigers and going to see the animals we checked out their exhibits. Their projects all go ribbons. We are sooo proud of them!! Our school display also got a blue ribbon. Can't wait til the fair next year. Hopefully, this year we will get projects done early.

The girls standing in front of their aprons they made.

The girls ceramics are on the white sheet.

A quick shot with Papa and Grandma before leaving.

The girls with their fair projects!

Jenna's J with a jaguar on top~

The ceramics were made with Kalee Williams. I think they did a wonderful job for their first time. What a proud momma I am!!!!!!!!!!

Jorydy turns three

2011-10-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

September 4th my niece Jordyn turned three! I can't believe that time has gone by so fast. Jenna is half way to double digits, Kaci is fixing to be 7 and Jordyn is three, where did the time go??/? Shari, Colin and Jordyn all came to town at the end of August so we celebrated her birthday as a family.

Aunt Leesha did good. She really likes Olivia.

Jenna and Kaci gave her Ariel.

Mom and Daddy gave her Cinderella

All Three girls after cake, food and presents!

Grandma and Papa bought them matching shirts on their vacation. Jordyn wanted to stand like her cousins.

It was a quick weekend, but fun! The girls LOVE having their cousin here. She seems to love them too:)

Happy third birthday Jordyn! We love you

Our Baby is 7!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This one is a little late, but our baby is now seven! I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kaci is a bubbly, adorable and big hearted young lady. She amazes us each and every day. As you know she started First Grade this year and LOVES it! One of her favorite subjects is Math. She also loves to read, draw and talk:) One of her daddy's favorite thing about her is her BIG Heart!! Kaci loves her sister, even when they do fight;) She is still playing soccer and really likes it. However, if it was up to her she would be involved in like 15 things. Too bad everything is so expensive these days. She enjoys everything she starts though! This year she started with Jenna's Kinder teacher, but ending up having to change classes. It was rough at first, but now is really enjoys her new class. I really think it is her teacher she loves. He is wonderful!!

So now onto her birthday. This year a wedding for a friend of Greg's was on her birthday, so she got to celebrate for three days. She loved this fact. Friday we took cupcakes to school and then took her to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Saturday we went to breakfast, got her hair done (which she loves), and then came home to relax a bit. Then we got her dressed and ready for the reception. She was a little bummed about it, but by the time we were ready to come home she wanted to stay. She got to dance with the groom twice and dance with one of dancers from NMSU. It was very exciting for her. On Sunday we went to church and then had her party at the pool! Pictures are coming soon, but for now here is a look back to the day she was born and her now.

Kaci, October 8th, 2004

Kaci in 2011. Boy has she grown!

Botanical Gardens and Aquarium cont.....

2011-10-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Precious Logan watching the trains!

Kaci being silly going down the slide.

Cute smiling Jenna!!

Time for the aquarium!!

Botanical Gardens, Aquarium in ABQ

2011-10-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

While visiting Stormi, Mike, Logan and Brooke we went to the Botanical Gardens and Aquarium. The girls love going even though they have been before. This time we went to the Japenese Gardens and farther into the Heritage Farm area than we have ever gone before. It was cool to see. If you have never been it is well worth the visit! After the Gardens, trains, kids area and butterflies we headed into the aquarium. Logan was very excited about the fish!!

I don't usually take pictures of plants, but these flowers were soooo pretty I just had to.

Jenna checking out the "old time" cabinets

Boy did he have fun rocking in the chair.

Kaci was very interested in the "old time" fridge.

Logan was watching the horse.

He was having a BLAST driving the tractor, that he realy wasn't suppose to be on. :)

Once again so that the post is not REALLY long I will continue our trip in another post.

A Trip to the Tram

2011-10-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Our Labor Day trip to Albuquerque started with a trip to the tram! The girls had never seen it, so we decided to head up there. NO, for those wondering we did not ride it. Greg and I both have a fear of heights and riding on the tram was NOT something we wanted to do. Maybe one day we will go with someone who will ride it with the girls. Yes we could have sucked it up and gone, but the girls weren't begging to go so we didn't worry. :) Watching it and seeing the view of Abq from there was great!!
One of the funniest things was that as we were walking up to the building a little garden snake squirmed past me. I jumped and then both the girls yelled. Greg explained to them that they were fine, it was afraid of them and it wasn't a rattlesnake so they didn't need to worry. I am afraid of snakes, but the way it happened made us all laugh.

Here is the tram as it is leaving.

Watching it move. Greg is really good about explaining all the little things that make it go.

As it is headed up.

A view of the city.

Daddy and his "Princess"

Daddy and his "Baby Doll". She was a little grumpy with me:)

Our sweet Jenna!!

Silly picture, but they were having fun watching the tram.

Kaci our little "model"

Oh an odd sight, a picture of the girls with mommy.

Daddy and his girls!!

A view of the inside of the tram "garage" from the entrance to the forest.

We had a GREAT time visiting the tram as a family.

Meet Miss Brooke Michele Waller

2011-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Brooke Michele Waller was born on August 20th, 2011. Greg, Jenna, Kaci and I went to visit and offically meet her over Labor Day. She is just as precious as her brother was!!! However, she has a lot more hair. That is really good considering her momma has over 20 bows for her hair already. When we saw her she was exactly two weeks old!

I was excited and ready to hold precious Brooke, but I think Kaci might was just as if not more excited!

Greg loved her too!! He won't usually hold babies this little that aren't his. She slept good on his chest:)

Jenna was excited to hold her too! However, she also enjoyed being the big sister to Logan!

Brooke and her Precious mommy!

I love the pop-eye look she gave me!!!

I actually got quite a few more pictures, but figured it would make the post too long!! She is precious and a sweet girl. I can't wait to see and hold her again.

Fall 2011 Soccer begins

2011-09-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again! Although we enjoy sleeping in on Saturdays, soccer is fun and the girls seem to enjoy themselves. This year Kaci moved up to the U8 team and that to me is hard to believe! She is playing with her wonderful friend Cady again and is back with most of the kids she started playing with. Her coach is her also her very first Coach, Michael Hamrick. The new addition to soccer this year is that her other good friend Alyssa is playing on the team with her. It is a team of primarily girls, but the boys hold their own:)
Jenna is continuing on with the U10 team.and has the same coach, Colin Mc Vaugh. Last year Jenna played defense and did well. Also, this year the cool thing is that she is playing with so many of her friends from BCDC and church. She LOVES it and is having fun!! This year during her first game she played forward and I was proud of how well she did. Thank you Coach Colin and Coach Michael!!

The year started off with a bang and both the U10 and U8 teams did wonderful!! I am proud of how well they all palyed as a team. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and watch for pictures.

More pictures to come of the fun times during Fall soccer!!

Time with Grady

2011-09-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

This post is also a little overdue, but still wanted to post it. At the beginning of August our nephew Grady came for a visit. This was his second year to come and stay for a week by himself. It is fun when we get to see him. The day that Gram and Pops picked him up we were enjoying some time at White Sands. He really enjoyed his first visit to White Sands.

Throughout the rest of the week the girls got to hang out with Gram and Grady. We also did lots of swimming. It was fun to have him here and we can't wait until he gets to come again and visit with us!!

End of Summer White Sands Bash

2011-09-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

Kaci prancing down the hill!!

I know this event took place over a month ago and I have been really slow at finishing it up. However, we did end the summer with lots of fun. Once again we went to White Sands with lots of friends, had a cook out and most of all FUN. This year we didn't go on a full moon night. However, it was still lots of fun and we were able to stay for quite awhile. The kids and adults had a good time playing, sledding and hanging out.

Tammy even decided to sled down. However, we decided that since the sand was not wet the adults didn't do as well.

The big boys had just as much fun as the little kids. The proof is below!!!! Whoever said sledding at White Sands was only for the little ones was not with this group. However, I don't think they will be "surfing" down anytime soon.

Adam does a great split!

Coach Jeff trying to stay on!!!

Coach Michael went down the SAFE way! :-)

One of the other GREAT parts about the bash this year was that our precious nephew was able to join in the fun!!! He was coming down for a week and so on their way from Roswell Gram and Pops stopped with Grady to join in the fun!!! The part we couldn't believe was that this was his FIRST time at white sands. He has been here many times in the last almost 8 years, but we have never gone. I think he LOVED it!!

Well, I will finish this post now. It was a BLAST and we can't wait for next year!! However, I really think we should try to go again in the fall for another round of fun. A year may just be too much time. lol Thank you to Tammy and Sherri for putting it together!!

Men Who Cook

2011-09-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

This year I had the chance to go to the event Men Who Cook. This event takes it's proceeds and gives them to Mesilla Valley Hospice. Hospice means a lot to my family. When my Grandpa was soooo sick Hospice came in to help my Grandma and him. The hospice in Phoenix was amazing. They made sure that any family memeber who was there gave him a hug and kiss before they left. One thing they always said was to make sure that you tell the person who is sick you love them. Well, this year Greg and his friend Clint were cooking! The cooks make appetizer size meals so that you can tasted everything if you want. The food they made was TERRIFIC!!! Regina, Clint's wife, and I went together and boy were we overwhelmed. There was sooooooooooo much food! It was good, but more than we could even think to eat. I didn't take too many pictures, but here are a couple that I took of them cooking.

They both did a great job!! Greg really is an amazing cook and I am SO proud he did this! It means a lot to both of us and this is definately a cause we support!

Our Fourth and First Graders

2011-09-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

If anyone had told me 9 1/2 years ago that time flew faster when you were a parent, I would have said NO WAY!! However, it does fly and I can't believe the girls are in Fourth and First grade. I need to go do new pictures of them, but I just haven't found the time yet. However, I did get pictures of them before they started school.
Each year the girls get a "Daddy's Girl" outfit or a "school girl" outfit for the first day of school. This year they got one that matches both categories:)

Here is Jenna in her First Day of school outfit.

I got them both to be sweet for a couple of minutes so that I could take their picture together.

Since Kaci had PE on the first day of school she chose to wear another one of her new outfits. It was very fitting considering that she also had soccer practice that day.

Here she is the second day of school in her "First Day" of school outfit.

Of course how would pictures be normal without one of the two girls being completly silly.

On the first day of school Jenna was a GREAT big sister and walked out to the playground with Kaci. My heart melted because they look sooooooo big.

Oh I had to add this one to the mix, because Jenna got these on the first day of school. A little boy that she has been in school with since Kindergarten gave her the necklace and earrings as a "back to school" gift. This was the same little boy that gave her a bracelet for her birthday, at school. All I can wonder is what will I do when she is a teenager.

It was a great start to the year. However, as I looked at these pictures I realized the color is off, so I want to apologize about that and will do my best to fix them.

Grady Uncle Don and Sam visit part two

2011-08-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't want the post to be too long so I am posting other pictures from the pool get together on this post.

Pops and Mr. Grider

Sam getting some work done before swimming

Sister Beth and Sam

Debbie Grider, "Grandpa" Claude and Mr. Grider

Gram, Pops and Daddy

Grady, Uncle Don and Sam visit!!

2011-08-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful and busy week! Grady came to visit by himself for a week along with Uncle Don and Sam. We spent lots of time swimming and playing at Gram and Pops house. Thursday, while they were all here we had a get together at the pool. I was able to snap a few pictures.

Our Favorite Summer Activity

2011-08-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

When it is over 100 degrees everyday and humid, what is the best way to stay cool? Yep that is it, SWIMMING!!! Swimming is the girls and my favorite summer activity. Here are a few pics of them swimming this summer. Along with some cute ones of some friends.

Kaci having fun and being silly in the pool

Jenna throwing rings and training her "dolphins"!

Kaci and Alyssa racing. They were showing off their swimming!

Jenna popped up after she raced across the pool.

Kayla making a splash before she raced the little girls.

A couple of their jumps.

Lots of swimming was done this summer!!!!! However, since it was hot I was usually in the pool with the girls, therefore, I didn't have near as many pictures as I usually do. It was a GREAT way to spend summer and cool off.

The Girls

2011-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

As I was posting pictures of Jordyn I realized that I had some random pictures of the girls. So, I decided to post a few of them. They are not in a specific order.

As I was posting about Jordyn's visits I realized that I have several cute pics of the girls that I haven't posted so, I decided to post some random pictures of the girls.

Jordyn, my niece

2011-08-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Jordyn, Colin and Shari have come to visit several times in last 7 months. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of her and the girls from their visits.

The girls got to go play at Unidad Park before they went home after Father's Day.

One visit we went to Chuck E Cheese. Jordyn loved it.

The ones below are all from when they came in Feb. Jordyn wanted to jump before she left. I love how the trampoline makes their hair all crazy with static.

Just a little evening fun

2011-08-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Not too much to say in this post. I decided I tend to wait for "special" events before taking pictures or posting them, so I thought I would just snap some of them having "regular" fun. The girls love to be outside, playing, riding bikes or scooters, swimming, etc.

Jenna posing for a picture, even thought she didn't want too:)

Taking a break in the trailblazer. I found her laying like this and she didn't know I was going to snap a few pics.

Kaci put her fairy wings on and rode around on her scooter.

Oh My..... I forgot

2011-07-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

As I was looking at the posts I have done this year I realized that I never did post pictures from our trip to Santa Fe. We called it Greg and Jenna's birthday trip. Not sure how that slipped through the cracks. Anyway, Jenna got invited to go up to Santa Fe to be a "Page" for a day. She was on the floor of the House. She was very excited and we were PROUD parents. Hopefully, when she is in the Fifth Grade she will get the opportunity to go again. Maybe then Kaci will get to be on the floor. He favorite part of being on the floor was that she and another little girl from Las Cruces go to go up to the Governor's office to take a note. Gov. Martinez was not there, but it was still fun. Oh, Gram and Pops went with us and they were proud too.

The girls tucked for a good nights sleep before the BIG day.

Jenna in the parking lot before we headed into the Capitol Building.

Jenna and Greg on HIS birthday. He was a proud daddy!!

Kaci wanted her picture taken too.

The girls in front of the Capitol Building with the large seal behind them.

I loved this statue!!

This buffalo head was made with all recycled material. Greg was pointing things out to the girls

Jenna before she went back downstairs to go onto the House floor.

The following are pictures of Jenna while she is on the House floor.

Jenna and her new friend getting their assignment.

Jenna and Kaci in front of the Governor's office.

Jenna and Kaci with the cute statue in front of the Round House.

Gram and Pops with the girls!

Our family picture in front of the Round House.

It was a quick trip, but very much worth it!! We are looking forward to going back to Santa Fe for a longer vacation and possibly having a tour from Stormi:) Oh and I can't forget to say what an amazing daddy the girls have considering we spent the his birthday in Santa Fe for Jenna. I think it was one of the best birthdays he has ever celebrated!!! I am soooo proud of all three of them!!!!!!!!!

13th Anniversary

2011-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

First off let me say that my posts are not posting in the right order so if things seem a little out of sorts well they are. However, it will be fine.

Now on to the reason for this post! This year Greg and I celebrated our 13th Anniversary by going to the Lodge at Cloudcroft. That is where spent our Honeymoon, which made it even more special. However, they didn't give us the Honeymoon suite this time. Oh well it was fun! We just relaxed and enjoyed some needed time in cool weather and time alone. We love our girls, but it was nice to be just us. Anyway, the next morning we got up and took some pictures.

This is a picture looking out of the bell tower in the Lodge. We had never been up there.

Looking up into the bell tower.

Another look out of the bell tower. In this picture you can see White Sands in the distance.

The windows were really dirty. Here is a look out another one of the side window.

Greg checking out the view

A view from our room

Another view from our room. The hot tub you see was nice!

A picture that Greg made me take. I guess it looks okay. I did have fun!

Greg posing for me to be a good sport. The view behind him was pretty.

Fun with Friends

2011-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago before my class started I had planned a week of fun with the girls. One of those days we spent with Colton, Cady and Miss Tammy. We went to the jumping balloon place in the mall. (Not sure what the name really is) It is a lot of fun and if you go before about 2 the kids get a wrist band and can come and go all day without paying again. You can also take food in and have lunch there. Which is what we did. The kids jumped for a couple hours and then we went down to Chick-fil-A for some lunch. After lunch the kids jumped some more!! They really enjoyed it and were pretty tired (well my girls were) after.

Kaci and Cady pose for me before they slide again

Below Jenna watches Colton as he leaps over the wall.

Jenna stops for a few seconds so I can take her picture

Kaci stopping to pose. I did do her hair, but it fell. oops!!!

Cady and Kaci bouncing on one of the walls. They had fun!

Jenna and Colton were using "carpet pieces" to build a house for their dogs-Cady and Kaci

Cady posed for me too. Sorry didn't get one of her brother.

Colton and Jenna

Cady and Kaci

The girls had a wonderful time!! Thank you for the invite Ms. Tammy! We will have to try a playdate again soon.

Celebrating our Freedom

2011-07-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Before I begin with the pictures and activities from the Fourth I want to say that it is wonderful to live in a country where we are free!! So many people have given their lives for us to keep our freedom and to keep our country safe from those who wish to harm us. This year I realized how many people close to us have put their lives on the line for us and I pray that they stay safe and know how grateful I am for all they do!!!!!!!

Okay now for the events of the day. After getting home from Albuquerque we came home, hung out and then had both sets of parents and the Laniers over for a small bbq. Greg cooked some wonderful burgers, hot dogs and sausages. He also cooked some baked beans and corn on the cob. Then he made a delicious fruit pizza to take to watch the fireworks.
Before we left for the shop the girls went outside to decorate our driveway with the chalk that Gram had bought them. They both did a wonderful job!!

Kaci checking out her drawing on the driveway

Gram and Kaci working on the fireworks!

Jenna working hard on the drawing. She wouldn't even look up at me to take a picture.

After the girls went inside to clean up they changed into their new Fourth of July outfits. Their dolls have outfits to match.

The girls being silly:)

Jenna's hair bow was made for her by her Aunt Shari.

Our sweet girls again!

Kaci's bow made by Aunt Shari!!

After snapping these cute shots the girls got into Pops' jeep and headed to the shop to watch the fireworks! When we got there the girls had already started playing with sparklers!! However, my pictures of Jenna didn't come out. :(

As I watched the display I took some of these pictures.

Once again thank you to all those who fight for our freedom and safety!!! May God Bless each of them and return them home safely to their families.

13 years of Love

2011-07-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

13 years ago after 5 years of dating God joined my best friend and I in marriage!! I have been thoroughly blessed with a wonderful friend, husband and father of two beautiful girls!!!

Normally, to celebrate our Anniversary Grandma and Papa keep the girls and we go out to dinner and then come home. However, this year Greg surprised me by making reservations at The Lodge in Cloudcroft. (After making sure that my dear friend Stormi wasn't in labor) The best part about the Lodge is that is where we spent our Honeymoon 13 years ago. It was nice to go back. So Saturday after Greg got off work we loaded up and headed for the cool mountains. Once we got there we checked into the hotel and then went for a drive to see the sights/cabins. We did this since NM is so dry unfortunately, the forest was closed so we couldn't go check out too many of the sights on the way. Looking at all the cabins was fun though. Then we headed back relaxed and took some time to sit in the hot tub. The next morning we just hung out, sat in the hot tub again, and then had a delicious brunch. After walking around for a bit and checking out the golf course, we headed back to Las Cruces. We pulled into town just in time to catch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. For those who think this sounds odd I will explain why this was a big deal. Greg has read all of the books and enjoyed them. Anyway, most of the new books or movies over the years have come out on or near our Anniversary. Therefore, it had become a tradition to spend our Anniversary reading or watching Harry Potter. It has been fun!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our Anniversary. It was full of laughs, relaxing and most of all love!!! I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the years to come!!!!!!!! (pictures to come)

Thank you Greg for the last 13 years!!! I wouldn't change or trade it for anything, even the ups and downs!!! I thank God everyday for you and our precious girls!!!! I Love you!!!!

Father's Day 2011

2011-07-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

Jenna got home just in time for Father's Day. It was a wonderful day!! First we took pictures of Greg with his girls. Then we headed for church. The girls wore their new Dollie and Me outfits. They looked so very grown up.

The girls and their dolls in their matching outfits. These were taken before we had lunch with Papa, Uncle Colin, Aunt Shari, Jordyn and Grandma. We had hamburgers, lots of fruit, chips and dip and some veggies. It was a nice lunch.

Papa and his granddaughters on Father's day. This is the first Father's Day he has had all three of them here.

After lunch and some chillin' time with Papa, Grandma, Colin, Shari and Jordyn we headed over to see Pops!! While there Pops and Jenna talked to Uncle Don and he and Kaci wrestled. It was good to spend time with him.

We hope that each of the Father's we know and love a wonderful day!!

"Mommy Summer Camp"

2011-07-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well, almost two weeks ago my sweet husband told me I should go visit my bestie Stormi!! She is due to have little Brooke any day now and I really wanted to see her before she delivered. I was a little concerned, because I didn't want to be unfair to him. However, I hadn't seen her, Logie or Mike since February. He told me that it would be a good time to go since he had a long weekend. Of course we couldn't tell the girls where I was going. So Greg told them I was going to "Mommy Summer Camp". That kept the questions back for a bit. The other thing that always worries me is the drive, especially by myself, but the drive to and from by myself was actually easier than I thought it would be.
I got there Friday and planned to come home on Sunday. Friday night Stormi and I went to get dinner and run an errand than we all just hung out at the house. Saturday was our day. We did lots of shopping!!! Oh we did go on our normal trip to Target, but forgot to take a picture of us in a silly hat. :( However, Stormi did take a picture of me in HIGH heels. Which we found funny, because I can't walk in them. I also bought my first name brand purse and ate at Pee Weis for the first time. It was a great day!!! Sunday came and I really planned to come home, but Greg called and said the girls were having soooooo much fun with him that they said I could stay one more day. So I did. Sunday, we all just hung out at the house and Stormi and I got to continue catching up. I guess it was kind of a "mommy summer camp" for us both. Next year we may have to actually go somewhere.

Thank you to Mike who hung out with Logan while Stormi and I shopped. Thank you to Logan for keeping me entertained. A;so, Thank you to Stormi for making it a wonderful weekend!! I can't wait til we go back to see Miss Brooke.
When I got back the girls were really glad to have me home, even though they were hanging with their Grandma and Papa.

Lastly, a BIG THANK YOU to Greg for encouraging me to go and for taking such great care of the girls! As aways!!!!! I love you Greg.

Time with Kaci

2011-06-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, while Jenna was off at camp Kaci and I had lots of time to hang out!! This was the first time since Kaci was born that she was an "only child" for more than a few hours. As long as I kept her busy and focused she really enjoyed being the only child. However, if she slowed down or got tired she would cry for her sister. So we stayed busy by playing with friends at the park, taking care of Catherine, and going to El Paso to build a bear. Oh and she finished up Science and Technology camp which helped her to not worry about her sister. However, by the end of the week she was ok having time at home without her sister, but she DID miss her. :-)

Catherine came over one afternoon!! Which made Kaci feel like the big sis:)

Kisses from Kaci

Then Thursday came and it was time to go to El Paso with Tammy, Cady and Nana. First we stopped at Fudruckers for lunch. Then it was off to Build a Bear! Kaci chose a white bear that she named Coco Michelle. She dressed her in a Wizard's outfit. We also had Jenna's Shelby dog fixed and bought her a new outfit.

Filling up her bear!

Giving her a nice bath before she gets dressed.

Getting Coco Michelle dressed!

All done!!

The girls with their new "friends"!

After that we went to Target, Kohl's, and the outlet mall. It was a FUN day!! Thanks for the invite Tammy and Cady.
Then on Friday it was time to go get Jenna. We were all ready to see her!!!!! All in all it was a great week and I loved having Kaci home.

New adventure for Jenna

2011-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

This year since Jenna just finished third grade she got to go to camp at Fort Lone Tree. There were 37 kids that went. 26 of them were "First timers". Ms. Alisa, Ms. Sherri and Mrs. Austin had their hands full. Jenna was excited that she got to go, but on Sunday before they left she got really, really, really nervous!! After daddy came to the rescue and showed her a video of the things she would do while there she perked up and was ready to go. Monday morning came and she was up and dressed by 8 am. They weren't leaving til 12:30 however, she was ready to go. Mommy on the other hand was very anxious, but tried really hard not to show it. Oh Daddy was nervous too!!

Jenna with her stuff and a big smile

Jenna and Kaci at home before Jenna leaves for camp.

Mikey, Colton, Jenna, Mckaela and Abbi-ready to go!

Kaci and Cady-Little sisters that look happy now, but soon were very sad.

I soon learned that I didn't have any reason to worry or fret! Jenna did WONDERFUL! She cried a little the first night, but had soooooo much fun. She loved the 250 ft water slide, riding horses and zip-lining. There was also an archery range, rifle range and many other fun things. She talks about the music and rodeo as well. On Friday of the week she was gone, Greg, Kaci, Tammy, Cady and I headed up to Ft. Lone Tree for family night.

This sign was too cute to not get a picture of!! Love it!!!!

The girls also showed how much they missed each other. As we headed into the camp area we saw Jenna running towards us. Then from around me came Kaci who, went running to her sister!! The really did miss each other.

This picture is one Tammy snapped. Thanks Tammy! It was a big hug!!

Then after saying hi, giving hugs and kisses, we followed the kids to the water slide for one last round. of fun. (Thank you Tammy for the pictures) I snapped a couple, however Tammy's were closer and you could see the smile on her face.

Kaci and Cady were excited when we told them they could take their shoes off, roll their jeans up and put their feet in the water.

Jenna and Kaci in her cabin before she changed clothes for dinner.

After changing clothes and getting packed up we all headed for dinner. It was a very good dinner!! Then is was time for a review of their week and their skit performances they had been working on. While their I got a picture of Kaci by herself and Tammy snapped a couple of the little sisters.

The "littles" sporting their siblings hats.

I took this one just before the performances began.

Before we left I snapped a shot of Jenna and Colton. Then it was time to head home with two very happy and tired girls.

Next year we will ALL be ready for this fun camp adventure!! Kaci and Cady are ready too, but they still have two years.

Memorial Weekend Day 3

2011-06-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

On Sunday before we headed home we met Sheryl, Brian, Andrew, Hannah, Brock, Callan, Eden, Jordyn, Shari and Colin at the zoo for some fun. There were lots of pictures taken so I am just going to post a few.

Kaci and Eden. They don't look happy, but they were really watching the animals.

Hannah and Callen

Uncle Brian and Daddy

Jenna and Daddy having a discussion about the lions.

Four of the five girls stopping to have a snack. Thank you Hannah!!

Monkey faces and pictures with the monkey. They are fun!

Well what would a trip to the Phoenix zoo be without some time in the water!! They loved it!!

Daddy was in the zoo:)

This is definatly one of my favorite pictures!!

Memorial Weekend Day 1-2

2011-06-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Growing up I spent anywhere between one and two weeks in the summer with my Grandpa and Grandma Horner. I was used to seeing them at least once a year, but normally it was more. By the time we got to Phoenix and I saw my Grandma it had been 18 months since I had been with her. It was time for us to see her!!

The first day we went to Phoenix we got there in plenty of time to check in to the hotel and go swimming with Andrew, Eden and Callan. Brian even joined us. My grandma came over to the house to see us and watch the fun. Then after quite awhile in the pool we cleaned up and headed to dinner and the park. Jordyn, Colin and Shari joined us.

Here are just a few pictures from day one.

The pictures below were taken after swimming and before dinner.

After dinner we headed to the park. The kids and adults had a good time!!

On Saturday we got up and headed to the Bass Pro Shop in Mesa. I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but it was amazing and I really did enjoy myself. The girls had a great time too!! They want to go back. After Bass Pro we headed to Great Grandma's to eat lunch and then it was time to swim at a cool pool.

Kaci, Jenna, Stormi and Logan part 2

2011-06-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Outside the children's musuem was an area with an area that was tiled to look like the ocean and outerspace. Across the street is the Natural History Musuem with dinosaur statues outside. The girls had fun seeing the dinosaur statues.

Pointing at the dinosaur.

The pictures below were on the space side

These are all on the ocean side.

Stormi and Logan

A Stormi size door, or so she said:)

It was a quick, but fun trip to see Stormi, Logan and Mike. Hopefully, we will get there soon.