Ashley's 6th Birthday

Ashley's birthday was on June 20th, but since we were going to Disneyland a couple days later, we didn't celebrate it til Monday the 24th.  The day started off with a trip to our favorite character dining, Minnie's Breakfast.  Great food and TONS of characters!!  Then Ashley decided for this trip that she wanted to do the Jedi training for Star Wars.  She had her birthday badge on so she got picked.  She looked so darn cute!!  And did awesome!
She then got to go make a lightsaber for her birthday present (her choice).  We had a fabulous day at Disneyland and Ashley even got to end the day by riding home on Mom's lap (since I was in a wheelchair--more about that in another post).  Could a birthday be any better?!
Happy Birthday my dear, amazing, independent, fiery, cuddly, cutie pie, Ashley!!  Even though you can be difficult at times, I couldn't imagine this family without you!  I love you so so much!!

 My beautiful family!!

 Everybody loved the breakfast!!

Can you tell by her smile how happy she is to be doing the Jedi training?

The Girls' Dance Recital

The girls' dance recitals were on May 20 and 21, the night before my surgery.  Unfortunately, they were scheduled on two different nights and we couldn't switch it, so we got to watch 5 hours of dance instead of just two. :-}  I don't know if it's good or bad, but I do know we enjoyed our girls' dances very much. :-)

Ashley was nervous, but she's quite the little natural.  Very cute!  Emily also did an excellent job and loves being on stage.  Great job, my beautiful girls!

 Both girls were Tinkerbells in Peter Pan on their night

 Emily with her awesome teacher, Kausha

 In their Tinkerbell dances

Ashley with the "real" Tinkerbell, Stephanie

Knee Injury

Thursday, May 9 was a morning that changed my life for what I thought would be forever.  As I was stepping into the shower, the floor was unusually slippery and I slipped.  As I was going down my legs tried to do the splits but my left knee didn't cooperate and was injured.  Instantly I knew I was hurt, but I didn't know how bad yet.  After x-rays, lots of hurtful examinations, and an MRI it was determined that I had not only slightly torn my MCL, but my PCL in my knee had come unattached and while it was doing this had torn part of my Tibia bone with it. :(  The verdict was in and I had to have surgery on Wed. May 22.
The worst part about this news, besides having to miss the last week of school, is that I can't put any weight on my knee for a month after the surgery!!  How is a teacher and mother of three supposed to do that?!
Dutifully I got a sub and enlisted the help of my ward and husband and on May 22 went in for my surgery.  Details of the surgery and recovery coming soon.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Tyler!!

I can't believe it's been two years already!  My beautiful little baby boy is already two as of Thursday, the 16th.  Here are some of your faves:

1. Buzz Lightyear!
2. Elmo
3. Books, books, and more BOOKS!
4. Basketball
5. Getting thrown in the air by daddy
6.  Cuddling up to mommy
7.  Doing anything with mommy :-)

Tyler is so sweet and awesome!  I'm SO grateful that he was able to join our family!  Love you buddy!  Happy Birthday!

Was this really two years ago already?

Dream Come True

Our trip to Disneyland this past month was a dream come true!!

This was the view from our room!!!

It was so incredible!  We felt so grateful and blessed to get to stay in the villas at the Grand Californian

 Kenny was especially in heaven

 The kids loved it too!

 Watching World of Color from our room--amazing!

Did I mention it was a dream come true?! :-)

Tyler lately

I love my little boy SOOOO much!!!  He is such a great little boy.  Our family definitely feels complete because of this little sweetie pie!

He loves his sister, Ashley.....

 ...when she's not torturing him

 He LOVES books and wants any and everybody to read to him

Often he'll even read to himself

 He especially loves him mommy and daddy and LOVES to cuddle!!! It's heaven!

He can be a little stinker.  He loves to pull out tissues, baby wipes, towels, bibs, and play in the toilet!!  Yesterday he even created a flood by pushing the water dispenser on our fridge for WAY too long while daddy was outside.

He LOVES food and is such a good eater (even if he is messy!)

 He loves his blankies, but LOVES the fabric on his bumper.  He has shredded every section with that fabric trying to love and snuggle with it.

Tyler, we love you so much!!!  We're so grateful you're in our lives and can't believe you're almost 2 already.  Love you little guy!!