Kaden's NEW Bike

Since we were going to be in Reno on his actual birthday after we got home from Avery's party we gave Kaden his gift.  A new bike!  Kaden was convinced he was going to go outside and do tricks on it.  

All the kids were SO excited to see him give it a try and we all knew he would have NO problem getting it going.  It was such a fun day!  He is SUCH an adored little boy and although there are some disadvantages to being the baby there is no comparison on who has the most fans!  This little guy was the star of the show and all 4 big siblings were more than excited for him, willing to help him and totally cheering him on.  It was one of those times that truly melts a moms heart!   I happened to be in the video mood that day so I have lots of footage but not a lot of still shots.  Here is a glimpse into his BIG day!

5th time Kyle got the lucky job!

 Soon after he learned and took a few falls he was looking for a scooter to go on Kenyon's ramp.  The whole doing tricks thing was a bit harder than he expected.   Not sure how he ended up with the Dora scooter in this shot.  He has actually been riding a razor scooter since before he was 2.  I'll never forget the time we were at a volleyball tournament and Kaden was riding his scooter around the school campus between games - he had a bit of a crowd and this dad comes up and asks my permission to film him.  He said it was the coolest thing he had ever seen.  We often forget how weird our boys are until things like that happen and we realize they are oddly coordinated.

Watching Kenyon do this over and over was frustrating him.

Adia got in on the action in her own way.

 The model always chasing down the camera for her oddball poses.

and Kyle who just can't seem to truly grow up.

I wish I had photos of Adison with Kaden on here.  Of all the siblings she is the most motherly to him by far. The videos really captured her constantly trying to help Kaden get going or fix his helmet or whatever he needed.  She was so cute with him!

Avery's 9th Birthday Party

Avery's 9th birthday party was lots of fun this year!

yes, it was 5 months ago but better late than never is the theme for this blog.

I wasn't up for hosting a party but thought she could really use a special day with some friends so she invited several friends to join us at Steve Wallen Swim School where the kids had been taking lessons.  The kids all had a blast swimming for a bit then a short time of cake, ice cream and gifts.  

Avery really is so good to her "birthday buddy," a term they regularly use around here, and had all her friends sing to both of them.  Kaden was convinced it was his party also.  :)  

Most of the girls are from our old Sacramento CC group.

Avery had the sweetest classmates!

Adison loved swimming around with the big kids.

 The girls mostly swam around freely but we did gather them for a bit for some fun games.  Avery was so happy!  It was precious to see her.  She is a very good friend and always very aware of everyone around her (when there are non family members).

Kaden had such a good time.  We might let him have his first party next year and he says he wants "another swim party."  Don't tell him that in no way was this actually for him.

It means so much to the kids when Grandma and Grandpa make it out to their parties.  

 Here are the twins being crazy! 

Avery was so sweet to "want a party where my friends get gifts too."  So we had each kid bring a used toy, from home, and we did a fun gift exchange.  It was all her idea and everyone left so happy!

She really is such a sweet friend/person!

Of course this was a week before the real BIG day because we were headed to Reno for Adia's volleyball tournament on the actual 21st of April.  That will be next.

Easter 2012

Easter was simple and WONDERFUL

The kids woke up to a fun table with pillow pets for the little 4 and a new cross necklace for Adia.

Since I had yet to show them what I got them to wear to church I figured I would hang the new clothes to their chairs to add to the festivities.  

All of them were very happy with the new treats!

We had a delicious breakfast together and read the Easter story before Adia got picked up to help with the Easter service at the Convalescent Home.  She has been volunteering there for the morning services before coming to church with the family!  So wonderful to see her doing something like that on her own!

These cupcakes were made with my coconut LOVING girl (A2)!

And these were the best shots I could get before heading to church.

Kaden - almost 4

Adison - 5

Kenyon - 7

 Avery - almost 9

Church was a great time of praising and proclaiming that we are Resurrection People!

And after church we headed to Kyle's parents for a fun time with family!

My camera battery died so this is the extent of the photos I got...

The local cousins!

The BOYS!

And my little loves!

 Little loves with my true love!

on the day we celebrate perfect LOVE!

Love it!  Love them!

Tahoe 2012

In early April we took a much needed week getaway toTahoe.  We had such a great time!  My sister and her family joined us for the first few days and then we finished the week off on our own.  We enjoyed lots of good food, hikes, walks along the beach, the hot tub, easter eggs, sledding, snow boarding, parks, dates, polar bear club contests, LOTS of dance parties, LOTS of games and so much more.     The weather was perfect... the first half of the week was snowing and we sled from our back porch practically to the water and the last half was warm (in Tahoe terms) and sunny so the kids hung out in swimsuits on the beach.  I don't have the time or energy to give more info but I'll let a bunch of photos fill you in. 
I miss it already!

If the picture sequence seems chaotic that is because our family kind of is!  But in the midst of the chaos we truly had such a great time.  And I won't rub it in anyone's faces but Kyle and I are at that season of life where we can leave the kids home without us and go for dates any time we want!  We did a breakfast, lunch and double dinner date while gone and we LOVED it!