Mika is THREE!

What a little spunky birthday girl! She had a fun family/friend party on Saturday and then a small family party on her real birthday. She wore her tutu she got from her friend Caroline and LOVED it. She made me call her "Princess Ballerina" all day...

She picked out some cupcakes for her real birthday and enjoyed them thoroughly.

She was trying to cover a spill on her shirt so she could be soooo pretty. I just adore her.

She got a bubble wand from Kaylin so here Travis is making bubbles. I love their faces....

I love how she gets so excited about every gift. She took time to look at each one and tell everyone thank you.

And of course a funny face. When we say to smile or say cheese she'll do this...

Travis and I cracked up at her sitting position.

She loves doing somersaults. I thought this was the cutest pic in her little tutu.

Polka Dot Birthday Bash! 

After we walked over to watch Uncle Andrew run, bike and swim we came back for her party. She was so happy. Kind of did her own thing, but loved her friends and family there. She is showing off her lollipop that she run playing musical dots!

 Opening gifts and giving every one the best surprise look!

 The party table...some of her friends aren't in this, but what a fun little table--eating pizza and chips.

Thanks everyone for coming and helping!! She had such a great birthday and loved all her gifts so much!! 

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a really wonderful day. Travis did all he could to make sure I was happy, fed and rested. :) Church is early, so we did everything after. The kids were great, helpful and happy. But one of my favorite things about Mother's Day is family pictures. I know, I'm lame. But I treasure them. I just adore my family.

37 weeks. It was exciting to think I'd have another little one joining our family soon. 

 My love. He's so good to me. Thanks for such a perfect day. 

After lunch Kaylin came in and colored on my bed with me. After a short nap, they all piled on excited to give me their gifts they made and bought. It was a sweet little treat.

 I just love my crazies.

Bubby is my big helper, and a speedy one at that. He loves cuddles from mom but only if they are short. :) He gives the best kisses and I adore his scratchy voice when he says I love you, every night. He's learned that "mommy is always right!" even if it surprises him every time. :) My little man....

Kaylin is my sweetie. She is so obedient and always wants to make sure mommy is happy and feeling well. She loves giving me hugs and cuddles. She looks a lot like me and it makes her so happy when people say that. She is my peacemaker. My sweet girl....

 Ah Mika...my little shadow, my boss, my playmate. She loves to cuddle, sing me songs when she thinks I'm upset and loves to talk and talk and talk. We spend so much time together that when we are apart I miss her dearly. One can't go anywhere with out their shadow right?

I LOVE being a mommy and don't know what my life would be like with out my crazies. I treasure each of them and their distinct personalities. I love watching them grow and learn. Motherhood is so exhausting but also more rewarding than I never knew possible. Thanks for such a great Mother's Day!!

Easter Sunday

Our rule is the kids have to find their basket first. The basket is from Mom and Dad. They find the best chocolate, a toy, and some small nick-knacks. Once everyone finds their basket they can find the eggs.

Ethan got a...surprise! Another Monster Truck! 

Kaylin took the longest to find her basket, but on the way back to us she kept saying "No way! No way!" She got some small La-la Loopseys. (don't even ask...) 

 Another rule was that the eggs on the grass were for Mika. Travis made it a bit harder for the older kids :)

One of Ethan's toys were those boxers and you use your thumb to make them box. Him and Travis had a pretty good round. :)

Jocelyn, Garret and Laurel came over for the hunt. Mika just adores Jocey and sat with her while the older kids kept trying to find all the eggs. She was content with her little loot and her new pony.

 Yeah, it looks a little scary, but it's a plush my little pony and Mika loves it. It even sings and talks to her.

Kaylin enjoying the air conditioning and all her treasures!

We took a few quick shots of the family. Mika had a hard time cooperating, but the older kids were adorable. It's time like these where I think they really do love each other! 

Me and my love. I'm 35 weeks....

Yeah it was fast Sunday. I guess I'm super tasty :)

 My family!

Happy Easter!! It was fun to be able to talk to the kids (now being older) about the meaning behind the Easter Egg, Springtime etc. Kaylin really enjoyed the talk and it made so much sense to her. We also watched a wonderful Easter Message on lds.org about the Savior that was very sweet and deeply touching. We are so grateful for our Savior's sacrifice and the Resurrection that allows to live forever as a family someday!

Easter Egg Hunt

Our friends the Anthony's hosted a great Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck! The kids had a fabulous time!

Travis was a "hider" and maybe a too good of one at that...he kept having to give hints :)

 Ethan is exclaiming: "I found a golden egg!" He was so fast and found a TON!! Later he told me he followed a smaller kid and picked up what he spilled! Stinker! (we made sure the little boy had enough) I love this pic because that is a genuine smile for bubs....

Kaylin could reach a lot of the high ones and had a great time with some of her favorite friends!

Mika was hilarious. She'd spot the high ones and I love her expression, it's like "the egg is Where?!?"

Mika and her stash

 Ethan and his loot

Thanks Anthony's for a great afternoon! 

Atlanta Temple Open House

The Atlanta Temple was open for tours the last two weeks. We were able to go inside with our little family and see the new remodeling and show the kids where Grandma Wendy and Grandpa spend a lot of their time and also to see where Mom and Dad got married! It was so beautiful and we all felt such a peaceful real feeling. Grandpa walked through with us as well, while Grandma Wendy was in the reception tent at the end of the tour. 

 It was so wonderful to walk through with Travis, my eternal companion in the place where we were sealed 9 1/2 years ago...It's also fun to see where we are now all these years later, with 3 beautiful crazies and one on the way, living nearby.

They were so well behaved in the temple!   

Kaylin loved all the white rooms with the big chandeliers. She was so sweet and felt a warm feeling while there. She loved being with Grandpa too.

 Ethan liked the baptismal font. He held my hand most of the tour. He was happy to see where Mom and Dad got sealed.

And Mika? We were just happy she was quiet! :) Travis at one point told her to look for Jesus (there are esquisite paintings everywhere of Him) and the air conditioning turned on and she said in a very loud whisper: "Gasp! I just heard the toilet! Jesus flushed the potty!" (she IS potty training right now, so her and the toilet are "one" right now...)

 The kids were so excited to see Grandma afterwards. We took a quick picture at the backside of the temple so Grandma could get back to her "job" in the reception tent.

It was such a wonderful day! We love the temple!!!