The Big Surprise-Part 1

This past weekend we did one of our whirlwind trips to California. It was so nice to go and not have a funeral to attend! We have been planning the trip for a while now, but never let the kids know about it. We had a close family friend getting married, so we went down for the wedding and surprised the kids with a day at Disneyland while we were there. It was the hardest secret to keep!

We went down with some of my family, so my parents stopped by our house on their way out of town and my Dad woke Adam up at about 6:30am, asking him if he wanted to go to Disneyland with everyone. It took a few minutes for Adam to wake up and grasp what was going on, but once he did, he jumped out of bed and  was so happy he about started crying. (He's his Mommy's boy...we cry over happy things way to easily!) The fist question out of his mouth was, "Can I bring my Jazz basketball hoop?" We weren't sure he would survive 3 whole days without playing basketball.

Ma woke Tessa up next and we were afraid she would be a bit grouchy, but she was happy as could be after hearing Disneyland and jumped out of bed! We got the kids dressed, threw them in the car, and were on the road before 7am! Tessa did great on the trip and only threw up once! I think that's a record.

Gwen was perfect and traveled so well the whole weekend! We were happy she got to meet her Great Grandpa Lemley while we were there. He thought she was darling!

 Gwen and her Great Grandpa Lemley

 Grandpa and Robin met us for dinner at our favorite restaurant, Rubi's. My siblings and I were happy to get our bean and cheese burritos and root beer freezes. Adam was happy that they had the play-offs showing on the TV.

 Grandpa and Tessa. She loved playing with his cane. She thought it made a good pogo stick.

 Tessa so excited for Disneyland the next day!!!

 Adam and Tessa eating their breakfast and watching the Disney Channel. One of their favorite things about vacations is that they get to watch cable. 

 We got to the park before the gates opened. Tessa was thrilled to see that the benches looked like Mickey Mouse! They couldn't wait to get inside!!

 We strapped Gwen up in the baby carrier and she was so good all day! We got lots of comments on how cute she is.

Tessa and Daddy waiting on Main Street for the park to officially open. It was a long 15 minute wait for Adam and Tessa. 

More to come....

Adam's Field Trip

Today Adam got to go on his first real field trip. They went up to Salt Lake City and went to the Hogle Zoo. He was so excited to go and especially to ride the bus. Since I am an overprotective mother, I kind of freaked out about him going without me. I couldn't go as a volunteer due to the baby, so we asked Ma to go in my place. Ma had Adam, Cameron, and Zac in her group. They got to do their own thing for most of the day. Adam had a blast, but the other boys lost interest pretty fast. Thanks Ma for going with Adam! What a fun memory for you guys!

 On the bus and ready to go! It was pouring rain when they left. Adam was worried about the gel in his hair getting messed up.

 Zac, Cameron, and Adam

 Watching the elephants

 Eating their sack lunches

 Giraffes!!

2012 Easter Pictures

Over spring break we had the kids pictures taken in their Easter clothes and Gwen's pictures taken in her blessing dress. They turned out pretty cute!!

 Adam Richard

 Tessa Ann

 Gwendolyn Marie

So thankful for my beautiful, healthy babies!! I don't know what I would do without them!

The Big 32!

Monday I turned the big 32. How do I keep getting so old? I swear I was just turning 20. My family had us over for a combined birthday party for me, Matt, and Andrew Sunday evening, since our birthday's are all a week and a half apart. It was fun to hang out and visit with everyone.

 Adam helped me read my birthday cards.

 Ares blew out all the candles the first time around, so we got to light them twice.

 Monday was a quiet day here at home with my kids and their Riley cousins. My Mom came down to say a quick hello in the afternoon and then Eric took me out for a nice dinner that evening. My sweet in-laws had me over for dinner on Wednesday. I am so thankful to have such wonderful families who love me so much!

photo by Adam

A Birthday Blunder

I like to think of myself as somewhat graceful, but last night I was anything but! As we were leaving my parents house, I tripped and pretty much fell flat on my face in the middle of the driveway, leaving myself with this beauty!

I guess it could be worse, but it's not exactly how I hoped to look on my birthday. Or any other day of the week:)

Katy's Graduation

This weekend Aunt Katy graduation from BYU! We are super proud of her!!

 Tessa wanted to know why she was wearing a costume. 

We took pictures, had a yummy dinner, and then.....

we danced!

Congrats Katy!
We love you!!

Baby Jaws

 When I was a baby, I got the nickname "Baby Jaws" from this picture when I was 6 months old. Gwen totally reminds me of my "Baby Jaws" days. Her smiles are huge and always with her whole mouth wide open. She is a much cuter "Baby Jaws" and I proudly pass the nickname on to her.

It's nicer than "Thunder Thighs".