Amaya's 5th birthday

My baby girl turned 5 on October 22. I guess that's what it takes to get me blogging again....please don't give up on me, keep checking back.
It was such a bittersweet day. I love the joy a birthday brings to my kids, but It makes me sad to see them grow up. Amaya has been talking about this day for over a month and was so excited when the day finally arrived. She had the whole day planned. The first thing she told me when she woke up was "Today is my birthday and I get to do whatever I want". Well she did! She went to preschool, had her friend Brooklyn over for lunch, got to play for awhile, skipped a nap, had her favorite dinner (orange chicken), opened gifts, and then went to build a bear. At the end of the day she asked if tomorrow was her birthday too. What a great day we had!

Damien turns 7!

I'm not usually much of a party planner, nor do I enjoy doing it, but I think Damien's birthday party turned out pretty good. He wanted to have a star wars party so we made invitations that said...

Invited You Are… on a Galactic adventure with … Damien Madsen
On Saturday, March 14, You’ll take part in your Jedi Training. Your mission will be to rescue and protect Princess Leia, as she has been taken prisoner by Darth Vader. After Galactic Pizza and Yoda Sodas, we’ll be fighting to destroy Darth Vader & the Death Star, using your Jedi force powers. Please bring your Jedi lightsaber to aid you in your mission. Then after sufficient training, you will be awarded with treats from the republic. May the force be with you!

There were 7 boys, all with lightsabers. These boys were ready and serious about their Jedi training. One of the boys was outside meditating before the party began. It was too funny! Riley was Master Jedi and did all the training. Thank goodness for that, since I know nothing about star wars.

Gabriel turns one!

It's hard to believe my baby is one year older! Gabriel celebrated his first birthday on December 18th. This year went by much too fast. Happy birthday Gabe!

Thanksgiving in Utah

I thought I better blog about this before Christmas is here. We had such a great time spending Thanksgiving with family in Utah. What a reunion! It's been about 2 years since my kids last saw their cousins. We had such a fun and relaxing time. It was hard coming home, especially for Damien. He had his moments on the way home when he would break down and cry. It broke my heart. He's really missing his cousins. It is definitely hard being away from family, but I have learned to appreciate them so much more.

Halloween fun

Visiting the Pumpkin patch with friends



My little Pumpkin


Amaya with her "sister", Brooklyn at the pumpkin patch


Trunk or treat


Aye, Aye, captain

Shiver me timbers! It's Jack Sparrow!

The kids had so much fun trick or treating but
couldn't wait to get home to pass out candy.

Happy Birthday, Amaya!

Another year older! It's hard to believe my baby girl turned 4! She has been talking about it for over a month now, telling me a dozen times a day that she wants the puppy dog that swims and the mermaid that flaps its tail.

Happy Birthday Amaya!

Looking Forward

The day came and went and now it is a fact; I am thirty.

30 is the new 20, right? I remember when I turned twenty thinking thirty seemed so far away. Inspite of getting a little older, I am really looking forward to what the 30's may bring.

Here's to being 30!