Off to Sunny Cali

Sean and I get to spend a few days in Sunny California-- all expenses paid-- thank you SelectHealth!

It is a broker retreat and they invite spouses to go. I am so excited. I do hate to leave my kids though, but they are in great hands with Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you so much for watching them for us!! We are very VERY appreciative.

Quality Time

I have some major catch up to do! Last week Tayler and Rylee had their Dance Recital. It was so much fun and both girls did fantastic. I was a bit worried that Rylee would bow out at the last minute, but she did great. She was so serious the whole time up on stage, watching her teacher so intently, we laughed so hard. Tayler is a natural. She really does well at dance. It was fun to see how excited they were to do it. At the end their Daddy gave them flowers and then we went out for ice cream with our friends.

Here are some pictures from the night (my camera couldn't capture any great ones during the performance. We need to figure out how to get a video clip on here.)

Ready to go out..

We have been so busy lately. It always seems like there is something to be doing that needs to be done right then. I have decided that I am going to simplify this week and focus on spending quality time with my kids. I want to talk to them and then listen to what they have to say instead of the "how was school Tay- good" conversation. I want to really cherish this time I have with them. I want them to know that they are the only thing I really have going on and not the 101 other things. To know that I have time to listen to what they have to say instead of cutting them off because I have to answer the phone or because I am too caught up in something else going on. Everything else can wait, at least a few minutes, right?

Happy Birthday Jen

Today is my sister's birthday and I wanted to send her many birthday wishes.

She will never fully realize how much I appreciate ALL that she has done for me (and believe me it is A LOT). She has always gone out of her way to help me in any way she can. I love that I can call her whenever I just need to talk and she will listen. She is a great sounding board, a wonderful example and one of my best friends. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I am so blessed to have someone like her in my life, especially as a sister. I love you Jen!

p.s. I really think she is aging backwards too. Each year she looks a little bit younger. Seriously!

Lots of love from our family to Y-O-U!

HOLY MOLY

She's four!

She brings SO much joy into our lives! I remember being so excited for Christmas to be over because it meant I would have my baby girl in my arms shortly. I was instructed by Sean that I HAD to wait until after January 1st to have her, so we waited until the 3rd, and when it was "go" time she came quickly!

It is hard to believe that she has been in our lives for 4 years, although at times it seems like it really has been much longer than that.

She can be so sweet and so stubborn all at the same time. She loves her sister and her brother so much. She loves to hug. She loves to cuddle. She loves to play dress up. She loves to watch movies. She loves to eat chips. She is my first to wake up every morning. She loves to sing. And right now her favorite thing is Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, so if you could address her as "Queen Susan" that would be much appreciated.

Happy birthday my little Rylee Pot Pie. We sure LOVE you!