Preschool 2011

Its come to an end...I am a little bit excited for no schedule. I'm a little more nervous for a child that constantly needs to be entertained. Either way its summer in the Desert, with many a trips to Orange County and the beach!
Sawyer had his preschool graduation yesterday. He is actually going to go one more year because I am hoping it will be the right decision when he is older to have him be the more mature, respectable, older boy in his class... for now it just means one more year of twice a week school instead of 5 days. I'm sure you can guess what I would rather prefer.

Teacher Robyn passed out a different candy award for each child. Sawyer got "the comedian", thanks for all your fruity comments this year, box of fruit runts. I am just so proud to be the funny kids Mom!

and here is the whole class


Maverick, Brinley, Malia, Sawyer, Brooke, Claire
PJ, Cash, Avery and Mila

Mothers Day

We spent the weekend of Mothers Day at my parents house with my whole family. I couldn't have asked for a better treat. It was our last time all together for probably a while because Tyler and Kim are off to NY. We had a great weekend, and an especially nice day with a little church, some relaxing and our favorite food...Las Golindrinas. I tried this weird, totally "mormon" style cake with poked holes and jello and pudding and cool whip on top. I have to say I prefer actual home-made cakes. It must be the baker in me.

The boys did their usual wings meal...and then Tyson and Tyler planned our first trip to Buffalo New york in the fall for the annual wing-fest. They are truly so excited. I guess I should just go with it if it will get me a trip to NY in the fall with my husband.

I am loving how Mags is all about the pictures right now, and saying cheese as she smiles!

weekend nap

Apparently coloring was a tiring activity today...

easter

We had a very fun Easter weekend with just our little family. Saturday morning we woke up and took the kids to a neighborhood egg hunt. They get fun bounce houses and what not, so the kids love it.

This is Mags "cheese" face. She says it, and therefore the smile cracks me up.

We decorated and dyed eggs on Saturday too...there is nothing like waiting til the last minute. This was Sawyers first time since last year Mags was a newborn and we have just forgotten or been lazy, so he was in heaven.

We decorated flower and butterfly sugar cookies...so good!

And then there was actual Easter morning with candy and then more candy. I had to just tell myself just to let go as I watched my kids filling their mouths with chocolate peeps, jelly beans, and other gummy things, all before 8 am.

Last time we were at my Moms Sawyer told her that he wanted a green ball. Well, the Easter Bunny got him one, and he was so excited. He was convinced that Nana told the bunny that he wanted one. He is forever indebted to Nana now.

obsessed

Today I saw these two ladies at Old Town, where Tyson's store is.
I felt a little awkward because I wanted to tell Kyle of my obsession
with her, luckily Mags was there to break the ice and say hi, so then I got to say hi too
and tell them that I love them. Kim was so nice and said hi to Mags and talked about
how cute she is. Kyle was just gorgeous...everything I imagined.
Is it a little weird that something like this can make my day?
I LOVE reality TV.

life... through a 4 year old's eyes

my baby is ONE

I can't believe that a year has already gone by since Magnolia entered our lives. I feel like I know her so well. The way she is going to react when I offer her food... thrilled, what she'll do when I tell her it's time for bed...wave, what seems to excite her the most...apple juice or playing with the telephone, who she looks for first thing in the morning... Sawyer, what she hates... bows in her hair. So many things about her are like clock work. But I also love that she is at the stage where she is learning more and more everyday. I feel so much more aware this time around of needing to teach her things that I want her to learn, but also knowing I have less and less time on my hands as the days go by. I already feel sad for how little time we actually get to spend together, just Mags and me.
She is such a happy girl. Except when she's teething. Always walking around with a smile on her face, saying hi a million times a day. She is obsessed with her little baby doll and gives her wet, open mouth kisses constantly. I love seeing the bond that she and Sawyer share. They already play so well together, and I find myself loving having Sawyer around to help entertain. But she also gets a little temper with Sawyer when he takes things from her or bugs her.
She is saying a few words. Mostly Hi, Dada and juice. But I can tell when she is trying to say Sawyer and shoe, and only says Mama when she really-really wants my attention.
She could eat more than Sawyer on most days, and LOVES oranges. We go through a 5 lb. bag every few days.
I love that she has made me appreciate motherhood so much more this time around. It has gone so much quicker this time, and I feel such a need to take it all in.
Thank you Mags for making we love what I do, being a Mom...

I wanted to do a little party, then decided not too. Then last week I felt like I had to do something so I invited Tyson's family over for dinner and cake. It was a great night.

I decided to make Mags her own birthday cake because I thought it would be fun for her to just eat and eat and eat. I made a sugar cookie cake with strawberry frosting. A mini one for Mags, and then a big one for everyone else. Magnolia didn't even know what to do with it when we put it in front of her. Tyson tried to give her some with a fork and there was not much interest. Maybe next year I'll try chocolate.

Our new some-what backyard. It's little baby steps for us, but I am loving what I've got. the grass looks so beautiful and green. The kids still seems to walk over to the side and play in the dirt. Magnolia loves to eat the rocks and make quite the mess. I could care less though because they are happy and out of my sight.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Family time with the Huishes

We spent a few weekend in February at my parents house with Tyler, Kim and Benton. They were pretty last minute, and so much fun! The weather was so nice so we were able to spend some time at the beach and the park which was a highlight for the kids.
I am getting so sad to not have Tyler and Kim so close. I really look forward to our family gatherings and its not going to be as often with them all the way in NY. I guess we'll just have to go to them...

Sawyer and Benton are at a really fun age combo. They play really well together and are obsessed with wrestling each other. Sometimes Mags would get caught on the bottom, but she's a great sport about it.

Gary turns 60!

Tyson's Dad celebrated his 60th Birthday this week, so we have a few celebrations... On his actual birthday we went up to his house and had dinner and cake with the family that lives close.

Then this weekend the rest of the family came into town and we had a surprise dinner on Saturday night. I am not sure if it was an actual surprise, but I think all the family being there was.

We all got together one last time this morning for a brunch. It was so fun to all be together. The kids have such a fun time playing, and the adults have a good time talking and laughing.

all the kids, minus Owen who was sleeping.

Living Desert

A few weeks ago when Jace came home we went and spent a morning at the living desert. We always seem to make it there for the lights at Christmas, but Sawyer and Mags both loved seeing all the animals during the daytime.

The giraffes were may favorite part...

we saw a butterfly exhibit

Sawyer has an obsession with coyotes for some odd reason, so the coyote was the highlight for him