Camden Turns 9

Yes this is catch up again! For some reason I can't find all the pictures I took of the festivities, but it was an off party year for Camden so we took in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to school and then built a Doughnut Cake to take to the Baseball Game he was playing ON his birthday! Could you think of a better way for Camden to spend his day? We sure love this kid and couldn't imagine our lives without him.  

He shared his birthday and cake with his teammate Dallin Ruiz.

Kona - 15 year Anniversary

So Troy came home one day in March with his mother who was supposedly stopping by for a day on here way back to Utah visiting California.  As they sat down on the couch Troy proceeds to tell me his mom is really here to watch the kids while he and I go to Kona, Hawaii for our 15 year anniversary.  Now you need to understand - I HATE SURPRISES.  Everyone knows I hate surprises which is why they sat there and laughed for a good 10 minutes while I sat there in shock.  Luckily Troy changed him mind and told me the afternoon before we left instead of the morning of our flight.  I probably would have killed him if he had done that!  In the end it was an amazingly fun trip and a nice getaway from our day to day life.  Troy managed to pull it off without a hitch.  He took care of every detail and planned a beautiful trip full of fun memories I will never forget!  I had been telling him for years that I wanted to go see Volcano National Park and apparently he was listening!!  Love you honey.  It was an amazing 15 years and I can't wait to look back at the next 15!

Troy is standing on the famous black beach and yet another sea turtle.  They were everywhere in Kona!  We loved to watch as they walk lazily around the beaches!  In the picture on the right I am sitting in front of the famous sea arch.  It is a picturesque spot on the drive to Volcano National Park.  It was beautiful!  If you were patient every 15 minutes or so water would spray through the arch like a blow hole.  So fun!

This is in Volcano National Park where the lava spilled onto the road.  You used to be able to drive all the way around the Park in a circle - but after this eruption in the late eighties- no more circle!

Behold the live volano!!!

We were able to go to the temple in Kona. Although they didn't rent clothing for a session, we were able to do some initiatories.  It was a fun evening.  The grounds at the temple were so beautiful.  My favorite were the fan palm trees.  I took a picture of one!  It looks like it is holding up the angel Moroni! 

This is the view of the ancient ruins of the King & Queen's temple from our hotel balcony in our room.  It was fun to walk out there during low tide.  

The were so many turtles at the beach by our hotel and just all around Kona! You were allowed to look only - $1500 fine if you touched them! 

Disneyland and the ICM Food & Clothing Bank

It was time again for our family to visit the happiest place on earth.  We were lucky enough to be able to participate in Disneyland's promotion for 2010 which was "Give a Day - Get a Day".  Our family signed up to volunteer at a family project center that helped families with donations for food, clothes and job placement.   It was called Interfaith Cooperative Ministries Food and Clothing Bank in Phoenix.  They kids were a little apprehensive when we first arrived, but soon after rolling up our sleeves and getting to work - they had a blast.  We sorted clothing and hung them up on hangers.  We filled up little bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and we organized donations by men, woman, and children clothing.  After 2 1/2 hours it was time to go and our kids were amazed how quickly the time passed.  It was a fun day to spend together as a family.  I am grateful we were able to reach out to a different area to serve than we are normally used to.  It was a great day.  A few weeks later we were able to spend a fun couple of days at Disneyland.  One day was free thank to the volunteer program and the second day we were able to go through Club 33 and have a divine lunch thanks to Dave Larsen!!!  Club 33 is a private club inside of Disneyland.  If you are ever in New Orleans Square just before the lane ends you will see a plain red door on your left with a simple gold plate with an engraved 33.  It is locked from the outside but there is a doorbell.  Only those with a reservation can enter.  They serve 5 star food in a private dining room.  There is nothing like have filet mignon to break up your rushing around Disneyland.  It was a fun couple of days spent together.  We were lucky to have my sister Melissa and my mom share it with us.  We love Disneyland!!!

At the end of our first day!

Those dumb enough to go on the teacup.  Feeling whoozy yet?

Love that face Camden!!

Sadie was so excited to see the princesses!

Nana, Aunt Melissa and the kids.  Melissa, Taylor's gaining on you!!!

Taylor Turns 13 - WOW A TEENAGER!

Poor Taylor - this is the only picture I have of his birthday.  Because this was an off party year for him, it appears I forgot I owned a camera.  I can't believe how old he looks!  


In lieu of lots of fun pictures - the one below shows Taylor with his birthday breakfast traditions.  Every birthday our kids get to pick their favorite breakfast menu and dinner out.   Breakfast is always served up on our You are Special Today plate.  My mom picked this tradition up when my family and I lived in Germany when I was a youngster.  I had to have one and a few years ago found them at Marshalls of all places.  
Taylor almost always picks Waffles with Strawberries and Whip Cream.  


Last year my friend gave me the cupcake you see also on the table.  This recently added tradition just makes the morning even more fun.  Each birthday child wakes up (or comes home from school depending on how prepared or "un" prepared Mom is) and has to hunt for the hidden cupcake.  There is a little something inside the cupcake.  The kids love it!


Taylor is such a great kid.  He is usually too smart for his own good - thinking he knows more than his parents, which in some cases may be true - but let's not go there!  I love his logical nature and his uncommon sense of responsibility.  He is one of the most honest people I have ever met and has a quiet sense of self esteem and confidence.  


Taylor we love you and couldn't imagine our home without your sweet and tender spirit.  Thank you for all you do for your Dad and I and of course the example you usually set for your siblings.  

Halloween 2009

You have to admit she's a cute little devil ehe?

That is Camden under the mask.
Haleigh our female pirate!

Taylor and his friend Jacob. They were the hit of the neighborhood. You can't see but they had tube socks and high tops on. They were so funny and had a great time with all the attention.

This year we were so busy we barely made it out. We didn't get our pumpkins carved but we did manage to get the kids in their costumes. We can always thank Haleigh for her perpetual preparedness. Now if we can keep her planning in the month of October next year! September is a bit early for me! It was fun to have Halloween on a Saturday. After 5 games here and there and everywhere - the kids had fun trick or treating with friends around the neighborhood.

Happy 5th BIrthday Sadie!

Sadie picked Red Robin for her big 5th celebration. Nana Pat came to share her special day with her. Her favorite part had to be the balloon and the group of servers singing her Happy Birthday as loud as they could sing! After lunch Sadie got a BIG surprize. Nana took her to the mall and got her ears pierced. I can't decide who was more excited - Sadie or Haleigh! We sure love you Sadie baby and couldn't imagine our family without your sweet personality! Our family lunch at Red Robin

Sadie showing us her birthday cash!

The smartest thing ever thought up -- the double pierce!

First Day of School 2009

Sadie's First Day of Kindergarten!!!

Camden's in 3rd grade

Haleigh striking a pose for 5th grade

Taylor's off to Jr. High

Hotel Del Coronado

I have always wanted to go to the infamous Hotel Del! This past year they had a first ever special and we jumped right on it. It was such a fun time and such a beautiful hotel. We also enjoyed sharing the fun with our friends the Beechers. Both Kelly and I were loser picture takers but I did scrape together a few! We had a great time at the beach and loved just walking right out to the sand from the lobby of the hotel. One night while we were there they hotel had smore pits on the sand and while making smore after smore we got to watch the Navy Seals do a training exercise right on the shore. It was sure enteretaining and pretty amazing the strength and stamina they have to have. It was perfect weather for a beach weekend and a great way to end our summer. Love these four kids!





Camden and one of many sandcrabs found throughout the weekend.

Sadie and Cooper Beecher digging a hole in the sand!

BYU Baseball Camp

Taylor had the another great year at BYU baseball camp. He was lucky enough to go with 3 other boys from Arizona. Taylor and Brayden were roomates and Bridger and Grady Olsen were roomates next door. They had a blast not only playing baseball, but also the ice cream socials, the trip to 7 peaks water park and the many games of capture the flag and running around campus. They also played a lot of cards on there "ledge" in the stairwell going to their room. Fun times with fun friends.

Bridger Page, Taylor & Brayden Martinez

The field they spent most of the week!

Stadium of FIre

Haleigh and I were lucky enough to get tickets to Stadium of Fire. Haleigh was especially excited to see the Jonas Brothers! We sang until our throats were hoarse. I was quite the "cool" mom knowing all the words :-). I can't decide if that is something to be proud of or not! The fireworks were amazing and LOUD! It was a fun night with Haleigh. Our friend Amy Willardson and her Aunt got the seats right next to us. It was nice to see a familiar face in such a large crowd.