Cousin Pictures

This July we had great intentions of a cousin picture my parents could treasure always. Honestly, the way the photo shoot went, I am amazed that our photographer Andrea Skidmore was able to capture any decent pics at all. We will need a new picture soon with three more little cousins on the way!

Its a Girl!

It is official, the midwife confirmed that we are expecting a baby girl in February. We can't believe we could be so blessed. Olivia is thrilled to get a little sister, she is already picking out names and matching outfits. Dave bought a darling little number with hearts for our Valentine baby. We can't wait to meet her!!!

More NYC

We have been so spoiled this year, NYC twice! Dave and I attended his cousin Paul's beautiful wedding to his wife Allison in July. The ceremony was in the NYC temple and then lunch and dancing at the Boat House in Central Park. We decided to take Sam on a vacation with just Dave and I before he turns into a teenager and won't talk to us anymore. We had the time of our lives! Sam loved his first subway ride, his first broadway musical (Shrek), his first trip to a NYC ER (asthma attack), his first stay in a pent house on Park Avenue (thanks Linda and Richard), his first gyro at a street cart, his first bike ride in central park, his first visit to the Natural History Museum (looked familiar thanks to "Night at the Museum"), his first view from the top of the Empire State building, and all of us loved our first visit to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. We had so much fun getting to spend so much "quality time" together. We can't believe Sam will turn 12 next month and become a priesthood holder. The other boys are already planning their private time trip and so are we!

NYC!

August Birthdays

We have had fun celebrating all the August Birthdays. First we went to tea at the Grand America to celebrate cousin Emmie's 7th, next it was lunch at Ruth's Diner and a hike to celebrate Whitney's 30th (always), we went to the beauty parlor for Claire's 6th, and yesterday Allie celebrated her 4th with a great princess party. No pictures, but we slathered uncle Mike with old people gifts for his 4oth. We missed Tyler, Ellie, Jonah and Dan who had parties without us, next time we hope to get in on that action as well. Can't wait for September.

We cannot believe summer is already over. The boys are not thrilled to be going back to school. Especially leaving their previous school which HAD air conditioning to this hot old building where they have to meet all new friends. Luckilly as you can see in the picture Sam met Bryce over the summer as well as another friend James and they have been playing heroscape and air soft all summer. Brig and Char are still meeting new people. Char had a great play date after the first day of school where he got to ride an army jeep in the mountains and found 10 bucks so life is looking up for him. I am Brig's new Bear Den leader and we are going to have some serious fun. Wish them luck!

Olivia starts preschool!

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool. Yeah I have a little free time to actually blog. Olivia is excited to go to school with her new friend Claire. We now have to differentiate between the "old Claire", Olivia's cousin and the "new Claire". One advantage of our moves every couple of years is adding great people into our lives. Olivia is attending Oak Glenn Preschool with Ms. Char. Ms. Char promises to teach manners and letters. Great because I have kind of slacked off in this department. A few years back my sister in law Jackie commented on Charlie's good manners and wondered if his mom had taught these to him. "No, he replied I learned manners at karate!" Hoping Ms. Char can do the same for Livvy. Actually Olivia has been a joy since the day she was born and we hope she always stays a sweet little girl.