blogging spree

I have been on a blogging break for so long, I had hundred of pictures to catch up on. Especially since I just went on my trip to Reno and we had Luke's birthday. If you want to see all the new stuff you'll have to scroll down to older posts 4 different times or so to catch it all. Happy reading, if you don't fall asleep first!

Jakey and the babies

Jake has been precious playing with Hallie lately. I thought it was so cute when he was having a great time playing with Taeya, too.
He's becoming quite the ladies man!

So big!

I can't believe Hallie is already old enough to be using this thing. My heart has been breaking as I've been putting away the 0-3 month old clothes already. She is having a great time in this little bouncer. Though, I think the big kids are having the most fun!

Lukey

We were watching the "Zoo Babies" show on BYUTV yesterday morning. A polar bear comes on TV and Luke says, "Hey! He's the same color as cheese!"

Gak with the Corbs

Gak is great! Hours of gooey entertainement!!

sewing day

This week the kids requested "sewing day." We mended little rabbit, lamby and the white kitty, made scripture bags and a batman cape. I also found a bunch of curtain valances from our CA home that I decided to put up here. I spent hours and hours organizing Warren's office this week (3-4 days by the time all was said and done), so Cass was pretty excited when we put up the curtains as the finishing touch. We surprised Warren when he got home from work. Amazing you can see the carpet in there!! We got a lot done, but there is a long list of other projects the kids are ready for me to start up on now. Time to get to work!

"I want to go on the potty train!"

Jake announced Monday morning, "I want to go on the potty train!" So we busted out the underpants and got to work. Everytime he had a success he got to put a penny in his bear. He had 30 pennies by the end of the week!! He's been doing great. His cute comment prompted a chore chart idea. "The Potty Train" had little slips of paper with everyone's chores on them that they had to complete. We combined this with the penny chart we were already doing. The kids thought it was pretty funny.

watermelon harvest

It was tasty! I hope there are more to come!

On our way home

After spending time at the park with friends (so fun to see you Jacey and Lindsey!), lunch and brunch and visits with family, late night chats (April- so great to catch up!) and lots of running around places, it was finally time to go home. We had 3 hour layover in Oakland on our way back- so this is what Jake did to pass a lot of the time and wear himself out for the plane ride. Around and around "the walker" as we called the moving sidewalk. Thank goodness that part of the airport was nearly empty! 12 hours of traveling later, we made it home. It was SO nice to see Warren and the kids! The stewardesses told Jake he could go in the cockpit and have a picture with the pilot. He was all set to do it until he heard Daddy was in the airport waiting to see him. Then I could run after him fast enough. He bolted out of the airplane, lickety split!! So much for a fun photo op. Though, I'm glad he loves his daddy so much. Jake was the cutest little traveler toting his suitcase behind him the whole time. We got lots of little chuckles as we walked through the crowds and up through security and to our gates. Jake was a great traveling companion and Hallie was a super star for such a long trek.

Pops and Hallie

Here's good ol' Pops in his bike outfit. On his way for another ride. He recently rode in the "Death Ride." I don't know how he does all these crazy things he does. Century rides, Death rides, etc. He's amazing. Maybe someday I'll have the desire or this kind of physical pain and challenge (but I doubt it!). He was a great host. It was fun to see him cooking now that my mom works full time. So domestic!

Jake and Obi

Love you, Mimi!!

I love spending time with Mimi. Moms are one of a kind. Especially THIS one! Love you, Mom!

Lizard!

Jake was pretty stoked to see a lizard running around Mimi's yard and into this bush. I'm sure if his brothers had been with us, they would have spent quite a bit of time hunting it down. I think the highlight of the trip for Jakey was playing with "Obi" the dog. They were 2 peas in a pod. If Jake wasn't wheeling his suitcase around the house, he was playing with Obi.

Music Time and Brunch with Gram

A huge part of my relationship with my grandparents involves music. Almost everytime I would visit them (which was quite a lot since we lived in the same town), I would play the piano and sing for them. Papa paid and attended voice lessons with me for 5 years while in middle and high school. He would get out his harmonica and "jam with me." Since my grandfather passed away several years ago, I haven't done very much playing for Gram. But after a DELICIOUS brunch (Gram and I always enjoy eating yummy food together and this food was AMAZING! I wish I wasn't counting calories!), we went over to the baby grand so I could play for awhile. We had such a neat time chatting in between songs and laughing about different things. It was wonderful. After about 30 minutes of this, some country singers came over and told me to stop since it was their turn to entertain. So that was the end of that (Gram wasn't a fan of the country singers). Despite the abrupt end, that special time will be a strong memory for me for years to come. I could just picture my grandfather sitting in a chair near us singing along with tears in his eyes. I have marvelous grandparents.

Jake meets Jake

After Auburn we drove down to see Dan and Mini's new home. They have the greatest deck! We had a really nice time sitting out there talking while Jake played with "Jake" and "Piglet" the dogs. He would throw the ball over the deck railing and the dogs would run to go fetch it down below. After about 30 minutes of doing this, Jake decided he wanted to play too! So he'd throw the ball over the railing and all 3 of them would run to go fetch it. It was a riot! We also met Mini's fish and new kitten. Jake was in heaven. What a treat to be able to spend time with Dan and Mini.

Chevy's with Chuck and Marlean

We are very lucky to have the Hess' live only 4 hours from my parents. Chuck and Marlean were so sweet to drive all the way up to Auburn to take us all out to lunch at Chevy's (one of my favorties!!). We don't get to see them very much now that we live in Texas. What a treat to be able to get together! Jakey was pretty wiped out by this time in the trip and was NOT in the mood to have his picture taken. But by the time we made it outside he was chipper enough for a quick shot. Chuck and Marlean, thanks so much for lunch and making the huge effort to see us! We sure miss you!

Auntie Dee meets Hallie

Though, we were just in Reno for a quick weekend, I wanted to go a little further to visit Nordyne in Auburn. It was a beautiful drive going through the mountains. I love Donner Pass (atleast when I'm not trying to drive over it when it's covered in snow!). My parents came with me and the kids. Hallie LOVED Auntie Dee! She was all smiles, trying with all her might to get Nordyne's attention so she could flash her with a huge grin or stick her tongue out at her. Uncle Frank passed away a few month ago. We were sad not to see him on this visit, but we are grateful he is in a better place.

Aunt Jen and Hallie

One of the best things about going back home is visiting with all the family that is still out there. Aunt Jen is just the best. I'm so glad I got to have time with her! We had a nice long chat one night at my mom's house. I'm amazingly blessed to have such a neat example in my life. She has been doing a ton for Gram. I'm grateful she is hanging in there with all the hard stuff going on! I wish I lived closer so I could be of more help.