young visit

My sister, Sarah, and her family came to visit us at the end of the summer.  We were very excited to see them!

The first day of their visit was on Devin's 11th birthday!!  Happy Birthday Devin!!!

Braedin was very glad to have someone closer to his age to 

play with.  Haley and Braedin had lots of fun!

We had cut down a tree and trimmed others for use as firewood while they were here.  These were taken at one of the bonfires we enjoyed during their visit.

I just love this picture of Alex!

I think Taryn enjoyed having another girl child around, but she loved having all of them here.

A totally impromptu shot of Sarah that I think turned out fabulous!!

My sister is so pretty...and of course we look a lot alike...lol!

Braedin and I went to the Renaissance Festival with Charles, Sarah, Haley, and Alex while Randy stayed home with Devin and Taryn.  Braedin got to try his hand at archery and actually hit the target!!  YAY!

Good Job Braedin!

The last day of their visit was the first day of school.  Due to the insanity of getting eight people ready and out the door by 7:30 in the morning, this was the only picture I was able to take ... but at least I got one!

Braedin also had a special first day.  He is now officially a "Panda". This means that while the school-age children are at school, the children who will be starting Kindergarten next year (I know...don't make me think about it more than I have to) get to spend the day in the school-age room at daycare.  They have a more challenging curriculum to prepare them for school.

Saying goodbye was hard, but it was kind of nice to regain some elbow room in our house.  This was taken at the airport when I dropped them off.

the young one

THE NEXT GUITAR HERO!!!!

I could probably fill a book with pictures of Braedin making faces:)

For the Monsters vs Aliens preview during the Super Bowl Half-time

He wears Abby Cadabby so well...not even the birthday girl would keep her hat on. Braedin would wear a party hat every day if I would let him. Braedin is everything a little boy should be. He is active, opinionated, crazy, and stubborn. I love that I finally got my brown-eyed child and am so glad that he is happy so much of the time.

the eldest boy

Lookin' cool in 3D shades

Devin loves being the big brother!

Devin loves to read, play the computer, and put things together. He has read all of the Harry Potter books (a couple of years ago now) and several other ones that are more than an inch thick. There really is more to him, but this is my third post tonight and my mind just went blank. I will update later:)

my girl

Taryn LOVES her mp3 player!!

My mother-in-law requested a blonde-haired, brown-eyed girl when we were expecting Taryn. We were able to give her two out of three. Taryn knows what she wants and when she wants it. She can be very demanding, but is good to know that she will not settle for less than she deserves. She requires a bit more discipline than the boys and is learning that compromise is not necessarily a bad thing. She loves all of the Disney singers. Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus is her favorite, but she also likes the Jonas brothers, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Miranda Cosgrove. She loves to draw and would like to be an artist when she grows up, but she has also said she would like to be a singer too. She has even started writing her own songs!! Hopefully I will be able to get my hands on one of them to save for posterity.

playing with the camera

Devin's Christmas Concert

Gotta love fourth grade recorder concerts!!! Let me know if you can tell what song this is!!

School Pictures!!