The Cox Family

Cookies...yummy!

2010-07-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

My cousin Kristen shared a cookie recipe that works with the kiddos special food needs and are delicious. Aiden helped me make a batch yesterday and he and Bella throughly enjoyed eating them.

An impromptu day on the river

2010-07-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning Cam said, "let's pack a picnic and head up the river to do some fishing". I thought it was a great idea, so off we went. Well, Sunday the temp was 90 degrees so the river was packed and there was no where to fish because of all the swimmers. So, we changed our plans a little and decided to picnic and swim. Luckily we had the life jackets for fishing, so we just swam in our clothes. We found a great spot with lots of families with small children. The kids had a great time splashing in the water and watching the fish and crawdads (sp?). We will definitely go back before summer is over.

Seattle Aquarium with my sis

2010-07-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

Aiden checking out the diver

Auntie Kara w/Emma and sweet Violet

Always on the go....

Lazy summer days

2010-07-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

4th of July weekend at the beach

2010-07-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

We spent 4th of July weekend at the beach with Grammy and Poppy this year. Aside from the fact that I had strep throat :( it was a great weekend.

Smores around the fire

Watching the Ocean Park parade

Bells really liked it

Bundled up for fireworks

Sparklers

Aiden's first go cart ride (yes, Mommy made him wear a helmet)

Aiden's First Soccer Game

2010-07-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

All suited up and ready to play :)

"Go Robots"

and he's down....

Cooling down after the big game

Aiden's first soccer practice

2010-07-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Aiden has officially started playing soccer (such a proud moment for Cam) and he makes sure to tell everyone that it is "real" soccer like Emma plays. Aiden loves that Cam is coaching him and that both his big sisters are the assistant coaches. The most important thing is that he is meeting new friends and having a blast. Our sweet little cousin Amelia is also on Aiden's team which I love because we get to see them twice a week now. Here are some pictures from their first practice, which was hysterical.

The little one in pink with the ponytails is Amelia.

Staying Cool in the Pool

2010-07-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

The kids are at such a fun age this summer and we are having so much fun in our backyard. Bella LOVES the water and is typically soaked by the sprinkler by about 8:00am. Aiden isn't far behind. His favorite thing to do is to help me water the plants (AKA...spray himself and his sisters). Emma is a total outdoorsman at heart and she is so happy that we now have a garden. Since we don't have AC :( We spend most of our time outside staying cool in the pool.

Ethan's Birthday Party

2010-06-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my nephew's 3rd birthday party. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins (as usual). Unfortunately for Ethan his party was at the same time as the USA World Cup game so most of the men in the family were huddled around the tv.

Bella in her party dress holding her balloon.

Ready to party...

Aiden and Andrew

The sweet little birthday boy

Aiden in the "Jesse" hat from Grandma and Grandpa's toy box

Watching the game....Go USA!

Fun in the Sun with our sweet cousins

2010-06-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

A fun play date last week with Amelia and Ruby...thanks for hosting, girls :)

Welcome Summer

2010-06-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Summer has FINALLY arrived in the great NW...yay! The sweeties had a great time running through the sprinkler and we had a great time watching :)

Looking at this picture makes me realize how much Aiden is growing. He has lost his toddler body shape and is looking more like a little boy :( It is all happening too fast.

I love how Bella is looking at Aiden in this picture...she loves him so much!

Melissa's Wedding

2010-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

So, 2010 really hasn't been my year for blogging. I got behind early in the year, then every time I think about catching up the task seems SO big and time consuming that I don't even try. Well, I have decided that I am not going to worry about catching up. Instead, I will start posting current pics and stories and flash back occasionally when I have the time. I truly do enjoy blogging and although I have been using my free time for other things recently (I am on a new food/health/wellness quest for my family) I really want to get back in to it.

So, on to this blog....

Cameron's little sister got married this past weekend. The wedding was beautiful and we all had a great time. Bella and Aiden were on the dance floor from the time we walked in to the reception until we had to leave....so entertaining.

Flashback - Aiden's Birthday

2010-04-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Aiden's birthday this year he wanted to go to the children's museum. A few buddies joined us and he truly enjoyed himself....thanks so much Cade, Kellen, Jack and Henry for helping make his special day so fun! We had a great dinner with family that night and wrapped the day up by opening presents with Grammy and Poppy. It was a perfect day with my big 3 year old boy!

Flashback - Making Aiden's Bday Cupcakes

2010-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Flashback - Bella's Bday Party

2010-04-26T14:09:00.001-07:00

A LONG overdue letter to my Sweet 3 year old Son

2010-04-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

Aiden,

My sweet sugar boy...you are 3! How this is possible I am not sure, but you are rockin' 3 like only you can. You continue to amaze me on a daily basis and your outlook on life keeps a smile on my face. You say the most hilarious (one of your favorite words right now) things and you remember EVERYTHING! Your memory really is astounding. You love to make people laugh and you have such a compassionate little soul. You are very concerned about others and are empathetic way beyond your years. You are so bright and you make comparisons that most adults wouldn't catch. You love to rhyme words and find matches everywhere. You still love music and sing ALL the time. You have started writing your own songs and they are so great and funny all at the same time...you are amazing! You use words like "ridiculous", "hilarious" and "actually" all the time and it cracks us all up. Some of your favorite things to do right now are playing cars, playing music, practicing writing (you can write "Mom", "Dad", and "Aiden") doing art (any kind, but especially cutting with your new big boy scissors), playing soccer with Emma and Daddy, singing with Katie, cooking with Mommy (you love using the mixer), "lawning" with Poppy, playing any one of your silly games with Grammy, and putting on puppet shows with Bella (or as you call her "my best friend Beeoos").

You truly are an exceptional little boy and you capture the hearts of everyone you meet. My heart is so full that sometimes I think it may burst...I am the luckiest mommy in the whole wide world.

I love you with all my heart and I am so proud of you.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Boy!

A letter to ONE

2010-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

ONE,

Really...how is it possible that you are here already?? Please don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for you. ONE means our sweet daughter is healthy and thriving and there are literally no words to express the gratitude I feel for that. So I'm thankful for ONE, but a little surprised that you are here so soon. It feels like just days ago that I starred into the eyes of my beautiful girl for the first time...saw those beautiful bright eyes looking back at me. And she did look straight at me before she was even settled on my chest. I am pretty sure that I let out a little squeal of pure delight. We locked eyes and I knew at that moment that this precious little person could see straight to my soul. I knew she would challenge me in ways that no one else could, but that she would also make me better mom. Those first few days are so clear to me. Checking out every inch of her perfect little body, watching her sleep, marveling at every tiny little yawn. It seems like I just blinked and now our Sweet Bella Girl is walking, talking (well only a handful of words are clear but she will babble on and I swear she expects us to understand her), feeding herself (12 teeth), dancing (and oh does this girl "feel" the music), singing (she ooohhhhs and aaahhhs especially when listening to Taylor Swift), and gives loveys to all of us lucky enough to be considered one of her "peeps". She also uses her sign language for more, eat, all done, milk, bye bye, and ONE...I guess this brings me back to my original question, how is it possible, ONE, that you are here so soon....that our delightful, strong willed, happy, loving, loud, bright daughter is already ONE? I guess there is no need to answer that for no matter how impossible it seems...here you are! So, ONE, I will embrace you. I will welcome you with open arms and I look forward to what you have planned for our sweet girl. Be kind, ONE, stay a while...I know you will bring great things!

Our beautiful ONE year old

My how she has grown!

2010-01-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2010

2010-01-18T23:12:00.000-08:00

December 30th - Sisters

2010-01-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

December 29th - Snowfall

2010-01-18T23:08:00.000-08:00

....and the countdown to "1" has officially started

2010-01-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

December 25th - Christmas Morning with the Cox/Houghton Family

2010-01-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

December 25th - Christmas Morning at G&P's House

2010-01-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

December 25th - Christmas Morning at home

2010-01-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

December 24th - Cookies for Santa

2010-01-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

December 24th - Christmas Eve at Grammy and Poppy's House

2010-01-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

December 21st - Cousins

2010-01-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

My nephews Connor and Kyle came over one day during Christmas break to hang out with our kids. I absolutely love when they come over. They are such awesome boys and so well behaved. They all enjoy each others company so much. My cousins have always been so important to me and I love that my kids have the same bond with their cousins.

December 21st-Making Raindeer food

2010-01-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Raindeer food = Rolled oats, sugar and sprinkles.

December 20th - Christmas Crafts

2010-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

This year we made all the tags for our Christmas gifts. It was really fun and Emma especially had a good time (she is our little craft girl). This was a new tradition and I think we will keep it going next year!

December 22nd & 23 - Making the Christmas Sugar cookies

2010-01-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

We really did have so much fun preparing for this Christmas. Making sugar cookies has become a tradition and something we look forward to every year. Katie and Emma each made their own tray and Aiden was SO excited to get to make his own too. He loves baking with me anyway, but knowing that the cookies were being made for Santa made it extra special.

Bells was just an onlooker, but she was still having fun! Aiden said to Bella, "sorry boosy, you are too little to eat a sugar cookie...but it's okay cause you can have some peas". That worked for now, next year will be another story :)

A special thank you to The Martin Family

2010-01-12T14:10:00.001-08:00

Our lifelong friends, The Martins sent Bella this wonderful holiday outfit. It belonged to their sweet daughter Laci. Ginny mailed it to me with the sweetest note (sidenote: Ginny is the only person I know that still takes the time to hand write every note...she is so special) about how it was given to them by some dear family friends and she wanted to pass it on to Bella. Well, Miss Bells wore it several times this holiday season and looked adorable.

To Jason, Ginny, Ty and Laci-Thank you so much for the sweet holiday outfit. I am so tickled that you thought to pass this on to Bells. It made me smile every time she wore it knowing Laci had worn it the Christmas before. We love you guys and miss you very much. See you in May!

December 19th - Finally trying to get the picture for our christmas card

2010-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

So yes, I waited until December 19th to attempt to take the picture for our Christmas cards and NO, I still haven't sent them out yet (pitiful...I know). Anyway, on this day it proved impossible to get a picture where all 4 were smiling (or even looking at the camera). So, we went a different direction...you will see what I mean if I ever get around to sending my cards out :)

December 9th - Decorating the tree

2010-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Everybody hanging their first ornament

Bella's first Christmas ornament

Aiden absolutely loved hanging "his" ornaments

Bells loved all the ball ornaments so much that we finally had to tie some ribbon around a few balls and put them on the lower branches so she would stop pulling the real ornaments off the tree.

All finished (Bella was asleep by this time)

December 5th - Picking out our tree and writing letters to Santa

2010-01-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

December 4th - The Polar Express

2010-01-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

We took the babies to the polar express for the second year in a row. It was just Me, Cam, Grammy, Aiden and Bella this year. Aiden had a BALL and I must admit I got teary eyed more than once watching his excitement!!! Bella enjoyed it (especially singing christmas carols at the end), but of course most of the "magic" was over her head. However, she was in good spirits the whole time and we all had a wonderful time.

In the car on the way up

Check out Bella's little handprint on the window...so sweet!

Bella loves to grab the camera now...

"Santa is coming"

"I see him"

Aiden totally loved Santa

Bella did not!

I was trying to get a picture of Aiden with his bell from Santa and he wouldn't look up from it, but look how happy Bella is about her bell :)

Bella clapping after each carol

SO TIRED!!!

December 1st - Aiden sliding in the backyard

2010-01-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

For obvious reasons we don't get many opportunities to use the playground in the backyard during the winter. So, when we have a day without rain we bundle up and head out. This particular day Aiden was all about the slide.

The lighting of the tree downtown

2009-12-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition that we all go downtown to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree the Friday after Thanksgiving. Cam and the girls had prior plans so the babies and I went with my family. It was extra fun this year because Aiden was super excited about the tree. He was also very impressed by Santa riding in on a fire truck...it is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. Let the festivities begin!!!

So much to be thankful for...

2009-12-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

November Beach Trip

2009-12-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

The babies and I went with my parents to the beach house the week before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the trip was cut short by a severe wind storm that knocked our power out. The storm was crazy and unlike any I had seen at the coast before. With the power out it was a bit chilly for the babies so we packed it in early. Regardless, it was a fun little adventure.

Our life in November from my Iphone

2009-12-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

I love my IPhone for so many reasons, but the main one is that I have it with me everywhere so I can take pictures of the random things that happen throughout our day. I thought it may be fun to do a post of just iphone pics. So, I chose a few of my favorites from last month and here is the story of our lives during the month of November told through Iphone pictures...enjoy!

First day of November Emma had an outdoor soccer game and it was COLD. I figured Bella's halloween costume did such a good job keeping her warm the night before...why not where it to the game :)

Aiden stuck in his old walker...we were both laughing SO hard.

Aiden's newest thing is..."look, I've to a mustache"...Got Milk?

I am not sure what he was looking at in my closet, but check out the boots

This is my handprint beside Bella's handprint on the couch...I noticed it after we got up.

She pulled herself up on the couch...this was about one week after she did it for the first time.

Sweet Sisters

Bella and I getting ready to go shopping with Grammy (from Grammy's Iphone)

Aiden really wanted some Buzz Lightyear wings

This was the best I could do, but he loved them!

handsome boy!

My babies!

Aiden and I having a little afternoon treat!

Bella playing in Aiden's kitchen...so proud of herself. That is the first place she goes now anytime she is in the playroom.

Emma and Aiden had been upstairs for a while so I decided to see what they were up to...the were playing dress-up

Undie head (Aiden called it his "jogging hat")

Sweet nap hair

This is the hair bow and shoes that go with Bella's Christmas dress

Aiden having a playdate with Teagan

Laundry for one week...ugh!

Bella scooting on G&P's wood floors

Christmas shopping

Check out my tower

Aiden got the cheerios out of my purse..."one for me"

"one for you!"

I took my big girls and niece Jessica to the midnight premier of New Moon...I was exhausted the next day but it was TOTALLY worth it!

Poppy has been taking for a few hours a week to help him in the yard, Aiden calls it "Lawning"...so cute! Here is a picture of the "Lawning buddies"

This is what Bella does when you say "Pretty girl"

Bella's dressing room ;)

Cam and I took the girls to a Blazer Game!

Poppy took Aiden to get a hot cocoa...chocolate face!

Aiden and Mommy playing school

Making sure he gets each tooth

Aiden having his first candy necklace. The funny thing is that he wanted it because his buddy Patrick got one so I bought it but didn't tell him it was candy. Well, it worked for a while then he saw Patrick licking his and Aiden said, "you can't lick it" to which Patrick said, "uh hu, it's candy". Aiden took a little lick, held it high in the air and yelled, "MOMMY...IT'S CANDY"! It was gone in about 3 mintues!

Holding both babies on Thanksgiving (from Kara's Iphone)

The lighting of the Christmas tree downtown

All bundled for the tree lighting

At the Christmas Bazaar...we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies the way we have the stroller weighted down.

Mom and Emma put this on Bella at the Bazaar

Crashed at the Bazaar thanks to Grammy's skills

Rockin' the cowboy hat....

2009-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Kids

2009-11-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

I just love what happy babies I have. I took these last week one day when we were just sitting around. Aiden was being super silly and he was making both Bella and I laugh...which just makes him laugh even more...I love these moments.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

Emma The Pirate

Aiden The dinosaur

(yes, I know it is a dragon costume but he picked it out and thought it was a dinosaur)

Bella The butterfly

Making his trick or treat bag

Opening halloween pumpkins from Grammy and Poppy

One of my favorites

2009-11-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Grammy and Bella...so sweet.

Happy 10th Birthday Emma

2009-11-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

I'm 10!!!

Unkie and his Neicie

Jonathon and Emma

Aiden, Emma, cousin Andrew and cousin Jess

Cam with his Dad and brother Matt

Grandma Soccer, Jess, Lukie, and Aiden

Emma and Jess...these girls love eachother so much

"happy birthday, dear Emma"

Aiden's favorite part of the party...the cake!

Aiden and Unkie

Bella's love affair with her yellow balloon starts

"oh, I love you balloon"

she seriously wouldn't let it go (ps my brother in law Corey does not usually sport this sweet mustache)

so cute

I'm 9 months old

2009-11-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

Sweet Bells is 9 months old and what a glorious 9 months it has been. She is still such a good girl and the loudest baby I have ever met...and I love it! She is such a funny baby...she gives these looks that just make me laugh out loud. It's almost like you can tell just what she is thinking by the look on her face. Of course if it takes me to long to figure out what she is thinking she yells...Bella the yella!!! She is waving, clapping, scooting, and pulling herself up on everything. She has looked directly at me and said "mama" and "dada" to Cameron. She also yells "bubba" when she wants Aiden...it is SO adorable. She is a very social little girl and always wants to be close to the older kids. She loves them so much and they are so good to her. Bella truly is an amazing little girl and I love being her Mommy.

Happy 9 month birthday, baby girl!

Disney on Ice

2009-11-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

Grammy and I took the babies to see Disney on Ice. We had so much fun!!! Aiden was a hoot to watch and he just had so much fun seeing all his Disney faves...he kept yelling and waving to them, so cute! I was actually a little afraid of Bella getting bored, but she had a ball. She was totally captivated the whole time and was a dancing machine :) My babies are the best!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

We had a great time carving pumpkins this year. Aiden thought it was so cool and he loved that we baked the seeds afterwards. Bella was also fascinated by the whole process and insisted being part of the action.

Homecoming

2009-11-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

Katie went to her homecoming a couple weekends ago...isn't she lovely!

Proud Dad and Beauty

We love the coach!

2009-10-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last week Cameron held his second annual "adopt a player" with Emma's team and his varsity team. All of the little girls choose one of the varsity players to "adopt". Then together they puff paint a teeshirt. The next night all of the little girls come to the varsity game to cheer for their player. Emma was looking forward to this for weeks because last year she had such a great time. On the day they did the tee shirts one of Emma's teammates was sick so we decided to make her a shirt at home. The minute Aiden saw Emma puff painting the shirt he said, "I need to make my shirt like Sissy" (these days he has to do EVERY thing that Emma does). Then the next night when we were getting Emma ready for the game he wanted to look just like sissy...funny stuff! They look pretty darn cute and the game was super fun!

I wanted Emma to kneel in the picture and Aiden stand beside her, but he wanted to kneel just like sissy :)

We finally convinced him to stand

He sneezed right as I snapped the picture

He thought that was pretty funny

Nemesis

All of the little girls

The little girls with their big girls

The Patch

2009-10-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is our 5th year going to this pumpkin patch and the second year to be joined by my family. We love this one because it is big enough to entertain the kids, but not so big that it attracts thousands of people. Aiden had so much fun this year and I just love to watch him get so excited as he discovers so many new (well not really new but he doesn't remember last year) things. The big girls had fun and really enjoyed that this is a "tradition". Bella was a total trooper in the baby bjorn and was happy the whole time just to be outside. We scored some great pumpkins and a great time was had by all.

My beautiful sis

You can't tell by the picture but Aiden thought it was so cool that he got to sit in the firetruck.

the pumpkin slingshot

watching it fly...

hay ride

A visit with best friends

2009-10-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my very best friend in the whole world came to town with her sweet husband and her wonderful Mom. In July we traveled down to Oklahoma for her little sister's wedding and although we had a great time she and I were disappointed that we didn't get a lot of time to catch up. So, I was so thrilled to find out that they were coming to town for a week. They did get the opportunity to see some of the NW, but most of our time together was spent just enjoying each others company. I am also so happy that my bestie got to spend some time getting to know my babies. It is so strange because I think Aiden understands how important Sasha is to me because he just loves her too...we still talk about her every night before he goes to sleep. Thank you so much for coming to visit Pound/Martinez family...we already miss you SO much!

Early morning at Grammy and Poppy's house

2009-10-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

We went over to Grammy and Poppy's house the other morning in our PJ's. The babies were looking so cute that I had to snap a few pictures. I am so happy my children inherited my love for cozy mornings.

We're Back....

2009-10-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

After a month long hiatus from blogging I am back. Once about two weeks had passed it seemed like such a big task to catch up so I just kept putting it off. We have had a super busy month and at the end of the day (when I normally blog) I have been exhausted. Tonight isn't much different, but I decided not to try to go back and blog everything I missed. Instead I will just pick it back up and occasionally I will post a "flashback" blog from the last month.

We did have a very busy month and have some new news from the kids. Katie is a now a sophmore and that is about all I can tell you about her since (like most teenagers) she is never around. Our sweet Emma girl started the 4th grade and her first season as a premier soccer player. Her team has won all 5 of their games so far and Emma scored 5 goals in her last game alone....she is so awesome!!! Aiden is now fully potty trained (little stud), binky free, and is funnier than ever. He absolutely amazes me with the things that come out of his mouth. He is a total rule follower and keeps the rest of us in line. He is still such a good big brother. A few cute things he has said to Bella recently, "it's okay Bells, you don't have to cry, you don't have an owee" and when Bella was pulling on him, "please let go Bells, I am not a toy". As for our baby Bella she is 8 months old now (unbelievable). She has a total of 6 teeth now and is mobile. She is a scooting machine and today she discovered the fun game of pulling the Mommy's books off the bookshelf...our world is getting crazier by the day :). She is still very petite and very loud. Her newest nickname is "Bella the Yella". Like her big brother her language skills are pretty amazing. She is a little chatter box and one of her favorite things to say these days is, "Uh Oh"...it is so adorable. Here are a few recent photos of Miss Bells and her 6 beautiful teeth and a few videos of Aiden and his latest dance moves. Enjoy, and I will post more soon!

So we were shopping yesterday and as usual Aiden was dancing his way through the whole experience. One of the things I love so much about him is that if there is music on he will dance. Just watching him makes me smile, but I also love to watch everyone else's reaction to him. People just can't help but smile when the watch him. He is also so friendly and he always waves and says hello to the people that pass. In the second video right as I started to record he stopped to wave to a little girl. He gets so happy when people wave back. Anyway....enjoy!!!

Funny face

2009-08-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

So Bella has been making the funniest face that is accompanied by this little snort noise. I have been trying to capture a picture of this face for several weeks and I finally got it. The best part is that she knows we think it is funny so she will do it over and over again. I love that she already enjoys the spotlight :) and I love her little piggy snort!

Isn't that face hysterical?!?

Sweet girl loves the water

snorty snorty

Look at my handsome boy

always happy

Cuddle time

2009-08-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

I went to check on Aiden during his nap yesterday, and this is what I found! Love it!

7 months old....

2009-08-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

and it just keeps getting better.....

Happy ever after...

2009-08-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

A good family friend got married last weekend and the wedding was so beautiful and so much fun. The ceremony was absolutely perfect...you could just feel the love in the air. Congratulations, April and Andre...we wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!!!

Me and my sis (she was in the wedding)

My girls

My sweet family (minus KK who was at soccer camp)

Me, Sis, Sarah and Sweet Bella

The happy (and beautiful) couple

Another happy (and beautiful) couple

Kara, Hillz and Macee

My brother...he performed the ceremony and did such a great job

Cheers

Aiden cutting a rug (he would not get off the dancefloor)

Cade decided to strut his stuff too

A few of my favorite Aiden videos

2009-08-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

I love having an iphone because I capture so many more "little events" during our day. Here are three little videos from the last couple weeks. Aiden is SO funny and at least once a day he has me busting up. The best part is that he loves when he makes us laugh. When he realizes we are laughing at him he will keep doing what he is doing over and over again. He is a total performer! Enjoy...

Aiden still loves to wear around his blue monster costume from last halloween. One of my favorite speech impediments that Aiden has is saying his "r's". He can pronounce them at the beginning of a word, but for some reason if the "r" is at the end of a word he uses a long "e".

I love it...

This is what happens when I let my 2 year old put on his own swimming suit :) He is such a funny boy and you will see that when he realizes I think it is funny when he falls down that he continues to do it...he loves to make people laugh (so much like his daddy).

Exhausted after spending the whole morning in the pool, Aiden struggles to stay awake during lunch. I love that he smiles so big every time he realizes we think he is funny...he is such a good sport :)

A lot of hard work for a lot of fun....

2009-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ta Da!!!

Cuddle Bugs

2009-08-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

KK singing at the fair

2009-08-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Signing autographs

Katie's biggest fans (the girl holding Aiden is KK's sister, Rileigh)

Big Girl Bath Seat

2009-08-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

Bella has always liked taking baths, but she likes it even more now that she gets to sit in her big girl seat. She could sit there for hours and jabber away. Here are a few shots I took of her in the tub the other night. I also like this series of pics because they give you an idea of how expressive this little girl is...she makes the funniest faces.

Double Bubble Trouble

2009-08-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

Aiden/Elvis

Emma kept making bubble art on Aiden's head

Making Granola

2009-08-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my friend Eryn blogged about some wonderful granola that she made and I had planned to make it. Then, when we were at the beach last month my sister brought some home made granola, I asked her for the recipe and she said, "it's the recipe from Eryn's blog". Well, after tasting it I had to make some. So, Aiden and I made it last week and it was delicious (not to mention the yummy smell that filled the house while it was cooking). When I have a little more time I will post the recipe for all of you.

I scream, you scream....

2009-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

It must be love...

2009-08-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I had my camera to snap this sweet little series of pics

New big girl high chair

2009-08-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some sweet potatoes in her new big girl high chair

Beating the heat...

2009-08-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

Trying Peas for the first time

2009-08-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of Auntie Kara feeding Bella her peas for the first time. I wanted an opportunity to capture Bells cute little "tongue action" she does whenever she eats...it is so funny.

Crashed

2009-08-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Aiden crashed in Grammy and Poppy's backyard after some serious pool time...of course I couldn't help but snap a few pics.

A day on the Columbia River

2009-08-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

Camas Days

2009-08-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Still catching up on my blogging...these are from 2 weekends ago when we took the kids down to Camas Days. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning, and the kids loved the parade (Aiden especially loved people throwing candy to him).

Aiden was checking out some passing Llamas

Sissies

One of the best things about summer...

2009-08-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

evenings at the park....

Sweet 6 month old...

2009-08-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so technically she is 6 1/2 months now, but I took these shots on the day she turned 6 months. She has hit so many milestones in the last month. She can now sit up on her own and thinks she is so cool when she does it :) She also has 2 teeth now. Her first tooth (bottom left) popped up around 5 1/2 months and the right one followed about a week after. I just can't believe how quickly she is growing. She talks all the time, she says mama, dada and baba...but most of the time she just sort of yells (happy yells). She is very loud for such a small person :) Sometimes when she gets going it is so funny...we all can't help but laugh. She loves her brother and sisters and lights up when they come around. Aiden can always make her laugh and he will perform over and over again just to keep her going, and she is fascinated with both of her sisters. It fills my heart with joy everyday watching her interact with her siblings. I feel privileged to witness the building of these precious sibling relationships. I know they will be such a treasure to her throughout her life.

Bella is growing like a weed and she continues to enrich our lives beyond measure. I was amazed when Aiden was a baby at how much he taught me about myself and I am amazed once again that Bella is doing the same. She is so different from him and yet she is perfect too...funny how that works. I truly can't believe that I have once again been blessed with such a exceptionally wonderful child. Her little personality is already such a force in our family. I am so proud of how strong and opinionated she is...she inspires me to be the best mom I can be.

A very happy un-birthday to you, my sweet Bella girl...I love you more every day!!!

The first pic of the new teeth

Some more pictures from our trip to OKC

2009-08-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

I am really behind in my blogging (as many of you remind me on a daily basis :)) I am catching up little by little. Here are a few more pictures from our trip to OKC...they are in total random order because I just didn't have time to organize them. Regardless, I am sure you will be able to see what a good time we had. It was so good to see our dear friends...we miss you guys already!

Brother, sister and I on the property beside our old house

My family with Sandy, Sasha and Adrian

Late night dessert

Jason, Ginny and baby Laci

Aiden's first room service

Me and my best friend since childhood

My Sis, my Mom and her two besties

Amy and Laci

Ty sharing his RBF with Aiden

Our little Southern Bell

Me and my two childhood besties

Aaron and I with my 2nd grade teacher (and favorite teacher of all time), Mrs Caudle

Play Buddies

2009-08-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am having so much fun watching Aiden and Bella playing together lately. Aiden loves that Bella is more interactive with him and he gets the biggest kick out of making her smile or laugh....it makes me so happy to see the two of them enjoying each other so much!

A whole new world

2009-08-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

We introduced Bella to the world of solid food a few weeks ago. Here are a few pictures from her first taste of rice cereal. She loved it!!!

Being Silly at the Garage Sale

2009-08-08T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Beach with my Fam

2009-08-06T23:03:00.000-07:00