Our Forever Family

Halloween and Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Its almost Christmas, but we had so much fun on Halloween and Thanksgiving that I had to share!! We love dressing up, and we wanted to do it altogether as a family this year. Annie went as an ASU cheerleader, Jensen was a football player, Brighton was the mascot Sparky, I was the Referee, Tyson was the coach, and little Ridge was the football. It was so much fun...

Tyson's awesome pumpkin!!!!

YUCK!

I love it that Annie's candy is all in a row (she loves organizing!) and I love it that I caught Tyson's face! Can you tell we were exhausted?

Ready

Our little team

We met with all the cousins for a giant trick or treating group. They all loved it! Brighton was a trooper. He loved holding on to his treats and hardly ever let me help him with his pumpkin. Both Annie and Jensen got so tired by the end, they could hardly walk.

Thanksgiving...

We had a great Thanksgiving this year too! We ate at Aunt DeAnn's and we loved it! The food was yummy and the company was great!!

You can't expect him not to climb on something like this, its just not possible.

What is Thanksgiving without a little football right?

Brighton agreed...it was delicious!

Ridge doesn't care for football yet, but he was cute hangin out with Daddy.

We have so much to be thankful for, and we loved celebrating Gratitude on Thanksgiving and all month long. I hope we can continue to live with a thankful heart all throughout the year, because the blessing of being grateful truly enriched and helped our family so much! We tried focusing on everything we have and it helped us to be so much happier. Life seemed so much easier, and we were blessed even more.

First Day of School...

2011-08-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well this certainly was not an easy day for me. I couldn't believe, and still can't believe that my little baby is going to school everyday!!!! She of course loves it! We had so much fun going school shopping before hand. That was probably our favorite part ;) Then of course we had to lay everything out and make lots of outifits on her bed. She chose her favorite for the first day:

Off we go:

She was only a little nervous, not as much as me!!!

It was so crowded with so many parents...

And off she goes

I was fine and calm till a little boy by her started freaking out, then for some reason I started to cry with him :'( then I looked around and saw that almost all the moms were wiping tears so I didn't feel so bad. She has done so well in school and she loves it so much!!! I know that she is going to continue to do great. It is soooo hard to think that next year I have to do it all over again with Jensen starting Kindergarten!!!!!

Summer fun...

2011-08-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

We have had such a fun summer so far! We were blessed with our little addition, Ridge in the beginning of it, so we haven't been able to go and do tons of things, but we've loved spending time together and having fun...

Exploring outside of Grandma's house in Eagar

4th of July fun...

Quad ride with cousin Buff

Eating Aunt Cathy's famous beans and bread. SOOOO yummy!!

The kids were sooooo happy that Evie got to come with us. We love the Godoys!!

Getting ready to escape

Waiting for candy from the parade.

Brighton wants some too

Jensen loves to stand out in our pictures ;P

Fireworks

Other summer activities:

Ridge loves to cuddle.

We found Brighton here one night.

I can't believe we have four of them!!!

We LOVE watermelon, especially when it comes from our garden

Of course its not summer without the pool

Watching a movie

Helping daddy mow the lawn. I hope they keep this up

Fun movie night that daddy planned for us. He's the best daddy ever!!!
And summer sleepovers...

Soccer

2011-06-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Annie and Jensen had so much fun playing soccer this Spring. They did really well, and they can't wait for it to start again this Fall...

Brighton had fun too. He kept getting into things like always.

Annie made some great friends.

Of course it was too tempting to not stop and pick at the grass in the middle of the game.

Jensen was amazing! He scored lots of goals because he was so focused. I was so surprised because he normally is the exact opposite. He would go after the ball and then he knew exactly where he needed to go.

After every time he scored he did a little hop dance to celebrate. It was so cute! This is him trying to give Daddy a thumbs up. He has a hard time remembering which ones are his thumbs. I think he's trying really hard to remember :)

Jensen and his buddy Chase. They were so happy to get to play on the same team together.

Annie had so much fun too. She did great, but she was too nice sometimes and didn't think it was fair to go take the ball away from someone else.

Great job guys!

I think they're going to love soccer as much as their Daddy!

Annie's Dance Recital

2011-06-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Annie did SO good at her Dance Recital last month!!!! She loved tap class and she always made sure to pound her feet into the floor to make the most noise :)

She remembered all of her dance moves and had so much fun up there on stage!

I'm not sure which part she loved more - performing or getting the flowers after. Good job Annie we are so proud of our little dancer!!!

Baby Ridge....

2011-05-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have another addition to our family!!!! Ridge Christian was born on May 24th at 1:30 pm. I was induced into labor that morning at about 8:00 so it wasn't a very long labor, but it sure was super stressful! He kept have decreases in his heart rate and he was in distress, so of course I was pretty nervous. I had to wear an oxygen mask the entire time which wasn't very enjoyable and the nurse kept making me move into really uncomfortable positions to try and help his heart rate become normal. Finally, at like 1:00 I had progressed enough to have him. When the doctor saw him he said the cord was around his neck, then he said it was wrapped twice, then three times, then four times. He said if I didn't have such quick labors than the baby wouldn't have made it, and that for a baby to have a cord wrapped four times around their neck is pretty rare. What made me really nervous was that he wasn't crying. He was super quite and really purple. Then they put him on me and the nurse kept rubbing his back and saying "Come on...Come on" to him. So I thought something was really wrong and that he wasn't going to make it. Of course, looking back I realized that if he wasn't breathing they would have been more serious and tried to help him, but at the time I was freaking out. It turned out the nurse was trying to make him cry to help his lungs. I was so grateful when he finally did cry and I knew he would be okay!!! He was 7 lbs 11 oz, which the nurses thought was funny because they were 2 lucky numbers for a lucky boy ;) I am so grateful to have his sweet spirit in our lives and so grateful that I get to be his mommy. He is so precious!!!!

So content. He has been such a good baby.

First family picture

I still can't believe I have four kids!

I think he looks like Jensen more than the others, but he still has his own look.

So comfy

All the kids love him of course but Brighton has surprised us because he has been really soft. He loves to give him sweet little kisses on the top of his head and he gets really mad at us whenever we don't let him.

Welcome to our family Ridge!!!! We love you so much!!!!

Double Post

2011-05-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

New Bed!

This past week we decided to move Brighton out of the crib in the nursery and into Jensen's room. Back when Brighton was born Tyson made him a bed that also converts into a bookshelf. We have been using it as his dresser so Tyson converted it back into a bed and so far he has loved it!

Fast AsleepThis morning we entered his room and here is where we found him...

Swimming Lessons!!

We decided to do swimming lessons early this year so it would be out of the way when the baby comes. My sister new someone who did lessons in a heated pool so it worked out perfectly. Taryn was a great teacher and Annie and Jensen both progressed a lot this year.

Annie still found a way to be cold even though the pool water was warm.

Jensen loved the water and came such a long way this year.

Before this Annie would not let her face get wet so I was thrilled and amazed.

Jensen working on his kicks. That's the one area he struggled.

Warming up in the sun. Now we just need to keep going to the pool so they don't forget what they have learned!

Fun with cousins...

2011-03-24T16:33:00.001-07:00

We had cousins, Chloe and Max over a few weeks ago and the kids had so much fun with them! Jensen still asks when they are coming back :) We pulled out the game Twister and they had such a blast! I laughed so hard watching them do it, they were all so cute.

These girls were so good! Their brothers just couldn't outlast them :)

All lined up...

Crash

They were laughing so hard...too cute!!!

Pecan Creek Boutique

2011-03-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Another great boutique is coming up that you'll love! There are so many cute things there. Check it out: Pecancreekboutique.blogspot.com

Don't miss it........

2011-02-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

This Saturday come check out Cutie Cupid's Boutique! There will be super cute items for you ladies or for you guys to buy for your ladies for Valentine's Day! We will also have some adorable clothes and accessories for your little ones, and some great items for your home. It will be from 9 am to 1 pm at 4031 S. Winter Ct (Power and Germaine) in Power Ranch. Hope to see you there!!!!

It's a .......

2011-01-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

We went to have the ultrasound on Monday and found out that we will be having another boy! For Annie's sake we were hoping this one might be a little girl but we are equally as excited to be having another boy. Tyson is excited because one more and we'll have a full boys singing quartet. The doctor said the due date is still right at the end of May which surely won't come soon enough. He said everything looks healthly which we are so grateful for. We have had 3 healthy baby's so far and we consider ourselves blessed. Here is a little side profile of his head, belly, a leg and one little arm there in the background. The one thing that we do not have yet is any clue what

we are going to name him.

Any suggestions?

Brighton

2010-12-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

I (Tyson) wanted to take a moment and post some of the photos that we took of Brighton back in October. My cousin Kellan is the photographer and she does such an amazing job. We are so grateful for her for taking them for us! Girls, hide your hearts cause this kid will steal them!

We love you Brighton!

My Little Helper!

2010-12-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I (Tyson) was loading some dirty dishes in

the dishwasher and I looked over and realized

that someone wanted to join in the fun...I was going to tell him to get down,

but then he smiled that goofy grin and I gave in.So I decided if he was going to be there he might as well help...He did such a good job! I guess you can never start to early
when it comes to teaching them to work. Thanks Brighton!

Guess who's Pregnant???

2010-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

That's right, we found out about a month ago that we are expecting our 4th little bundle of joy! We had our first doctors appointment and ultrasound this past week and everything seems to be going well. The baby is due to arrive on May 30th. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy...

Summer Vacation Part One...

2010-10-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

IDAHO: We were excited to get to come to Tyson's Grandparents Family Reunion (MEP) this past summer. We had tons of fun in Idaho like we always do.

The biggest dandelion Annie had ever seen.
Camping just isn't camping without a hammock for Daddy

I love this smile

Rafting with Daddy. They were a little scared at first as you can tell by their faces. They overheard Tyson telling me the raft was a little deflated so I think they were nervous they'd go in the water.

They eventually got used to it and liked it.

They stopped on a little "Island" to go exploring. Tyson didn't notice Jensen needed help but Annie is such a sweet big sister she came back to save him.

Annie just loves her Grandmas! I didn't get a picture of her and her Great Aunt Phyllis but she loved her! She followed her around and always wanted to be right by her. She said Phyllis could be her other Grandma.

After Camping we spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Jensen's House. We love you guys!

Of course we can't stay at Grandpa's house without visiting the farm in his backyard.

They thought it was so funny when the cows moooooed at them.

Annie is asking to go up to the higher one right next to them. I think Jensen is high enough :)

The perfect way to end our trip to Idaho, Ice Cream with Grandpa.

Summer Fun with Cousins

2010-10-08T12:46:00.001-07:00

Yes I know its October and I know I am really behind on posting these but here are some of the fun times we had when my brother and his family visited us this summer. We hadn't seen them for a year so the kids were so excited to spend so much time with their cousins.

Our family camping trip. Of course the kids loved this.

Jensen along with most of his other boy cousins stayed dirty the entire trip.

Helping to gather sticks for the campfire.

Watching the fireworks on the 4th of July.

We took all of the kids to see Toy Story 3 and since Jensen was Buzz Lightyear for Halloween last year he wanted to dress up for the occasion :) He had a blast!

Trying to stay cool

My brother Steven had fun launching the kids down the slip n slide. They loved it! Thanks Steven and Yolanda for coming and visiting us :)

Family Pictures

2010-08-27T09:07:00.001-07:00

Back in July we took some family pictures while my brother was visiting with his family from Michigan. It was tough getting everyone together (as it always is) but we were glad that we were able to get them. Here are a few of them.

The Nichols Family

The Haws Family

The Cutest Kids Ever!

Thanks Nate Larsen for taking them for us!

Jensen turned 3...

2010-08-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Back in June our little Jensen who is not so little anymore, turned 3 years old. It seems like it was not that long ago that I would find him doing things like this: He has always been a typical little boy and has loved to go exploring and do things that he probably shouldn't do :)

I love it that he has always been a little cuddler. If he sees me or Tyson lay down to take a nap or rest he runs over and lays down wanting to cuddle with us. I love it that he loves his family so much!

I also love it that he truly LOVES chock - wit (as he calls it). Just like his mommy!

And of course I love his big goofy smile! If you have ever asked him to say cheese - you know this is what you get.

Since January, after going to his cousin Savannah's Birthday party Jensen has been obsessed with Birthdays. He waited very impatiently for his to arrive and when it was finally here he was just so happy. His party was a week after his actual b-day, so he thought the celebrating just went on and on.

We had my family's monthly gathering on his b-day so he got even more presents that day. Here is a picture of one of his cousins, Branson. He was so mad because he wanted one of Jensen's presents but Jensen was not about to share what he had just got.

For his Birthday Party we had a bunch of different water activities in our backyard. It was so much fun for all the little kids.

And here is the cake...

Jensen wanted a spaceship for the longest time and that is what I made him on his b-day, but then we were at the grocery store and he saw a baseball hat cake. He loved it and asked for that instead. So that is what he got. He still talks about his hat birthday and asks for another one.

In Heaven:) He was just so excited that all of the presents were actually for him. He loved them all!

Happy Birthday! He has not stopped talking about his Birthday since then. He is already asking about next year :) I can't wait to see him at Christmas.

Tumbling Recital and Fathers and Sons

2010-06-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Jensen before he went on stage. He is so outgoing I wasn't nervous at all about him doing what he was supposed too. He was not scared at all and he did great.

Annie kept doing weird poses - she was so excited to perform. I was so surprised that she wasn't nervous or scared at all. She and Jensen both loved being on stage.

Cute pals

Annie doing her dance- she remembered it so well! We couldn't get a good picture of Jensen doing his but he did great too!

Annie got flowers when she was done - Jensen got a new Buzz Lightyear toy. They were so cute and we were proud of both of them.

Fathers and Sons:

Jensen waiting patiently to catch a fish.

He actually ended up catching two! Tyson didn't catch any so Jensen was pretty proud of his Lightning McQueen Fishing Pole. He loved it, but apparently he didn't love the flopping fish so much :) He was a little scared of them.

Worn out after a fun trip with Daddy.

The Past Few Months...

2010-05-05T09:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry everyone this post is soooooo long! I haven't added a new post in a while so I have a lot of catching up to do. Most recently - I graduated!! Woohoo! I am so glad that I am done. I got a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Grand Canyon University...

Poor Brighton is done with pictures :(

Tyson threw me a Graduation Party. He's so wonderful, thanks Babe!

I have to admit it was very hard going to school online. There
were plenty of times, especially recently when I typed papers and
did homework with a baby on my lap. It was tough but I'm so
grateful I finished.

Its finally over - we all survived the long ceremony :)

He was so good for Tyson - he's such a sweet baby

Last month we also went to the Gila Valley Temple Open House. It was a neat experience.

Annie was so good! Jensen was tired from waking up so early plus he got

car sick so I let him sleep on my shoulder the whole time we were inside. He woke up

in the Celestial Room toward the end of the tour and just looked around in amazement.

Annie was great about whispering and being reverent. She thought it was so neat to

finally get to go inside a temple. Her most favorite part was seeing the place where you get

married. For a long time now if you were to ask her where she is getting married she will tell you

"in the temple!" so it was nice to show her exactly the place where you get married.

After the temple we ate lunch in Thatcher at mine and Tyson's "spot" on the Eastern

Arizona Campus. It just a spot of grass that for some reason became our special spot.

It was interesting being there with 3 kids now and remembering what it

was like 5 years ago to fall in love. Time sure goes by fast! Then we went to the

park and Tyson took these shots of the kids playing before driving home.

It was a fun short trip.

They're so funny.

Concentrating on not falling

I LOVE her smile!!!!!

Swinging together

Brighton didn't know what to think :)

On April 22nd our little sweet Annie turned 4! I can't believe she is 4 now. She is so grown up. The night before her Birthday, I held her in my arms like a baby and cried. She loves it when I rock her but she didn't get why I was crying. I told her how sweet she is and that I was crying because she is growing up way to fast. It seems like only a short time ago we were bringing her home from the hospital. She was our everything! We have 2 other kids now and we can't give her all of our attention as we did when she first came to our family. She means the world to us though and we love so much about you Annie!

I love it that you are so beautiful! Everywhere we go people tell me how cute you are with your long eyelashes and your pretty curls. What a doll you are!

I love it that you are the best big sister ever! You are honestly so loving to your little brothers! You can tell that you just love to take care of them and you do so much for them. Thanks for being such a great helper.

I love it how much you love babies. You always want to hug and kiss them and squeeze them tight like you are doing here with your little baby Jensen :) I know that it is so hard for you to understand why mommy and daddy and others tell you to be soft with them because you have so much love you just want to share it! You are such a loving person and I love that.

Again, I love your beautiful smile! And I love how energetic you are. Even though you sometimes have so much energy I don't know what to do, I love it that you are such a passionate person who is so determined. I know you'll do great things in your life.

This was one of your very first smiles. You have loved your Daddy ever since you were a baby, and I love the special bond you have with Daddy and with Mommy. I love it that you look up to us and that you want to do whats right. You teach me more everyday then I teach you!

I love how tough you are! You were not afraid to do things like this then and you are not afraid to do things like this now :) You have always been so tough and I love it that you can pick yourself up and go on when you get hurt.

I love how creative you are. You are always coming up with things to do or creating something special out of your toys. You are never bored with what you have! I love how smart you are. I can't believe that you are only 4 and that you know how to read words and do all of the other things that you do! You are such a bright little girl.

I love how stinkin cute you are! You make me laugh so much all the time. You are so special and I am so thankful that you are in our family! Happy 4th Birthday Annie! I love you tons!!!!!!

I wanted to throw Annie a special party and that is what she got! We threw a Ball for her and had all her friends dress up like little princesses and princes. It was a lot of work but it turned out great and she absolutely loved being a princess...

Make a wish

Opening up presents - we were surrounded by a bunch of little princesses! It was so funny, watching their eyes get big with every present she opened.

Posing for a group picture. They were so funny - we couldn't get them to squeeze together :)

Prince Jensen found himself a Princess :)

How many kids can fit in our boat?

Playing a Cinderella Lost her shoe game. I think they were a little too young for some of the games that we planned, but it was funny watching them try to do it

I love this little girl so much!

The Castle cake. It fell over by the end of the party with all the little Princesses admiring it, but I'm glad we got a picture before that happened! Hope you had a fun day Princess Annie.

Family Easter Pictures

They are so adorable

Our first camping trip of the season:

Pretty View of Lake Roosevelt

Tyson saw this rattlesnake on the way home so he pulled over to take a closer look. I was scared so I waited in the truck. He freaked me out because as he got close to it with the camera he all of a sudden jumped back really fast. I thought for sure it was trying to bite him but he told me that he was just looking at it through the camera lense and saw it move, but he couldn't tell if it was coming toward him or not cause he was only seeing it through the lense. It was kinda funny cause it wasn't coming at him at all, but it gave us both a scare :)

It had actually been hit by a car and it was dying. Since it could hardly move Annie and Jensen got to go see it too. Annie had a disgusted look on her face the whole time.

Jensen just thought it was so cool.

Annie exploring on the river rocks

following Grandpa

Jensen and Brighton bundled up together. It was so freezing cold at night. I told Tyson I don't ever want to go camping in March again. We were miserable. Luckily Brighton slept with Tyson and he was the warmest one. Me and Jensen always get colder than the others and we were miserable. I felt so bad for him. I just kept waiting and hoping that morning would come and the sun would give us some heat! It was the longest night ever.

Eating the yummy food Grandpa Nichols prepared for us. He is such a good Dutch Oven Cook!

Of course whats camping without timeout

Trying to bundle up and stay warm

Brighton loved it - I think he is going to like the outdoors

All bundled taking a nap

Helping Grandpa and Daddy gather wood for the fire

Pretty view of the Lake - I felt bad for them though, they were freezing.

Overall it was a fun trip. It was just a little too cold for us. We got to see some really great scenery though! Thanks Dad for coming with us :)

Brighton's Blessing Day

2010-04-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

We blessed Brighton last month on March 7th, but I hadn't ever posted pictures of him in his little outfit, so I figured I'd better share the cuteness :) It was a wonderful day and I could feel the spirit so strong throughout the whole day. I know that Brighton is a very special boy and that he has come to our family for a reason. We love him tons. I am also very thankful to have a wonderful husband who honors his Priesthood duties and takes them seriously so that he is able to bless our children and follow the promptings of the spirit. I am so blessed to have him! After church we had family over for a yummy dinner and we were glad for all the support and love we get from our great families! It was a very nice day - Thanks Brighton for coming to our family!!

The flash was a little close, but it was the best smile we got

What a stud

Bless you!

I think he's trying to wink at me

He was so stiff in this outfit and probably really uncomfortable, but oh so cute.

How much longer do I have to pose for these?

Staring at something more interesting :)

Awww - I just love him. He's such a sweetie!

More Recent Pictures of Brighton

2010-03-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

After doing that last post I realized that Brighton looks nothing like any of those pictures, so here is what he looks like now at 2 months. It has been about 3 weeks since these were taken and he has already gotten bigger since.

Love that face! He is probably deep in thought :)

He would not cooperate for this picture. He kept trying to turn and eat Tyson's hand.

Daddy loves to play

Trying to get him to smile. They always stop when you get the camera.

Another deep in thought moment

I love it that he has some chunk to him! Annie and Jensen were thin and skinny which was nice because they were easy to carry around. I already think Brighton is getting heavy to carry in his car seat. At his 2 month he weighed 13 lbs, 5 oz! I think that is what my other kids probably weighed at like 5-6 months :)

2010-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Looking at these, Britghton already looks so different! He is huge compared to these, so I will have to try and do another post of more recent pics, it still feels like it is January and I just had him, so really I don't feel that behind but I know I am! Here are some from his first few weeks at home:

Annie loves to hold him!

She is a proud big sister.

Jensen loves him so much too, he tells me "Brighton's my friend".

Silly boy

1, 2, and 3.

No, we don't let the baby sleep with Jensen. Daddy just posed him for

a cute picture. This was one of Brighton's very first smiles.

Jensen so tired he fell asleep reading. He loves cuddling up to a good book in bed :)

Brighton caught sucking his thumb. He doesn't do this anymore, or at least not yet!

Sleeping with Daddy

She can't stay away. She loves him so much! It was hard for to learn to give

Brighton some space, she still is learning that everyday.

Jensen would not cooperate and scoot down :)

First bath. He liked it, of course.

After bath - not so much. He just cried till he was once again dressed.

What a cute boy, so peaceful. He has since grown too big for this basinet,

so he is now in his own room in his own crib. Wow, time goes by so fast!

He likes being able to have lots of room though.

Aaaggghh! I just love him.

Annie practicing her tumbling, trying to do her horsey kick/hand stand.

She has gotten so much better at this in the past little while.

Probably cause she been so bored stuck in the house cause mommy

has a new baby :)

Weird pose for the camera :)

And this is where Jensen spends a lot of his time lately -- in the corner.

He has not handled the lack of attention as great, and has really been a

bully lately. Hitting, pushing, tackling, fighting, biting and

jumping on Annie are just a few reasons why he gets sent there.

His daddy needs to wrestle him more to let out this aggression with

someone who will enjoy it!

He is still a cute boy though, with goofy smiles!

Brighton is finally here...

2010-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

At about 2:45 Tuesday morning I woke up to my water breaking in bed. I woke Tyson up and after the shock of the moment he jumped out of bed and started getting us ready to go. I had a scheduled inducement on Thursday the 14th, and luckily I had already packed everything. When we got to the hospital I still had not felt any contractions and was hopeful that it would stay that way. With my second, Jensen I didn't feel a thing so I was hoping Brighton would be like him. Boy was I wrong! After they got me settled in my bed they started coming more and more and harder and harder. I finally asked for an epideral at about 6 am and then unfortunately I stopped progressing. A few hours later at 9 I was finally getting close. My doctor finally made it in at like 9:15 and then at 9:21 he was born! It happened really fast, and I was grateful I didn't even need to push! He came out really purple and he was quiet. I was really scared that he wasn't breathing, but they assured me that was completely fine. He didn't even start to cry until after they took him away from me to clean him up. He was and is such a good baby! We named him Brighton Glenn after my Grandpa. He was 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21 inches long - our biggest baby so far. I am so grateful to have him in our family and love the sweet spirit that he has already brought into our home. Welcome to the world Brighton!

Getting ready for child number 3
So precious and sweet - He is such a good baby!

I love his chubby cheeks - they are so kissable

Annie was so excited that she got to come to the hospital. She loved holding him and has been such a good helper. She never wants to leave his side. Jensen was excited to see him but refused to hold him at the hospital. He called him baby Sydney a few times, which is his cousin - so I think he is still getting used to the idea that Brighton is his baby brother and that he is here to stay.

First family picture

Christmas Time...

2010-01-05T12:59:00.001-08:00

So, I figured I better do a post of all our Christmas memories now, before the baby comes or it will never happen! So, even though it is late here are some of the things we did this past Christmas Season. It was a wonderful Christmas and we had so much fun with the kids this year. They get into it more and more every year. This year they especially loved all of the Christmas songs. They both loved and still love the song, Santa Claus is Coming To Town. I think it is one they will be singing all year long - they at least haven't stopped yet. They were so sad when we took down our Christmas tree and our decorations, and look forward to next year already!

Sharing some Cocoa.

It was funny because neither of them wanted the other to get more than them so they both drank really fast :)

Some pics from our Christmas Card:

Annie trying to get Jensen to Smile!

Tyson did a great job on the Tumbleweed Man!

They were so excited to see Santa Claus this year. This was the first year they did it together without one of them crying in the picture. Jensen ran right up to him and asked for a Dinosaur and Annie was a little more shy but still followed and told him she wanted a Scooter.

Dressing Up for our Ward Christmas Party

Nice tie :) Unfortunately we were late for church so we just got the one picture, oh well.

Christmas with the Haws Family:

Annie showing off a present she has wanted for a long time

We all had so much fun doing a mock Christmas morning with the Haws Family a week before Christmas. Our kids got so many toys they thought Christmas was over!

Waiting for their Christmas Pajamas - I didn't get them wrapped.

Jensen caught peeking at a present

Setting a plate of goodies out for Santa. Annie insisted that Santa didn't want milk, but instead wanted Hot Cocoa so that is what he got.

Sleeping side by side Christmas Eve

Jensen was so excited to get a dinosaur that roars!

Annie and her new scooter

One of their favorite toys - now they are actually allowed to fight each other. Jensen always goes and gets the swords and takes them to either Annie or Daddy asking for a fight.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season like we did!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-25T12:10:00.001-08:00

I know its late but here are pics from Halloween. The kids had so much fun dressing up and getting free candy. They were good about saying Trick or Treat really loud, but not so good at only taking one piece of candy. Annie would sometimes tell people she didn't want the kind they gave her and just grab one for herself. Of course they always said it was fine and thought it was cute - I felt bad though! :) Jensen got really tired by the end but he would not let me hold his bucket of candy for one second. He just dragged it along.

Buzz and Cinderella - Two of their favorite things!

Jensen and cousin Jason as Woody - we told them to put their arms around each other like they were friends but this was all we got.

Annie and cousin McKenzie as Sleeping Beauty. Cute Princesses!

Annie was always in the lead, we had to keep telling her to slow down.

And Jensen was always last, but he wanted no help carrying that pumpkin full of candy.

They were tired by the end, but loved all those treats. Annie loved lining them up and organizing them into nice neat piles.

A whole new Annie!

2009-11-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

On Friday the 30th I straightened Annie's hair for Halloween. She was Cinderella, so I straightened it before I fixed it like the princess. She looked completely different! Tyson came home from work and was totally weirded out :) We are just not used to seeing her without her crazy tight curls. I feel bad for her, when she is older and wants to straighten it because she has so many calics from her daddy. Her hair was going every direction, which isn't a problem when its curly but it wasn't easy to fix when it was straight.

Before and After

Sick and tired of being sick and tired!

2009-10-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Last week was not the funnest in our household. Tyson came home from work sick on Monday and we pretty much spent the entire rest of the week under the weather as it went from one to the other and we each took our turn. Only little Jensen stayed strong and never came down with anything. Now we are all back to normal and glad to be that way. One evening Tyson was cooking dinner because Annie was hungry and when he went to tell her that it was ready this is where he found her fast asleep. Poor little thing was so exhausted!

Its a BOY!!

2009-08-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

We found out yesterday that we are going to be having a little boy join our family in January. I was a little surprised I thought that it was going to be a girl but it for sure wasn't. Annie and Jensen were with my mom in the waiting room and when me and Tyson came out from the Ultrasound my mom and Annie were anxious to know what it was. We told Annie that she was going to have another brother. We had already picked the names out, Brighton for a boy and Sadie for a girl and she knew what they were so when we told her she just rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, Brighton!". It was so funny she said it in a tone like she was saying "That silly boy!" It was cute. Then my mom asked her if she understood that it wouldn't be Sadie and she said "I know its not Sadie but its not okay". She was a little bummed but she's already gotten over it and we are looking forward to having another boy. I guess we'll be out-numbered though Annie!

Family Pictures

2009-08-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

A little while back we got together with my good friend and old college roomate Mike Wiltbank to take some family pictures. He has a gift when it comes to movies and photography.

We had a lot of fun and here is a sample of what we got.

Thanks again Mike. You are awesome! If someone wants to see his work you can go to http://wiltbankphotography.blogspot.com/

4th of July

2009-07-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

I know that its late but here's our 4th of July pics. We had such a great weekend in Eagar! The kids loved the parade, especially getting to run into the street to get candy. Thanks to Uncle Preston for helping them get some before the big kids did! We had a great lunch afterwards at Aunt Kathy's and then of course a BBQ for dinner. The fireworks were great but our kids were so worn out from the day that they couldn't last! It was a wonderful weekend and we are so grateful for the freedoms we have and this wonderful country that we live in! Happy late 4th of July everyone!!

Ready for a fun day

I love this picture

Where's the candy?

I got some Mommy!

Jensen wanted to stop and see the horse

Getting ready for the show!

Such a fun day - they just couldn't make it.

Ready or not.....Here comes Child #3

2009-06-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe it but we will have 3 kids in less than 9 months! I am 10 weeks pregnant and excited to have another baby, and even more excited to be done with my first trimester!! I hate being sick all the time, but am happy that things seem to be getting a little easier. Tyson has been such a great help and has done most of the cleaning and ALL of the dishes!!! He is so amazing, and I am so grateful to him! Annie has also been so sweet and is so excited to have a little sister. Of course we don't know if it is a girl or boy yet, but according to her it is definitely a girl. Anytime we say he she freaks out and says "Not he mommy - its a SHE!!" We keep reminding her that it could be a boy, but she just says no. We'll see in a couple of months :)

Annie's First Dance Recital

2009-06-01T09:18:00.001-07:00

I think I was more excited for this then Annie was, but as soon as we went to the dress rehearsal she couldn't wait. There were so many cute girls there doing their dance and tumbling routines, that she couldn't wait to go on stage and perform too. She has been taking a Parent Tot tumbling class for about a year now and she absolutely loves it. She had so much fun at the recital, but I was so scared that she would not perform without me being right next to her, and I was not going to do that, so I bribed her! She got a new Barbie doll AND pink flowers for doing it all by herself! She is such a cutie. Love you Annie!!!!

Getting all Dolled Up! (this was probably her favorite part)

So Beautiful! I love those Eyelashes!

Ta-Da

She's the second from the Right

She was one of the only ones who actually danced :) They were all so cute!!

Fathers and Sons Campout

2009-06-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Tyson took Jensen on the Fathers and Sons Campout this year and they had a blast! Jensen has always been obsessed with fire so that was all he told me about when they got home. He's gonna be a camper just like his daddy.

Worn out! What a cute face!Playin soccer with daddy Save me daddy!!

Easter Pictures

2009-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday Shelly Blair was nice enough to take some pictures for us before church. The kids of course didn't want to cooperate but we were able to get a few that we liked.

4th Wedding Anniversary...

2009-05-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

We were very lucky to get to go on a cruise for our 4th wedding anniversary and had a blast! It was so fun to get away together! We went to Catalina Island and had so much fun there. We went parasailing (very scary - but very fun), went in an underwater submarine, and rented a golf cart to drive around the island a little bit. What a cute island! We loved it and want to go back some day. The cruise was so much fun, but it was hard at first to adjust to having so much free time. It was weird not having to take care of two kids who are always at our sides wanting attention! They had so much going on all the time and it was nice to do whatever WE wanted to for a change :)

CONGRATULATIONS TYSON!!!

2009-05-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

On May 2nd Tyson graduated with his Bachelors Degree from Grand Canyon University! Good Job babe!!! Going to school online isn't always easy, but all of his hard work finally paid off :)

Fun at Makutu's Island

2009-03-17T15:37:00.002-07:00

One of Annie's favorite places to go is Makutu's Island in Tempe, Az. It is an indoor play place that is decorated like a Jungle with lots of slides and fun things to climb. The kids had a blast, but Mom and Dad got tired really fast :) Here are pictures from our last trip:

2009-03-17T15:37:00.001-07:00

Pictures for our Christmas Card

2008-12-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

We started a tradition without realizing it for our Christmas pictures every year. For Annie's first Christmas we put her in a giant stocking and took a picture of Tyson holding her on our banister. Last year we stuck the kids in Christmas presents, and this year they are dressed up as a ballerina and the nutcracker. I was bummed I didn't find a beard for Jensen to wear :) Not that he would have kept it on anyway, he kept taking his tall hat off. We took a lot of clicks with the camera and got some good ones. They have a problem in some of them of saying "Cheese" just a little too much! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Temple Lights

2008-12-09T23:17:00.001-08:00

I love going to the Temple lights every year and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful and peaceful it is walking around the temple grounds. The kids loved it this year because they were old enough to actually enjoy them. Annie loved pointing out all of the pretty colors, and Jensen thanks to his sister, kept saying "lights" and then "pit-e" (pretty). It was fun to get bundled up and have it feel like winter :)

Our New House!!!

2008-11-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

We don't have a lot of pics of our new house, but here is one of our first meal. We ate picnic-style in the living room since our kitchen table hadn't gotten come yet. The kids love being in a new home that is three times the size of our last one! Annie especially loves giving people the tour. She points out everything really fast and runs from room to room. Her favorite thing to show people is her new bed. It is really just Jensen's crib turned into a toddler bed, but it is new to her! We are grateful to be in our new home and we are enjoying putting everything together and getting organized.

Halloween

2008-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Kids had so much fun on Halloween! Their buckets got so full by the end of the night, but they would not drop them or let mommy or daddy help carry them. :)

Disneyland!

2008-10-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

Disneyland or Bust!

Since we have never gone on a family vacation we decided it was about time!Jensen and Annie had a lot of fun helping mommy get things packed up!
The first stop was Build A Bear on Saturday evening. Here are Annie and Jensen showing off their choices before they came to life! Also pictured is Daddy and Aunt Jennifer.
Annie felt it very necessary to give her new bear a bath.
Here she is showing off her new teddybear! Isn't she just the cutest thing!
Here we are this morning on the first ride of the day...the Tram ride from the parking lot to the park! Even this had Annie and Jensen wide eyed and all excited.

If you had asked Annie any time in the past 6 months what was going to be the first ride she went on she would have replied with an emphatic "Dumbo!" So Dumbo it was! They both loved it.

Here is Annie strutting her stuff around the park!

Here's Mommy and Daddy catching a moment to themselves. Uncle Keith was a Saint and watched the kids several times for us today. We love you Keith!

This was the funniest thing! When we passed this balloon vendor Jensen's eyes about doubled in size and he ran over and just started reaching up. Of course he got his balloon and couldn't be happier!

There are many more pictures but hopefully this gives you a glimpse of Day 1 in our adventures at Disneyland! See you tomorrow!

2008-10-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Labor Day!
Tyson's family has a tradition of always going and hauling wood on Labor Day. Since Preston was getting ordained as an Elder this same weekend we were able to participate this year! It was a lot of work and a lot of fun! Here's Annie and Jensen as we started to fill up the 2nd load!Annie, Jensen, and cousin Max hitting a log! They were determined to split it like their daddies.

On Second thought....maybe we should let daddy do it!
Jensen loves sticks! Every time we go camping he carries around stick after stick the entire time.
Annie and cousin Chloe did their share of helping too!
Jensen and Daddy decided to take a break while they backed the truck up to another pile of wood.

Annie at Gymnastics

2008-08-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Jensen's 1 Year Pictures

2008-08-03T15:52:00.001-07:00

Annie

2008-06-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Annie has just discovered how much fun soccer is. She is really good at it too! She can actually get the ball where she wants it to go, which is pretty good for a two year old. If you tell her to go score a goal she will do it! If no one intercepts of course, and the goalie is absent or if its Jensen.

2008-06-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Jensen - looking as handsome as ever. He is so fun, because he will smile and laugh over anything. He is just a really happy guy, just like his daddy!