7!

Look who's SEVEN!!!! I can hardly believe it. When we moved to Arizona Boston was only 18 months old. He wasn't even talking yet! I remember taking him to Disneyland and trying to wrestle him while we waited in line. Now he is riding the big roller coaster, reading like crazy and likes Pokemon and Indiana Jones. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing boy. He is very focused and loves doing what's right (most of the time:). The first time they put Boston in my arms I had a feeling that he was going to be a special boy and so far has lived up to that. It's been an amazing 7 years.

His birthday was this Thursday. Wednesday, when he came home from school, he said, "Mom do you want me to help decorate this place?" I asked him for what, and he said, "For when I wake up tomorrow, you know it's my birthday!" So Wednesday, after mutual, I ran to Party City to get some decor to surprise him the next morning. I put up streamers, balloons and hung pirate decor on the kitchen light! Before he went to school, my Mom gave him a card with a 20 dollar bill in it. When he opened it he said, "TWENTY DOLLARS!" and pretended to faint on the floor. After his lunch period, Ben and I showed up to his class with cupcakes and we joined his class in singing "Happy Birthday". He was hamming it up big time! Big surprise (not)!
His "Birthday Dance"!

For his birthday dinner, we made is 3rd favorite dinner, pancake and eggs!( He was having pizza for his party and he had Mac and Cheese the night before) He reminded me of the "special plate", since I always forget about that thing. That night, after baseball practice, we gave him his gift. We'll we didn't give it to him. We hid it and played hot and cold. He liked that. His gift was the Batman Legos video game. Ethan was excited for that present, too! Boston and Ethan woke up EARLY the next morning, dressed and beds made, so they could play it! Friday afternoon was his party. It was his 3rd Pirate Party in a row. It's a lot of fun to use that theme because we can do a pretty cool treasure hunt in our yard. I make several maps (this time 10) and they follow one to the next until it leads them to the treasure! This time I took a cardboard box and spray painted it gold, to make it look like a treasure chest. The boys thought that was cool. I also had a bean bag toss, which was a hit, and a pirate version of pin the tail on the donkey. The boys also enjoyed playing tether ball and kickball in the yard. Boston got a lot of great gifts, and had a GREAT time! Boston said, when it was all over, "That was an awesome party, THANKS MOM!" That was one reasons why I was so willing to quickly throw him one. He is always so appreciative. I'm glad that I ended up giving him a party that he deserves. I can't believe that next year he will be 8! That means I will have two kids, "under the water"! (baptized for those who aren't getting it) That is almost unreal! I keep asking my kids to stop growing and they just won't listen to me!! UGH!

Disney Vacation in Reverse

So I just downloaded all the pictures and realized I don't feel like putting them in chronological order, therefore you are going to get our vacation details end to beginning.
Day 5 was just driving home. Very peaceful I must say. No worrying about crying babies. I actually got to put my seat back and take a little nap! AHHH!!!)
Day 4 Here are the kids on the last night of our vacation, which included a day at the beach and a late evening with our friends kids. We were on our way to a nice hotel close by (thanks Trimbles for giving us your extra days at the resort) and Aubrie is the only one who could stay awake (barely) to watch the movie. Guess that's what 4 fun filled days will do to you!

Here is Aubrie struggling to stay awake. Notice her new cute hat (it says "Fabulous") she got at the newly discovered store, Libby Lu! She never was interested in hats, until this one. When I saw it on the shelf, it had her name all over it! Ethan down for the count. He was asleep before we loaded in the car!

Boston was in and out! He is actually asleep in this picture....Yes, he can sleep with his eyes like this....freaky!!!

The Great View from the Hendrickson's new house by the beach!!! The Hendrickson's are great friends from College! It's always great to get together. We all went to the beach together, and then met up with the Hellewell's and Greg Rossiter (more college friends) for dinner. Good times!

Day 3

Here are some pictures from the rides!!! I love getting off the rides and seeing what everyone looks like. Here is how the seating arrangement's usually worked for us. Maya and Aubrie, Boston and Alex, Michelle and Marco, Ben and EThan, and then me! Sometimes I got to ride with Ben and Ethan. Some rides, like Splash Mountain, got tricky with 9 people and we didn't think about it until we got to the front and we were holding up the line as we were trying to figure it all out. (long enough sentence?) I'm sure their used to big, indecisive groups.....right?

Tower of Terror (my personal favorite!)

Ben was pulling a "Boston in this picture. In most of the pictures Boston had the most serious face imaginable. I was very proud of Boston. Before our trip, he was panicked to go on Space Mountain and told us that he would NOT be going on the Tower of Terror. By the end our trip those were his favorite rides, along with California Sceamin and Indiana Jones (of course!)

More Splash Mountain!!

Friday Night, after our nap, we headed over to Disneyland early to ride the Fantasyland rides, and the Nemo ride. The concept of Nemo was cool, but as my kids put it, "That ride was boring!" Glad I did it though. I think Sophia might have liked it. Here are some pictures in the Mr. Toads Wild Ride line. (one of Ben's all time favorites)
The girls (minus Sophia)

Our biggest picture taking challenge....getting Ethan to make a straight face!

The boys!

Friday we all went up to Venice Beach after breakfast at IHOP. It was so warm. I told Michelle that I wouldn't be putting the kids in bathing suits because it would be too cold. I had them in jeans and even brought jackets. The jackets were off before we got out of the car, and the kids had fun in the water. So much so, Ben had to buy Ethan a "miniature" muscle outfit (it was 2 sizes to small) because he was freaking out with his wet jeans. Of course, I warned the kids not to get too wet because wet jeans would hurt their skin. Who listened??....just Boston. They did have a fun time in the water (it was nice). The boys also played a little football on the sand. I totally blew it with the "no bathing suit" thing. Sorry Michelle! What kind of California girl am I anyway? After the beach, we walked the Venice Boardwalk for only a short while, realizing that was not place for our children, or us for that matter. I kind of got that feeling as we passed someone offering prescriptions for Marijuana! We headed back to the hotel and took a nap while the kids did homework!

The girls and their new sunglasses. They found theirs when I had to get a new pair (therefore my dorky sunglasses). I left mine on California Screamin and when I went right back, they were already gone!!! I thought I lost the new pair later that day. Ben was not happy. Luckily I ended up finding them in the bag, where I swore I had left them. Still wish someone wouldn't have stolen my favorite 10 dollar Nordstrom glasses. Hope they feel guilty every time they wear them!!!

Aubrie...looking so old to me here!

Ben.....having a boyish quality here! I LOVE this picture of him!

Day 2 The second half of day two, we headed over to Disneyland. They have this new "Jedi Training" where they used to have the Buzz Lightyear show. They pick about 30 boys and dressed them up in these brown robes and "trained" them with the light saber. All the boys (Boston, Ethan and Alex) were chosen. Boston was very serious the whole time, of course. Ethan really got into it. Boston fought Darth Mal and Ethan fought Darth Vader. The instructor asked Ethan to use the force on the Storm Troopers and he new exactly what to do. The instructor said something like, "where did you learn how to do that, on the streets?" The Jedi training was definitely the highlight of Ethan's evening. He was jumping around the park with his little rolled up certificate, like it was a light saber, going through the motions they taught him! I'm so glad he got picked!

We started our day at California Adventure. We walked on all the rides and rode all the good ones twice. Boston got on to Screamin Califonia by a hair, literally! Luckily we were all able to go on the Tower of Terror! We also did the Roaring Rapids and Michelle got soaked. That's what happens when you sit by the door! As we were winding down at California Adventure, we ended with the High School Musical Performance. They chose Boston (me pointing to him of course) to come up and be a part of the show. They introduced him as Austin from Arizona , because who would ever think he was saying "Boston"?! They dressed him, and the other kids they chose, in top hats and gave them a cane and then danced around them. Boston couldn't fight the music and started jigging a little. The other "volunteers" just stood there. When they were done they gave them these pins. Boston comes running back saying, "Look! I got a trophy! Now I have two trophies!" I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't a trophy, so I just went with it and now it sits next to his baseball trophy!!

Parade time!

Aubrie and Maya, in the front seats of California Screaming, about to take off!

Day 1

We got to the park around 3:30. By the time we got our passes, we were in by 4:00. While we were in line, we saw the Lorenzana's leaving. The kids ran and greeted them and then we parted for a few hours, while they tried to go to the beach. The park was empty and we were able to walk on the rides. Our first ride was Space Mountain. That is my favorite ride at Disneyland (and Thunder Mountain). After a few hours in the park, we met up with the Trimbles and Lorenzana's for dinner. EThan had a melt down and then Aubrie spilt her drink and had a melt down of her own. Dinner was such a circus show and I wanted to cry because we hadn't even been at Disneyland for more than a few hours and I was having to deal with that. I just wanted to enjoy the only time I had with Erin before they went home and instead I

was dealing with drama and ruining everyone's dinner! Luckily the rest of the trip was great! Look how happy and loving they are!

California Adventure all decorated for the Holiday's. Just the day before they looked like Candy Corn! Where do they keep all that stuff???

The walk to the ticket office! Such anticipation. I was so excited!

We headed out early Wednesday morning. We left at 8:00 and Sophia hadn't woken up yet, which was a blessing. She didn't have to go through the whole separation thing and my Mom said she never cried the whole time we were gone. It was hard to leave her without giving her a squeeze, but it was for the best. After being on the rode for about 30 minutes we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was so weird to be able to just relax and not have to deal with the baby. After a nice breakfast, we got back on the rode and made one more stop at the outlets before we got to Disneyland. Ben bought himself his birthday present, and I didn't buy myself ANYTHING!!! I wasn't feeling well and just wanted to get back to the car! Also, after Ethan ran into the parking lot and almost got hit, I was done with the outlets. That kid can be so spacey sometimes. He is in his own little world and means no harm, but it drives me crazy sometimes!

WEll there it is, end to beginning! What a great time! Ben is ready to go again. I keep reminding him that it won't be as laid back when we take Sophia. I did miss her, though, and we were all anxious to see her as we were getting close to home!

Only in Arizona

Where else, in the US, can you do this in November.....COMFORTABLY???? One reason we stay here (besides the fact we couldn't sell our house if we wanted to!) Ethan in the middle of a game of tag!

Ben coming out of a flip!

Aubrie's sweet dive!
Sophia floating and blowing bubbles!
To make you non-Phoenicians feel better, check out our temps in August!

Finally....Orgnanized!!

So those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE organization. Not to say that I am always organized, but I love the feeling of getting there! Ben said we should buy stock in the Sterlite company. (The ones who make all those plastic storage container's). Anywho...I have been waiting anxiously to transform this mudroom into a great organized "haven", where my kids stuff can all have a place, and where I can orderly store our food storage.

My favorite part....the drawers under the "lockers" hold the kids shoes and socks...no more scattered shoes everywhere, or running upstairs for socks!! (Ok before I used baskets, but just not as orderly)

Ben's Uncle has a business up in Prescott, and he just came down and installed these on Friday. They are beautiful. He literally spent all day putting them in, leaving just as we were getting back from Trunk or Treat! I was in seventh Heaven putting everything in the them on Saturday. I know...it's a sickness. Either I will ruin my children to the point where they will hate organization, or to the point where they have to be organize, too! Ben is just happy that I'm more relaxed!;)

On a similar note....Ben finally put this on Craigs list! Can't wait to get the garage organized once this is gone;)

Trick or Treat....

"Trick or Treat, smell my feet, how "bout" some good dinner....!!!" ???? That's what Ethan came back with after a fun filled night of trick or treating! Only Ethan would change that last part. He is all about his dinners!
Halloween was a busy day! It started at 6:00am! I finally was feeling well enough to hike. It was still hard to get out of bed, but I was glad I did! I then rushed home to shower, get the kids off to school and Ethan ready for his Friday "kids camp". I quickly picked up the house, and then Dan (Ben's uncle) arrived to install our cabinets. See next post! The kids all had an hour party at the end of their school day. I spent the first half at Aubrie's class. I helped pass out food, and got to meet and chat with other Moms. In Boston's class I was their "Bingo Caller". The first round, about 5 kids won. Boston was one of them. I was hoping the parent's didn't think I rigged it! (I didn't this time.) Hee! Hee!! The second game all the kids got bingo at the same time (we were playing blackout), and it was crazy. I wish I had the camera ready to take the picture of 25 kids jumping up all at once screaming, "BINGO!!"

Aubrie and her "friends". The one next to her is Victoria. She is her "school BFF", and a great friend! The future Mr. & Ms. Lorenzana! J/K LOL!! We like to give them a hard time, but they totally deny any affection for each other. Boston hanging out with his class! Boston hamming it up with some friends

We headed out for Trick or Treating around 5:45. I know it was a bit early, but we had to get to the church around 6:30 for the Trunk or Treat. The neighborhood was pretty empty and only about a fourth of the homes were "open for business". My Mom stayed behind, after we left for the church, to hand out candy. She said it really picked up after we left. She said a decorated trailer, full of kids, was going up and down the streets having a great time.

Star Wars is in the house! (or on the patio) Our Vampiress, Aubrie. We didn't have face paint, so we had to use some lipstick! Our little witch, Sophia! Isn't she the cutest witch you ever saw? Love the hat!!

The Trunk or Treat was great! First of all, as we pulled in the parking lot of the church, we saw Zachary Montez (Aubrie's "crush") right outside the doors. He came dressed as a VAMPIRE!!! ARe you getting the connection??? Aubrie was a VAmpiress.....he was a VAmpire! What are the odds?? It's not like his Mom and I talked, and Aubrie didn't choose that costume. I picked it our for her a few days before Halloween. Needless to say they were following each other around the whole time. Anyway......back to the party!
The cultural hall was decorated so nice. The activity committee leader is quite the party planner, and did a great job! It was very organized, and the food was great! Finally, someone was brave enough to get away from the whole, "chili cook-off thing"!! She did BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, and they were so yummy! They even were prepared with hot dogs for the kids! Thank you for saving many Moms from the battle of trying to get our kids to eat something "Yucky!" After the dinner, the kids went around to various rooms playing games including; bobbing for apples (Boston and Ethan got soaked), ring toss, face painting (Ok that's not a game, I know!) and more. The kids had fun playing those and winning prizes. After the games, they all headed out to the cars to go "Trunk or Treating!" All the kids kept going around and around until everyone was out of candy. I was holding the fort (our car) down, while Ben walked around with the kids. We finally left around 9:00.

The Lorenzan'a followed us to our house. We enjoyed the hot tub, while the kids stayed inside and watched Indiana Jones. We let time get away from us, and were up unitl midnight! It was fun, but getting Ethan up for his baseball game the next day was like raising the dead!!!

What Sophia did most of the night until......... she replaced her thumb for chocolate!

Can you see it?

Tonight was a Daddy/Daughter "pumpkin carving" night at the church. They had a great time eating, socializing and carving their pumpkin. (Thanks Michelle for the carving kit!) Aubrie came home all excited for me to see the pumpkin they carved. Ben picked out the design! Can you see what it is?

NO?? How about with the light's off???See it now???

Honestly, I had a hard time seeing it! Finally, after Aubrie pointed it out, it was as clear as day. It kind of reminded me of that whole Old Lady/Young Girl illusion. It's a vampire and a girl....Aubrie said it was Edward and Bella!! Great choice, don't you think? Props to Ben for being so "with it"!! Can't wait for the Movie!!! I'll be one of the few girls with her husband by her side, and I'll be dang proud of it, too!!!!

On another artistic note....here is what Ethan created at his preschool Halloween party, all on his own. It's a pumpkin mouse:) Boston said, when he saw it, "You know Mom, Ethan is going to be an artist when he grows up, because he is always doing creative stuff like that." I didn't realize he was taking notice!

Man Bag, Ties, Twinkles, 875 miles and Rock Band

I know that my titles are a bit much, but that is how I like it. I realize that there are already photos out there and there is no sense in denying it. Ethan has a man bag! I am doing all that I can to persuade him to upgrade to anything else. I must admit that when I reluctantly peered into the aforementioned bag I was mildly impressed with his organizational skills. There was a place for his phone, his chap stick, wallet, etc. I am still doing whatever I can to get that away from him. I believe that a few more public shamings and it will be all good!
The other pain in my life right now is Sophia and her affinity for my ties. She loves to go into our closet and pull my ties off the rack and then parade in them throughout the house. I can rarely find the tie that I want since they are all over the house. It is cute to see her walking around the house saying something to all of us with a tie wrapped around her.
Rachel is slowly ruining our children (most likely for the better). The other day I was making another Wal Mart run and came across an illuminated end cap filled with Twinkies, cupcakes and other of Hostesses greatest hits. I began to reminisce about the fun-filled days that I had with the yellow sponge cake with the cream filling. I almost shed a tear. I decided to buy a box and bring it home to surprised the kids. Aubrie is always watching the pantry because she knows that dad likes to break the rules and bring home various contraband now and again. She spotted the Twinkies and said, "dad, what are twinkles?" Are you freaking kidding me? TWINKLES?! I got the box down and started to hand them to the kids. They looked at me and told me that Twinkies can kill you and that they are not good for you. WHAT!? It took some persuading but I was able to tempt them into a bite. Once they had a bite they were hooked. I am evil! I think the kids now know that when it comes to sweets Dad is the bomb diggity. Rachel does a great job with teaching the kids to eat healthy, but TWINKLES? Come on!
I left Sunday night to go to California to visit Rachel's brother. He was doing some work that I have not yet done and it was to be great training for me so that I can replicate the work here. I left just before 7:00 p.m. Luckily I was able to get a good nap in before I left. I did not want to leave Rachel and the kids, but sometimes we don't get everything that we want. I actually did not mind the trip. I was able to chill for 6 hours as I drove across the desert. It allows me to reflect back on where things currently stand and I things that I can improve upon. I could probably use a cross-country trip to address everything. I rolled into Rachel's brothers house at 1:00 a.m. At 3:00 a.m. Jessie, the beagle that we gave them a couple of years ago, must have found a rabbit in the backyard and started barking like crazy. That did not help me sleep for sure. I got up at 7:00 a.m. and got ready for the day. Danny and I headed up to Thousand Oaks to where the restaurant was located. It was a Japanese sushi restaurant. We needed to upgrade one system and replace another. It was hard, dirty work. It took us a little over 5 hours to get things done. Around 4:30 p.m. I headed back to Phoenix. Unfortunately for me 5:00 p.m. in Los Angeles does not make for fast travel. It took me almost 3 hours to get to palm springs. Luckily there were some fast drivers from Indio all the way back home. I got back home around 11:20 p.m. Rachel was nice enough to wait up for me. She has been feeling really tired lately and also caught some cold that is going around right now. I got her into bed with the intention of getting some work done, but eventually I fell asleep as well.
Tonight for family night we broke out the Rock Band set and went to town. It was great fun. Boston was built for that game. He took over on lead vocals while Rachel jammed on the guitar and Aubrie pounded the drums. I was on the video camera and Ethan did some kind of interpretive dance (it had nothing to do whatsoever with his man bag!). It was a lot of fun for me to watch the family all together. I bought another guitar tonight at Wal Mart so that we could all jam together. I sure love my family a great deal and need to do a better job in showing that by how I act and the things that I say. I am grateful that Rachel and the kids are patient with me. Work continues and I have decided that it is not as bad as I have thought these past 2 and a half years. The money is good and the work is required to be done. That being said, it still requires a lot of work, but I don't mind that. There are a lot of businesses that are not making it right now and a lot of families in trouble. I am very grateful and can see the Lord's hand in helping us get into this profession and stay in it. I am tired. It is past 11:00 p.m. and I still have to watch house. Rachel is tooling around upstairs so I had better head up. Another long day tomorrow.