The Starkey Six

Dawson's Thanksgiving Feast...

2011-11-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

November 22, 2011

Just look at my cute boy, doesn't he make such a good Pilgrim :). Kindergarten is the best, so many fun activities! I was able to help with Dawson's Thanksgiving Feast, it was so fun. They all looked so cute, and boy was there a lot of food. Dawson was so excited for this feast, he talked about it for days before the big event. Now I can see why he was so excited!! I was bummed I forgot my camera, so I had to make do with my horrible cell phone.

I love that the other kindergarten class were the Indians, and that they sat Pilgrims and Indians together :).

Ollie, Dawson and Hudson

Such cute Pilgrim Buddies :) These guys are such good friends, I am thankful that Dawson has them!! Notice their awesome place mats that they made for their big feast! Such good times :). I am so thankful that I am able to help in my kids classes. I sure love spending time with them!!

Cornbelly's Pumpkin Patch :)

2011-11-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2011

We decided to try out a different pumpkin patch this year, and it was amazing! We went to Cornbelly's, and I can not believe how much there was to do at it. We had so much fun, plus it was the most perfect weather ever for late October. As you can see we were in light jackets and flip flops. It was perfect :).

My cute little Corn Family...

A milking contest.... Ewe!

This was a bit too realistic for me :).

Slides....

Jumping on huge air filled bounce mats....

Getting lots of air!!

I decided to join in....

not a great idea with a bad back :(

Dad watching... he had worked a graveyard shift the night before, and went straight to his other job. He had not slept for almost 40 hours :(. He works so hard, and is such a good sport when it comes to still being a fun dad when he is so tired. Working two jobs and in school :(. We love you Dave!!

Swings....

Dawson

Brayden

Bounce Houses....

Jada

Waiting patiently for the younger kids to play on the bounce house....

Daxton was such a good sport,

he really wasn't loving our time at Cornbelly's :).

This picture is for Grandpa Starkey,

he is a retired firefighter!

Next, Tether-ball.....

Our cute little "Raunchy"....

We love his nickname Grandpa Hamilton gave him :)

We felt bad that there wasn't a lot for Daxton to do,

so we paid to let him climb the rock wall!

There were lots of Maze's....

Freaky Fun Houses....

This was a scary broken down bus that you walked through in one of the mazes. It was full of ghosts and dead people, and the bus driver was being electrocuted. Dawson really was very nervous through all of this. You can see it in his face in these pictures. He was so brave, I could not believe he went through this stuff!

I love these pictures, you can see how nervous Dawson is in the first one. Then in the next picture he has decided that everything is okay, and that he can smile :).

I had to take a picture of the avid fishermen in front of the spooky bait shop :).

Dax loves the Beatles,

so he thought this pumpkin was awesome!!

You can barely see it, but this was a huge scary monster that you walked into the mouth of. Inside it was like being inside its body. We walked past the heart, lungs, etc. Dawson really didn't like this part.

On to a Haunted Hay Ride....

Can you see how excited Daxton is???

Next on our list of fun... the scary guy with the chain saw!

Dawson definitely would not go near this guy, until he lifted up his mask and showed him it was a normal person :). After he was sure everything would be okay, Dawson let us get a picture!

On to the Go-karts....

No one wanted to ride these but I knew they would have fun, so I made them. Look at all the big smiles. They had a ton of fun!! Dawson was the first to try them. I love this picture of him really paying attention to the instructions. He is so dang cute!!

These were the go-karts for smaller kids, but Jada and Brayden decided to give them a try :).

We moved on to the bigger Go-karts. These were actually really hard to pedal. They were too big for Dawson, so Jada pedaled him around. He just stood on the back of hers. She is such a good big sister!

I decided to give these a try... yet again not a good idea with a bad back. One time around the track for me!

These guys on stilts were so cool! Dawson was so nervous, so if I held him he would let us get a picture :). Am I bad mom, I wonder if I have scarred him for life? Well I would say I am an awesome mom! There was this really scary Haunted Castle Maze that you had to pay extra money for, but I went up to the guy and asked if our three oldest kids could just go through. Yep, he let them go through, and I am the awesome Mom!!

The Major Corn Maze....

Dave and Dax both had homework, so they finally went home. The rest of us decided to finish all the other fun things. We had forgot about the huge corn maze, so we decided to give it a try. I was really scared to do this without Dave. I thought for sure we would get lost and have to call for help. It was suppose to take about an hour and a half to get through it. We were out in about 20 minutes. I was so happy. I guess it is just my awesome sense of direction that helped us finish so fast :).

Duck Races....

A Giant Spider Web!!

Horse Races.....

Our Beautiful Princess!

Here's Trouble with a capital T.....

We had such an awesome time! I can not believe how much Cornbelly's had to offer. It was so nice to spend such a fun time with my family :). I love you guys!!

Shaving Cream and Funny Goggly Art :)

2011-11-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

November 11, 2011

Clara, Dawson, Shawn and Ollie

Today I got to help in Dawson's Kindergarten class with Fun Friday. The teacher lets me choose the activity, so I brought shaving cream :/. Dawson has been begging me to do this activity forever. Well, Dawson hadn't finished his centers, so he did not even get to participate at school :(. He was really bummed. He has waited for this day for a long time. Luckily, I had bought a lot of shaving cream, so he got to invite some friends over to play with shaving cream. They had so much fun!!

Even Dax got in on the action!!

After about 40 minutes of fun, thing finally got a little too crazy....

but boy did they have a good time!!

After cleaning off the shaving cream, they moved on to styling their hair :)

They look amazing!

I also had to add Dawson's latest piece of art work :). Yesterday we bought googly eyes at the dollar store for a school project. Last night when Dave and I got home from the temple, there was Dawson's newest work of art.... I LOVE it!! He is such a creative guy, and he is always making me laugh.

Hee Haws Pumpkin Patch!

2011-11-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2011

Dawson's Kindergarten class went on their first field trip to Hee Haws Pumpkin Patch. I was able to go with him, and since I didn't have any younger kids I also got to ride the bus :) Fun times!! I am so grateful I got to spend this time with Dawson. The day started out freezing, and very over cast. It was the first really yucky day this fall. Sure enough it had to happen on the day of an out door field trip. In the end it warmed up and was perfect!!

Kylie, Mason, Dawson, Ben, Macy and McCall

First we headed through the corn maze!

Next a hay ride!

Dawson and his best buddy Ollie!!

Beau, Ollie, Weston, Dawson, Mason, Ben, Kylie and Macy

Most of the parent volunteers had 2-4 kids, lucky me I ended up with 6. It was so crazy, I was constantly counting heads, and trying to remember names!

On to the wonderful, smelly and disgusting petting farm...

have I ever mentioned how much I hate animals?

Next up, the ginormous slide...

the kids were dying to try this out!

Finally it was on to the pumpkin patch. The kids each got to chose a pumpkin to take home. This is the only reason Dawson was excited for this field trip. The pumpkin patch was awesome, there were all these HUGE sunflowers. It looked so cool!

Dawson searched and searched,

he was on a mission to find the most perfect pumpkin!

He succeed, isn't it just perfect!

I was trying to get a picture of the kids walking back to the bus with their pumpkins, so I ran ahead of them. I turned to hurry and take the picture, and they were all running after me :). They thought I was leaving them. It was so dang funny! Even after I told them what I was doing, they ran after me again. I finally got them to not follow me :).

Dawson had the best day ever! Not only was it his first field trip, it was also his very first bus ride. He was in heaven!

Ollie, Beau and Dawson

Dawson was sitting next to me, and then he wanted to go sit with his friends. I ended up sitting with a kid I didn't know, but look how happy Dawson was to be with his buddies!!

We had such a great time. It was a perfect day, with my littlest buddy :) Love ya Dawson!!

Carving Pumpkins Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T13:17:00.003-07:00

October 29, 2011

This year we invited Aunt Becky, Elora and Taylor to carve pumpkins with us. It was so much fun! Finally our kids are getting better at carving their own, but I still did quite a bit of the work. I shouldn't complain, because the time will come that no one will need my help:(.

This year we decided not to do the stencils, and just go with original faces. Aaahhh... much easier!

Well, that is until Dawson wanted to do a skull. So Dave decided to find an awesome stencil on the internet. Well, it was awesome all right, and difficult. Guess who got to do the cutting... that's right... I did :(.

I loved Elora's addition of the ice pick in the head on her pumpkin :).

Taylor's finished product.

It serves two purposes, a jack-o-lantern....

and a mask :).

I love the ears that Aunt Becky put on her pumpkin!

The finished products....

Daxton's Pumpkin

Dax wanted to carve a pineapple, but I wouldn't buy one. So he did the next best thing, he chose a pumpkin similar in shape to a pineapple :). His favorite show is "Psych", and there is always a hidden pineapple. I know I am a mean mom. Don't worry I promised him I will let him carve a pineapple next year!

Dawson's Two Pumpkins

Dawson went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and got a pumpkin, and he got to pick one out with the family. He was so dang excited that he got to carve two pumpkins, and everyone else only got to do one!

Notice his awesome skeleton face pumpkin....

yes that is my awesome work!!

Elora's Pumpkin

Brayden and Jada's Pumpkins

All Lit Up...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T15:50:00.002-06:00

October 31, 2011

What a perfect Halloween!! It was full of fun times, yummy candy, and the best weather you could ask for in Utah. Not one of us even wore a jacket, I even wore flip flops :). Believe it or not, the next morning was freezing with snow. We really lucked out!

Brayden's School Parade!


Dawson's School Parade!

The day started off with Brayden's school Halloween parade. It started at 9:30, and I didn't finish Crossing Guard until 9:45. It was Braydens last parade since he will be in Jr. High next year, so I really didn't want to miss it. So I decided to leave my job 5 minutes early. My friend sent me a text at 9:40 telling me the parade had just started, so I got there at 9:50, and the parade had just ended :(. I could not believe how short it was. I missed his last parade, I was so sad :(. At least my friend got a picture of him for me. Thanks Sinika!

Next was helping at Brayden's class party, which happened to be at the same time as Dawson's parade :/. What a crazy day. Luckily they paraded through all the classrooms in the school, so I saw Dawson come through Brayden's classroom. Thank goodness Sinika also got a picture of Dawson for me! After Brayden's class party, I helped at Dawson's party. Wow, two hours straight of parties can really be exhausting, but I am so glad I could be at them!!

After waiting in line at Little Ceasars for 30 minutes, we had dinner and it was time for Trick or Treating :). Well, for everyone except Dax. This was his first year not trick or treating :(.


Our Awesome Kids!!


Jada and Cassidy

Jada Babe Our Cute Bee!

Brady Boy our Stick Figure and Aunt Becky!

Dawson our Cowboy! Our littlest guy waiting for his friend

You couldn't see Brayden's awesome costume with the flash on.... check out the pictures when I turned the flash off. He looked so awesome!!

This one looks like a spirit leaving a body!

Brayden was so excited about this costume :)

Here is Daxton's awesome pineapple pumpkin :). Looks awesome Dax!! You are so creative since you have a mean mom that wouldn't buy you an actual pineapple. Next year buddy!!

Aunt Becky spent Halloween night with us. She loves to dress up and scare people, so I went through all of our Halloween costumes, and this is what I came up with.... She actually looked really freaky! She would stomp really loud to the door, open it slowly, and stare at the kids. The looks on some of their faces were so funny!

Would this scare you if it came walking up?

Aubrey, Carley, Brayden, Becky and Daxton

Don't worry I didn't let Aunt Becky scare the little kids in the neighborhood, Little Red Riding Hood (Me) would give treats to the little ones :).

Elora and Taylor came over and their costumes were so dang funny. They dressed up as each other!!

Here are the puppies that Elora is trying to get us to buy one for Jada. Sorry Jada it is not going to happen no matter how cute they are :(.

Checkin out the goods!

Dawson made out like a bandit!

After about 10 pieces of candy Dawson has decided he never wants to eat candy again :). We will see how long that lasts, but I am excited about his decision!

Dawson playing with some of his candy :)

He just had to have a picture of it!

When it got later Becky actually layed down in our flower bed, and waited forever for some kids to come so she could jump up and scare them. It was so cool, you really could not even see her laying there. Then Becky and I went by ourselves to walk around and scare people, she actually went trick or treating to some houses. I was laughing so hard!! Becky is fun to have around, there is never a dull moment with her :).

My Baby Started Kindergarten :(

2011-09-24T16:22:00.001-06:00

August 30, 2011

It has happened... my baby has started Kindergarten :(. I know that I should be excited, but I am so sad. I am excited for all he is going to learn and all the fun experiences he will have, but it is sad that my little buddy is growing up. The older kids started school a week before him, so Dawson really had a hard time waiting for his turn to go. He was extremely excited!!

Here he is with all his new clothes,

trying to choose the best outfit for the first day :)

Striking a pose...

I finally got him to stand normal and smile,

wow... he is such a cutie!!

Finally arriving at school,

it could not have come fast enough for him.

Hudson, Dawson and Ollie

We lucked out and he has so many of his friends in his class.

Dawson's awesome teacher Mrs. Baird!

Notice how short Dawson's hair still is from the mohawk incident :(. I am so sad that it looked like this for the start of school. Hopefully it grows out enough before school pictures in a week and a half.

This is a brand new school, and they barely finished most of the inside in time for school to start. As you can see from the pictures, they did not finish the outside in time :(.

Finally school is starting... notice he does not even look back at me :(. He is off on the school adventure! As he walked in, I finally started to cry. The Principal was watching everything, and informed me that there was grief counselors available :). I thanked him, but said I would just call my sisters instead. Thank heaven for sisters to comfort me in this traumatic moment of my life :). I also called Dave crying, and he said, "Just think we have all of Eternity with him". I responded crying even hard, "No we don't, he will be with his wife"! I know I am a freak!!

Look how happy he is at the end of his first day of school! I am happy knowing that he is in good hands, and that he is excited. At least I still have a little buddy for part of the day, I am really going to be sad next year when he is in full day school.

Yeah, my little guy is coming home!!

Love ya Dawson!

First Day of School 2011... First Day of New Job...

2011-08-31T13:28:00.011-06:00

August 22, 2011

Another school year has arrived :(. Yes, that is right, I am not excited for school to begin again. Were did this summer go? My kids are getting so old, and time is going way to fast.

Brayden trying to decide what to wear the first day!

Daxton deep in thought of which would be the coolest clothes for the big first day!

Daxton 10th grade, 15 years old!

What the? I was just a sophomore, how in the heck am I now a parent to one :(. Sorry, I keep going on about time flying, but it really is freaking me out!!

Out the door at 7:05... ouch!

Nice choice of clothes for your first day Dax,
you look awesome!

Bye my big buddy....
remember who you are and what you stand for :)

Jada 7th grade, 13 years old!

Jada started school a day earlier than all the other kids. The 7th graders get a day by themselves at the school to get the whole routine figured out. Then on the first day for everyone else they get the day off!

Off to her first day of Jr. High...
she is so dang cute!!

Out the door at 7:40, I am so scared for her :/. So I woke up and realized that I had not paid her fees yet, oops. She left to go to the bus, so I followed her in the car and documented the big day. She was quite embarrassed :)
I was starting to feel a little bad for embarrassing her, until I saw another mom waiting at the bus stop with her daughter. So I thought since I was already there I would get a picture of her with her friends :). I know I am that crazy mom!

Savanna, Jada, Clarissa, Cassidy and Cessily

Jada and Savanna

Well, the embarrassment didn't end at the bus stop. I was still at the school paying fees when they arrived. So I figured why not get some pictures of Jada and her locker partner :) Am I really so bad for wanting to document this moment?

What good sports these two were!!

Jada on her second day of school,
wow, she is so dang cute!!

Brayden 6th grade, 11 years old!

Please don't notice his hair, our neighbor did not get around to giving him a hair cut:(. I can not believe I let him start looking like that! He looks so good in his new clothes, just pretend he has a nice short cut!

Out the door at 8:50, oh how I love being on the late start track :) There was a new elementary built in our neighborhood, and we had to switch to it :(. We loved our elementary, but I guess we just have to adjust. Brayden is okay with it, because his best friend Jacob is in his class!!

Brayden's teacher Mrs. Jones!
She looks like she is young enough to be one of the kids at the school!
She is really cute!

On the kids first day of school, I started a new job. Yep, I am a crossing guard!! I actually am loving it. The kids I cross are so cute, and polite. Also, I am just doing it in the morning so I work out and just go in my work out clothes. Then I shower after I get home, which will be nice once the weather gets bad. That is why I look so cute in this picture :).

Well, so far we are off to a pretty good start. Let's hope things keep going so smoothly. I hope this is a wonderful year for all my kids! Love ya guys!!

Happy 13th Jada

2011-08-16T14:54:00.009-06:00

August 4, 2011

It's official... we now have 2 teenagers in our home :/. Yep, our Jada Babe turned 13! I can not believe how old she is, and might I add how beautiful :). Jada is so fun, and brings us so much happiness. She is the best daughter ever! Jada is so unselfish, and shares everything with her brothers. She and Dawson are the best of friends. Dawsons first choice of people to hang out with is Jada. He would always choose her over his friends. Jada is growing into an amazing young lady, and quite a babysitter!! She is going to make a great mom someday. This is our year for just family parties, so we had cake and presents with Jada on her birthday. The day after we went to Lagoon. Jada has been begging to go there for her birthday.

Everyone has to get in on the candle lighting action...

Ready to make the big wish...

She got them all!!

Dawson was so excited,
he bought Jada a present with his own money :)

Wow... he got her Starbursts,
what an awesome little bro!!

Next in the present line up...

A new bed set, Jada wants to redo her bedroom decor.

Off to Lagoon we go!! However this year we left Brayden and Dawson at home. Brayden hates amusement parks, he does not like how his stomach feels on the rides :(. Also, selfish me thought it would be fun this year to have a break from the little kid area. Next year Dawson will be tall enough to ride most of the rides :). Plus Dawson had a birthday party he really didn't want to miss. So I was pretty excited to spend time with Jada and Dax, and hit all the big rides I have missed for a few (10) years. It was a lot of fun, but I have to admit I really missed Brayden and Dawson. So next I am forcing Brayden to give the rides a try again.

First ride of the day, the Bombora!

Getting ready to ride the White Roller coaster. I think this is the scariest ride in the park since it is so old, but I still love it!
My first time on Wicked :/. I changed my mind... this is the scariest ride in the park! I was screaming so loud. This is one crazy ride!! Just look at this ride, straight up, and straight down...Unfortunately I am getting old, and some of these rides made me a bit sick :(. I love roller coasters, I have to fight age and stay young!!

Cliff Hanger

The Music Express, this ride was new when I was in the ninth grade. Yep, I remember riding it with my boyfriend, ha...ha...!!
Awe... the Sky Ride! Definitely the best ride in the park. Actually maybe not. Once I am up high, high, high, I start thinking of cables snapping, and plummeting to my death! Okay, maybe this is the scariest ride in the park :).

What a good lookin guy!!

The Safari Train, yes, finally this is the best ride in the park. Relaxing, safe, slow!! Yep, this is the best ride :)

We had such a fun time together, Jada made a good choice in her birthday celebrations! Happy Birthday Jada Babe! We love you so much!!

Sno Cones and Biking....

2011-08-09T22:13:00.003-06:00

August 8, 2011

This is what we decided to do for Family Home Evening tonight. We rode our bikes to the neighborhood Sno Shack! I have been wanting to do this all summer. Finally everyone is home together :). It has been a crazy summer with everyone going all different directions. Tonight we even had the addition of Brayden's best friend Jacob. He is like an adopted son :). It makes my heart happy to be a whole family again!!

I just love shaved ice,
sure makes for good times!

I love this picture!
I took a better one, but I decided to go with this awesome one :).

After our sno cones, we decided to go for a bike ride. We hit four different playgrounds in our neighborhood!

Dawson is so proud,
he has mastered the monkey bars!!

We had so much fun we were out late!

I love this picture with the outline of the playground!

We had such a great time! I love Family Home Evening, and I especially love fun times with my family :).

Happy 15th Daxton!!

2011-08-02T13:57:00.005-06:00

July 15, 2011

Well it is official, our oldest is now 15 years old. Where has the time gone? Daxton is an amazing son. He is always so considerate of my feelings, and always quick to try to cheer me up when I am sad :). He brings so much joy into our lives.

For his birthday this year, he wanted to go camping up Provo Canyon with a couple of friends so they could long board down the canyon. Unfortunately for Dax, I didn't think he and his friends were old enough to go camping by themselves. Instead, the whole family went camping and two of Daxton's friends. Dax invited Nick and Josh, and they had a lot of fun.

We got up to Nunn's park, and the campsites were full. I was so bummed since this was what Dax really wanted to do. We then drove all over Provo Canyon looking for a spot, but everything was full. I told Dax we would just hang out till late and have a hot dog roast, and then spend the night at Grandma Hamilton's and go back up the canyon first thing in the morning. So we went back to Nunn's Park to picnic. I decided to ask the camp host if we could just camp in the picnicking area, and he said absolutely not. However, a spot had just opened up. It was our lucky day, and Daxton got his birthday wish.

(Josh, Dax and Nick)
These guys had their own tent.
Aren't they awesome without their shirts :).

The Provo river was very high and fast this year. I didn't want anyone near it, but they found a spot that had a calm little area.

Then Nick and Josh came over with their swimsuits :/

I had to inform them they were out of their minds if they thought I was going to let them swim in the river. Sorry guys I am the mean mom!

So Nick just had to get wet...

This picture was courtesy of Dawson, he did such a great job!!

Dawson had so much fun on his scooter. He especially loved it at night, because it is a spark scooter. It was awesome to see the sparks flying in the dark.
Dawson got really excited and said, "Look, it looks like when Jesus comes!". I turned to see these sun rays streaming through the trees. It was so beautiful, and he is right it does look like when Jesus will come. I am impressed that this little 5 year old has a picture in his mind of how it will look when Christ comes :). I love my kids, they are amazing!!
Dave and Brayden spent the afternoon at Weblos Day Camp, so they did not get up to our camp spot until later in the evening. So while the older boys were off long boarding, Jada, Dawson and I took a walk up to Bridal Veil Falls. It was such a pretty walk.

Bridal Veil Falls
I can not believe they actually played in the water,
it was freezing!

Finally Dave and Brayden arrived :)

Don't ask me why this birthday boy looks so happy?
He never smiles for pictures.

Nick, Josh and Dax

They are sooo cool!!

I LOVE these guys,
especially the crazy one in the middle :).

We only opened a few of his presents while we were camping. He got a Beattles cd and two awesome shirts!

Dave and Brayden woke up really early to fish...
Boy does this boy LOVE to fish!

These guys woke up really early to long board some more. Dawson, Jada and I all slept as long as we could. I am not a morning person.

On Daxton's actual birthday, dawson blew up 50 of these tiny water balloon to decorate his room. Dawson was so excited to do this for Dax! What an awesome little brother!!This boy really needs to keep his room cleaner :(

Happy Birthday to my oldest child. Dax you are an amazing person. You have the ability to do anything you put your mind to, and you are extremely talented. I love listening to you play your guitar, and the piano! I know that you are going to do amazing things in your life. I am very sad thinking how very little time we have left with you before you leave on your mission. We need to really enjoy these next couple of years. I love you so much!!

Ouch Times Three....

2011-07-20T12:03:00.012-06:00

These last couple of days have been very trying on my nerves :(. I have had three major events take place in such a short period of time, it is surprising that I have survived them! I will begin on July 18....

July 18, 2011
First Event....

This is Daxton studying for....

Yes, that is right his Learner's Driving Permit!

Today Daxton turned 15, so we took him to go get his Learners permit. The DMV was crazy busy, so it took us about an hour and a half. Daxton was sooo excited! He had been doing some studying, and when all was said and done, he passed with 86%.

Here it is the long awaited permit,
he is legal to drive with an adult in the car.
Did I mention how scared this adult is :/

No, I did not let him drive home from the DMV, but I did let him drive the last mile from Walgreens to our house. I have never been so scared for my life!!

Daxton was getting so mad at me because I kept yelling STOP, or WATCH OUT among other things spewing from my mouth.

Daxton showing Dave his new prized possession :)

It is truly scary to have your child start driving. My nerves are almost shot, and he is not really that bad of a driver. Heaven help me!!

July 19, 2011
Second Event....

This is me dropping Jada off at the airport. She is going to Arizona for 2 WEEKS :(. Yes, that is right 2 whole weeks. I know I look happy in this picture, but I am not happy at all. Well, I take that back. I am happy for Jada to get to go, but I really am sad, and already miss her so much!!

My niece Jessica and her husband Raghu bought airline tickets for Jada and Sam to fly to Arizona to visit them. What awesome cousins these two girls have! Thanks Jessica and Raghu. Jada has never been so excited for anything. I was nervous sending a 12 and 13 year old on a plane by themselves.

Boarding passes in hand ready to go...

Two cuties trying out hats at the airport gift shop...

Waiting for the big moment...

Finally, the long awaited moment has come.
The count down chains all torn apart...
and they are off!!

I am so glad that I could walk them to the departure gate, and I could not bring myself to leave until I saw them actually take off.

The ramp being pulled away from the plane...
The plane being pushed away from the gate...

Getting ready to head to the run way...

Taking off, and she is gone :(.

I really am excited for her, but I really do miss her! I finally left and walked through the airport crying. I started thinking if it is this hard for me to part with one of my kids for 2 weeks, how am I ever going to be able to send them away for 2 years for a mission? I know I am a freak, Heaven help me!! My nerves are pretty much shot now...

Third and Final Event....

I came home from the airport to this...
Yep, my baby has a red mohawk :(

This awesomeness is all compliments of Daddy...Our neighbor asked him if he was moving into a trailer soon...
yes we are officially white trash :(

Dawson started to ask for a mohawk, and I obviously responded with a BIG NO. So he asks Dave if he could get one. Dave told him yes, and I thought he was just trying to bug me. Unfortunately he wasn't, he really meant yes.

I just about died when I saw Dawson come running up to the car. My stomach really turned a few times. I went right to Dave (who by the way is in big trouble):

Me: "Very Funny Dave.... Why did you do that?

Dave: "You never said No...."

Me: "You know darn well I said NO"

Dave: "Well, it wasn't a very strong No...(laughing)"

Dave: "Melissa you have to pick and choose your battles...(laughing)"

Well this event sent me over the edge, my nerves are completely shot! No mother should have to endure this much in such a short period of time. Especially coming home to a 5 year old with a red mohawk :(. Dave is going to pay for this little stunt!!

Dawson checking out his new do, he could not stop touching it all night. He really does love it.

HEAVEN HELP ME.....

A Triathlon... Wow!!!

2011-06-21T19:13:00.004-06:00

June 18, 2011

Daxton competed in his first Triathlon!! We are so proud of him, how did this kid come from Dave and I? Neither of us have any fitness skills... His scout group did it to earn a varsity pin. He did not even train, except for going swimming once. I was very worried, but he did awesome. He finished in an hour and 30 minutes. He swam 1/4 of a mile, biked 12 miles, and ran 3.2 miles :/. He placed 73 out of 300 :). He is amazing!!

What an awesome guy,
with Dawson who just loves him!This is his racing number...
And they also mark their age!

Nick, Dax, Zack L., Zach J. and President Tillman

This is just part of his scout group.

I am actually really upset with Dax. The night before, I asked him where we should go to see him come in at the finish line. He told me we could not come, and that no parents were going to be there. I was sad, I really wanted to see him finish his first triathlon. That is a really big accomplishment, but he insisted we could not come. Come to find out most of the parents were there :(. Wow... thanks Dax!! I am really sad :(. Well, I now know never to listen to Dax. In the future I will do what I want. I will forgive you this time Dax, only because I am so proud of you. You are an amazing person who does what ever you put your mind to. You are awesome!! Luv ya Dax :)

The Amazing Race....

2011-06-11T09:58:00.003-06:00

June 6, 2011

Aunt Lizzy decided to treat everyone to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean 4 movie. She sent a text to see if anyone was going to come, and no one responded. She then sent a text that she was buying 20 tickets, and who ever responded first could have the ones her family didn't use. She got a lot of responses then :).

Rylee, Jada, Brayden, Dawson, Daxton, Austin and Jack

She also said it was the amazing race. She bought two $25 gift cards for the theater. Who ever got there first and found them won them!

Jada was the first winner!!

Jack won the second, even though he cheated!!

It was okay though because we just used both cards to buy popcorn, drinks and candy for everyone to share. It was so much fun. Twenty six of us ended up going!

Here is the provider of fun... Aunt Lizzy!!
We must always have a picture of the cutest baby Taden!

Back Row: Jim, Corey, Jack, Austin, Lizzy, Taden, Tahnee, Lorrin, Raghu
Front Row: Marlene, Sam, Kennedy, Dax, Brayden, Rylee, Taylor S., Me, Dawson, Jada, Jessica Grandma H., Erica, Becky

We all owe a big thanks to Uncle Brian and Aunt Lizzy!! They are awesome and always taking care of everyone.

The Hindu Ceremony

2011-06-10T12:14:00.011-06:00

June 5, 2011

Finally, the long awaited Hindu ceremony. It was very long, but neat to see how hindu's perform their wedding ceremonies. It is a very casual atmosphere. They want the kids to be running around and playing. Sure wish Dawson would have done this. Instead he stuck right by my side and threw fits the whole time! Literally the whole time :/. I was very worn out by the end.

The Bride and Mother of the Bride

This was the Bride and her parents part

The Groom and his Uncle

This part of the ceremony the Groom has to apologize to the Brides father for somehow offending the Bride.

My cute Jada Babe, and my cute nephew Taden

She is so beautiful!

The Brides awesome parents!!

Paying their respect to their elders...

My Family!

The father of the Bride was supposed to take his shirt off and chase the Groom. Hmmm.....
What a neat experience to see this Hindu ceremony. Wow... all the festivities are over. Now what will we do with ourselves? I am sure we will find things to keep ourselves going non stop!!

Jessica's Mehndi Party

2011-06-09T10:43:00.010-06:00

June 4, 2011

The Indian version of a bridal shower is a Mehndi party. The bride gets henna tattoo's up her hands, arms, feet and legs. Everyone at the party is suppose to give the bride advice about how to keep her husband happy. This party was very fun, but also a very long process.

Jessica being worked on...

It really looked amazing!

It is crazy how steady the artists hand was...

My turn...

Jessica's friend Tierra did mine,
she did just as good a job as the actual Indian henna artist!

Jess and Tierra

Becky

This is Mine and Elora's hands

The mother of the bride finally had had enough after a wedding the night before, and a 6 hour Mehndi party. We had to leave our henna on for 4 - 5 hours :/. Jessica about died. She needed to go to the bathroom so bad. When she finally did, the henna rubbed off a bit on her garments, and it looked like duck poop. We were all sooo tired we were laughing so hard! Then when we finally started peeling off the henna, it looked like mouse poop. All I can say, is henna is very interesting stuff. When it came off it looked light orange, and we all thought it looked like we had drawn on ourselves with wide tipped Crayola markers :). Yet again we were laughing our heads off! When we woke up the next morning it had gotten very dark.

Jessica was very upset, because her new husband left her at her moms house all day the first day after they were married. He was very busy helping his family prepare for the Hindu ceremony which was the next morning. We tried to cheer her up by taking her to Taco Time (she was craving a bean burrito), and then took her to Family Dollar :). No we are not a white trash family, but I had to pick up a toy gun that Dawson was freaking out about having. Poor Jess, what a way to spend your first day after you get married!
Jess thought she would pick up a little something for Raghu while we were at Family Dollar :). Once again we were all laughing so hard! We all looked like white trash especially since most of us didn't even have shoes on when we went in the store.

While the girls had the Mehndi party, all the boys went shooting. See our family isn't white trash :). Family Dollar and shooting is normal activities for any family wedding celebrations!!

Jack, Corey, Brian, Austin, Brayden, Dawson, Dax and Dave

"Would you look at that..."
What a good lookin boy I have!

Remember the earlier photo of the mother of the bride loosing it? Now the father of the bride is loosing it! We are in trouble we still have another ceremony!!

Well, the groom finally showed up at about 10 pm, so we decided to have them open their presents since alot of us were there. We were out of our minds since we had to be to the Hindu ceremony at 9 am the next morning:/.

These two were such good sports,
they definitely did not have a typical wedding!

Look how tired every one is...

Such a good maid of honor keeping track of all the gifts!

Lizzy, Jada, Grandma Hamilton, Laura and Taylor B.

Elora and Taylors gift to the happy couple was a puppy! Elora hurried and wrapped Henna up in some tissue paper and bow and handed her to Jess and Raghu... just to make it official!

Wow... another crazy long day!! I am so glad that we could be there with Jess and Raghu through all this craziness :). Luv ya guys!!

My Beautiful Niece...

2011-06-07T13:10:00.002-06:00

June 3, 2011

My niece Jessica got married on Friday, and we were able to attend the ceremony and reception. Jessica married Raghunathan Srinivasan. Raghu is from India, so they had an American wedding on Friday, a Mehndi party on Saturday, and a Hindu ceremony on Sunday. It was a very full weekend. We are so excited for them to start their life together, and we love Raghu he is so funny!! Welcome to our crazy family Raghu.

Rylee, Jada and Grandma Hamilton in the backThe bride being escorted down the isle by her dad...

The wedding was at the Springville Art Museum, it was sooo beautiful. I especially loved the bridesmaids Sari's.

Exchanging rings...

Finally married...
Raghu looked so cute. He had the biggest smile on his face :)

Jessica looked so beautiful!
My sister Lizzy and I,
it was fun to wear a sari.

Nate, Tahnee, Taden, Laura, Marlene, Dave and Lorrin

The happy couple!
Jessica's dress was amazing, it was all hand beaded.
She looked stunning!

My nephew James (Jessica's Brother) is on his mission in Jamaica right now so he was not at the wedding. They brought a life size cut out of him to the wedding. This is a picture of James friends with his mom and sisters with his cut out. Oh I am so sad, I miss James so much.

Two beautiful sisters!

Jada and Senora

Liz, Sarah, Erica, Emily and Madison
My cute sister in law and nieces!

Austin, Dawson and Dax

The amazing cake!!

Me and my cute mom!

My sister Laura, Me and my sister Marlene

My brother Lorrin and I

My family...
We were only missing my sister Julie and her family,
and a four nephews who are out on missions.

My cute family with Jess and Raghu

My beautiful sister Becky.
She is the mother of the bride!

These are our neighbors the Jorgensons. We lived next door to them when we grew up in Springville. I used to babysit these two girls!! It is so crazy to see them grown up. We stay in touch because they come to all of our family events. They are the best! We love them so much!!

Taden and I

My brother Matt and I
I know look at the height difference,
I sure got the short end of the stick!!

Getting the garter!!

This was such a fun night. It was such a beautiful reception. We are so happy for these two, best wishes in the many years ahead. Thanks for sharing this time with us. We love you both!!

Dawson's Graduation From Grapevine Preschool

2011-06-02T18:58:00.003-06:00

May 31, 2011

Well, the day has come...
my baby is officially through with preschool :(.

Here is the graduate sporting his new buzz cut. He was so excited for this day to come. He has been counting down the days. Little did he know how much I was dreading this day, it has come way faster than I thought it would. I can not believe how old he is.

This is his class:
Clara, Dawson, Gentry, Haley, Hudson, Marin and Oliver

Dawson receiving his diploma :)

Proud but sad Mama...

Grandma, Lizzy, Brinley and Rylee came!

Miss Jodi and Dawson,
she is the best teacher ever!!

Three Best Buds :)
Dawson just loves Ollie and Gentry

This is Dawson's gift from Dad and Mom

We are so proud of Dawson. He has come a long way, and he has learned so much. I can not believe he is off to Kindergarten :(. I know you need to grow up buddy, but it sure does break my heart! Luv ya Dawson

The Buzz....

2011-06-02T18:42:00.004-06:00

May 18, 2011

Dawson's friend John got a buzz, so what did Dawson want? That's right a buzz :(. We have never given any of our boys a buzz. I absolutely can not stand them. Dawson kept begging for days. Finally Dave said yes. Dawson is lucky he has Dave, because there is no way I would have agreed.

Why did they do this in the bathtub?
That is a very good question, but it makes for a cute picture!

Dave started the process, unfortunately our clippers wouldn't work. So they had to go over to our neighbor and have her finish the job.

Wow, what a cutie :/
He liked his hair at this point because it was sort of a mohawk!

Kristin finishing the job...

Doesn't he look awesome?
Especially with his pirate stamp on his forehead!

Well, all I can say is I am happy for him. He really wanted this, even if I didn't. This is definitely not my most favorite picture of him, but he is still my cute little buddy... buzz and all!!

Finally....

2011-05-21T19:00:00.011-06:00

May 21, 2011

Finally a nice day! This has been a horrible cold, wet spring. Today was so nice Dave suggested we go to the gardens at Thanksgiving Point instead of yard work :). It was perfect, not to hot and not to cold. I was so happy to be spending such a beautiful day with my family!

We missed the Tulip Festival,
but the gardens were still amazing

Dave and Jada had fun getting pictures of the flowers. I thought I would post some of these awesome pictures through out this post!

I am so blessed :)

I love all their faces in this picture, so funny!

Such a good lookin' guy...

The boys...The colors were amazing!

Checking out the carp, this was after a 20 minute break for Dawson to throw a huge fit. Yep, he decided he wanted a Star Wars umbrella. He started thinking about his friend Gentry's umbrella and thought he needed one right then :(. It's okay though... we survived!

The girls...

If you click on this picture and look at it bigger it is so funny. We shrunk Dax and I was holding him in the palm of my hand :).
Little did we know when we took this cute picture of our baby, that he had a few more fits in store for us. He sure keeps things fun!

I sure do love this guy!

The kids were so good, but at the end they were very ready to go. It was Saturday and they really wanted to be hanging out with their friends. Can you tell Dax was ready to go?

Such an awesome day!!

Dawson's Preschool Field Trip to the Dinosaur Museum

2011-05-13T21:56:00.006-06:00

May 10, 2011

Dawson and I had such a great time together at his field trip to the Dinosaur Museum. He was counting down the days. He really wanted to be able to ride over with his friends and not just me, so we rode with Haley and Gentry and their moms. Everything was working out just perfectly for Dawson :)

Haley, Gentry and Dawson

This picture is so funny because he looks so serious,
but really he was so happy!

Dawson, Ollie, Gentry and Haley
Dawson could not ask for better friends!

Awe....Best Buds!

Dawson thought it was so cool to see someone working on bones!

Lincoln and Dawson

Hudson, Lincoln, Ollie Dawson and A.J.

He got to hold a Trilobite Fossil...

He even held a live Madagascar Cockroach :/

Dawson always gets a bit nervous by this ginormous sea turtle. He was so proud of how close he got to it this time :).

Dawson and Gentry both got a Dinosaur claw necklace from the gift shop...

Fighting with their claws...

Luv this picture!

I love my little guy so much.
I can not believe his preschool days are winding down :(.

On our way home, Dawson was wanting to stay with his friends so I asked him if he wanted his friends to come to our house to hang out and have lunch. Dawsons response, "BEST DAY EVER!" He is always so happy when his friends come and play at our house.

I Am The Luckiest Mom...

2011-05-09T20:04:00.013-06:00

May 8, 2010

What a great husband and kids I have. For my Mother's Day gift they went and picked out flowers and planted them in my flower pots. Oh how I love flowers on my porch. They did such a good job.

They are so beautiful!!

I have been dying for spring to come. I can not take much more cold weather, so I am so happy when I can finally put flowers out :). Infact, I have been so depressed that my kitchen window sill has become some what of a garden...

We are growing beans, a pile of dandelions (Dawson brought them to me, and now they are dead), lego's and cucumbers :)

This is my lego garden,
Dawson built it for me to take away my winter blues!

I love all my flowers soooo much! I am the luckiest Mom in the world. Thank you so much guys. I love you all!!

Hope of America!

2011-05-05T13:36:00.006-06:00

May 4, 2011

Here is our awesome Brady Boy, he is such a good kid...

We got to attend Brayden's Hope of America program last night. It is always so awesome to see a huge American Flag made up from hundreds of Utah elementary kids.It is an awesome program that really brings out the patriotic spirit. It always gives me goose bumps, and makes me cry. I know that is a big surprise that I cried...

Brayden was on the very back row of the blue shirts,
and he was three over from the left.

They sang a song about being a light to the world, and turned off the lights and they each had a flashlight they waved around. It looked amazing!
I had to get pictures afterwords, and even Dave said I was embarrassing him :(. What is wrong with my family? Why is it such a horrible thing to get a picture taken? Oh well, to bad guys it is not going to end. I love all my pictures of you guys!!

Daxton had scouts so he did not get to come with us...
we missed you Dax:(

We are so glad we got to see this. It would have been even better if the traffic was not so horrible. It took us 40 minutes to go about 1 mile last night :(. Brayden did an awesome job!

Luv ya buddy!!

An awesome UVU Grad...

2011-05-05T13:20:00.002-06:00

April 29, 2011

Our Niece Elora graduated from UVU!!!

We are so proud of Elora, she received her Bachelors Degree. She even graduated summa cum laude, but they would not let her wear her tassels because she is going to take 2 more summer classes to get a teaching certificate.

Dawson and I were able to attend her graduation ceremony. Unfortunately we had the crappiest seats ever. The whole row we were on was broken so it kept falling forward. We were all sliding off of our seats. It was so fun, especially with Dawson on my lap. It did however make it a very memorable experience :). I was so amazed at how good Dawson was, well that was until we went to each lunch at Del Taco. Yes that's right, he was perfect at the graduation, then started hitting and kicking me about having to go to Del Taco! I can not figure this kid out sometimes?? Finally I bought him a real dumb hard plastic ball out of the dollar machine. Wow, all I wanted was to visit with my family. Thanks Dawson :). That was sure a waste of a dollar.

Later that night we went to Olive Garden to celebrate Elora's achievement, and then played a really fun game and had cake. It was a very fun night. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Congratulations Elora, we are so proud of you!! You are an amazing person, and we all love you so much.

Its Official...

2011-05-05T13:14:00.003-06:00

April 27, 2011

Yes, it is official, Jada is now one of the newest members of the Nova program!

(Jada and Savanna)

In sixth grade the kids do a program at school called NOVA that replaced the Dare program. She had her graduation, and received her nova card. We have never been so proud :). Way to go Jada!!

Having a Special...

2011-05-04T16:24:00.004-06:00

May 3, 2011

We try to have what we call a special with our kids every once in a while. A special is when we take them one on one to go do something fun. It was Brayden's turn, so Dave took him fishing. Fishing is turning out to be one of Brayden's most favorite things to do. He is actually quite a good fisherman! Brayden is constantly asking Dave to take him, so Dave took him up Provo Canyon to fish the Provo river. Brayden was in heaven. The above picture was the text that I received showing me his catch. I love how happy Brayden is in this picture. Brayden just went fishing last Saturday with his Weblos group, and he caught 13 fish in 31/2 hours. He was so dang excited. I think he has found something he is very good at! Good job Brady Boy :)

I am so glad that Dave and Brayden have something that they enjoy doing together! They are going to be great fishing buds :).

Easter Morning 2011

2011-04-28T17:31:00.003-06:00

April 24, 2011

This was a great year for Easter. We have church at 1 o'clock, so Easter is the only Sunday that I actually appreciate that time. It was so nice not to wake up way early. Dave and I also had to be to church early to receive a new calling. We were called to teach the Marriage and Family Relations Sunday School class :(. When will anyone in our ward realize how much I hate teaching!

Here is the traditional waiting on the stairs picture. I must warn you to view the first picture at your own risk. Dave decided to join in and he looks pretty frightening, so be forewarned :).

That's my man!!
Hey, don't say I didn't warn you...

Coming in to see their baskets :)

Checking out their baskets...

Daxton pulling his Zoolander "Blue Steel" look...

Let the hunt begin....

The night before Daxton told me to just put some candy in his bucket because he was not going to hunt this year. I told him fat chance, as long as you live at home you have to hunt for your candy :). As you can see, he wanted that candy!

Checking out what the hunt produced...

Viewer Discretion is advised for these next photo's.
They are very graphic....

This is Brayden's Egg Rod...

Brayden pondering what to do with Rod...

Okay, fine... I can not resist any longer...

Good bye Rod... you were a good egg!

Wow is it hard to get a picture of boys in their church clothes. They got home before me, and their church clothes were off in seconds flat :(. At least Jada will let me get pictures of her in her new Easter dress. You looked beautiful Jada!

Coloring Easter Eggs 2011

2011-04-27T21:28:00.006-06:00

April 23, 2011

We almost didn't get our eggs colored this year... we didn't start until 9:30 at night. I guess that is not to unusual for our family. We do everything late. Becky and Corey were over so we were rushing so we could watch a movie with them. The egg dying kit I bought this year was for decorating your eggs to look like monsters.

Dax will not smile for pictures...

Yes, Brayden does have a black eye in this picture. He and Dawson bonked heads on the trampoline. Poor guy :(. The morning after Brayden got his black eye he climbed in bed with me to talk. He had been so excited because it was his maturation day, and he was going to be checked out of school early. He had really been looking forward to this day. This is how our conversation went:

Brayden: "Well, this was going to be a good day..." :(.

Me: "What are you talking about, why isn't it going to be good?"

Brayden: "I was going to get out of school early, it is Friday, and I was going to have a late night with Jacob. Now I have a black eye :(

Me: "So why can't you still do all that?"

Brayden: "Well, I guess I can..."

I never knew how much a black eye could affect ones day :). Brayden was pretty devastated. I am glad I could help him realize that life could go on after a black eye. Well now that I got off on that little tangent, I will continue about coloring eggs :).

Becky and Corey were being entertained by the movie "Hot Rod". As you can see Becky was really enjoying it!

Poor Dave, this is all he does now... HOMEWORK :(.

Jada's finished egg

Brayden's egg named Rod since we were watching Hot Rod...

Dawson's monster eggs...
He can not ever just smile for a picture :)

Daxton's eggs,
he left them sitting in the coloring for 2 hours...

After watching a movie so late the Easter Bunny got to stay up until 3 am :/. Poor Easter Bunny, I know how she feels!
The Easter Bunny was good to our kids this year! Dawson has been begging for Otter Pops, who knew that the Easter Bunny was so intuitive :).

Jada & Dawson

When the Easter Bunny finally went to go to bed, she checked on all the sleeping kids. Dawson and Jada had built themselves a bed on Jada's floor so they could sleep together. So I decided to get some pictures of the cute sleeping littles...

Brayden

We had watched a movie that freaked Brayden out, so he decided he needed to sleep on the couch in our bedroom!

Daxton

Awe, look how big my baby is... my how time flies!
So excited for Easter Morning!!!

Meet Cosmo... The Newest Member Of Our Family

2011-04-26T18:07:00.003-06:00

April 25, 2011

Yes it is true, I finally gave in and said yes to getting a dog! This all came about because of Aunt Becky, Elora and Taylor. It all started on April 16. We were in Idaho Falls, and Jada gets a call from Becky saying she found her a dog on KSL. This has been a vicious cycle for a few years now. Becky calls... Jada Begs... I say no... Jada cries :(. So Jada cried for 3 hours this time. I called becky back and told her she has to stop doing this to Jada. Finally, I think I am smart and tell Jada that it is between her and Dad. Well Dave wasn't to happy that I was making him be the bad guy, so he said yes :/. So... here we are with our new dog Cosmo!!
This nice couple graduated and were moving out of state. The apartment they are moving to does not allow pets. Plus they both got full time jobs, and didn't want to leave Cosmo sitting at home all day. So, we are so lucky that they have trained Cosmo so well. He is 4 years old, and very obedient. He also knows lots of tricks, and is fully potty trained. We lucked out. He is so good.

Bringing Cosmo home :)

Had to make a quick stop to get dog food, doggie treats,
and of course a new toy....

Jada has waited sooo long for this moment!

I think Cosmo has been getting a little too much lovin from Dawson :)

Cosmo is going to get fat with all the treats that Dawson is constantly giving him!

The owners gave us a lot of things, one of them was this little info packet. Dawson picked it up and said, "is this Cosmos bedtime stories?" I am sure Cosmo will definitely go to bed easily with this story!!

I know this is a crazy move for me, but it was time for our kids to get to experience owning a dog. They are all very excited, and I am so happy for them. I think Dave is also very happy :).

Dawson's Preschool Fieldtrip to the Firestation

2011-04-21T17:48:00.003-06:00

March 24, 2011

Dawson's preschool class went on a field trip to the fire station. Dawson thought it was so cool! He could not wait to see a real firehiter! No that is not a misspelling, that is how dawson says firefighter. I love when kids pronounce things funny. I never correct them, because eventually they learn the right way and it is so cute to hear :). I babysit a little girl named Taz, so she got to come along. Dawson was so funny, he was so worried about making sure Taz didn't do anything she shouldn't. He was such a good helper :).

Dawson and Taz!

The kids loved getting their own fire helmets...

(Ollie, Dawson, Gentry, Caleb, John, A.J., Clara, Haley, and Emma)
This is Miss Jodi's two classes combined....

All the kids were so quiet, and paying close attention...
Our future firehiter...
Grandpa Starkey would be so proud!

So excited to get to go inside the fire truck!!

So proud coming off the truck :)

Checking out the Jaws of Life...

He even got to hold the "Jaws"...

Checking out an ambulance...

(Clara, Gentry and Dawson)

They turned on the lights on the engine...

They even turned on the sirens...
It was a bit loud!

(Ollie and Dawson)
Two best buddies...
having an awesome time together!!

Our cities newest firefighters... watch out everyone!!

Our Trip To Idaho Falls

2011-04-18T12:20:00.018-06:00

April 14 - 16, 2011

Our nephew Adam got married this weekend, so we got to take a trip to Idaho Falls. We had a great time visiting with Dave's side of the family. I was so happy that we could be in the temple with Adam and Devri. It was our kids spring break, so they were excited to go and stay in a hotel. The first night was spent playing in the pool, and hanging out together in the hotel.

(Dawson, Jada, Dad, Dax, and Brayden)

The kids had so much fun in the pool...

Daxton doing a handstand!

Dave also loved the pool :)

Jada and Dawson were so funny, they would open the outside door and gather rocks. Why are my kids always gathering things... especially rocks? Maybe we have future geologists in our family!!

We all loved the jacuzzi, but it was very hot.

The next day was the wedding. It was a very full day, but very well spent. We are so glad we got to share this time with Adam and Devri.

At the temple:

Devri and Adam
Congrats guys... we love you both!!

Grandma and Grandpa Starkey

(Brayden, Jada, Dawson, Grandma & Grandpa Starkey, Dax, and Micheal)

Dave and his sister Lisa
At the reception:

(John, Kalie, and Alexia)

Our nephew John is over serving in Iraq right now. His wife Kalie has this big life size cut out of John, so she brought it to the wedding so he could be there. It was so funny! She had it all dressed in the same clothes as all the other groomsmen :). It actually looked like John was really there in the pictures. We sure missed John :(.

(Tammy and David)

Jada constantly had one of the grand babies in her arms...

Dawson also loved the babies... cute little Lexi!

(Uncle David, Adam & Aunt Lisa)

(Jeff, Brittney, Chloe, David, Tammy, Adam, Devri, Micheal, Uncle David, Aunt Lisa, John, Kalie and Alexia)

Finally getting worn out after a long day...

On our last day the kids swam again before check out, then it was off to hang out with our Idaho family for a little longer. On our way out of town, we stopped to see the falls by the temple. It is so beautiful!

Dawson almost got right up to this Canadian goose, but then he gave his usual reply, "I am just a little nervous". So this is as close as he would go!

Dawson is always collecting something...
he has his hands full of pine cones!

I love this guy sooo much!

We had such a great weekend. It was a beautiful wedding, and it was so nice to be with Dave's family.

Family Home Evening = Bingo!!!

2011-04-13T10:02:00.007-06:00

March 21, 2011

For FHE Dawson really wanted to play BINGO. He had been talking about it for days, so he was very excited when we played. This is a fun tradition that was started in my family, and we now play it at every family reunion.

Ready to party...
Dawson can not be serious in pictures...

The prize bags... what could be in them?

Dad calling out the BINGO...

Everyone so intent,
just hoping they would be the one to win black out...

All finished...
And the winner is... Brayden!!!
Everyone claims that Brayden always wins which I think is true...

Here are the awesome prizes that each kid won...

They each got a couple of glow sticks...

They love the pictures of their glow sticks waving in the dark....
It does look pretty cool!

Dawson's Five :)

2011-04-07T13:56:00.002-06:00

March 5, 2011

Dawson is FIVE... I can not believe how fast time has gone. I am really trying to not be sad that my baby is getting so big. His birthday was on a Monday this year, so we decided to have his party the Saturday before on March 5th. Last year for his birthday we had a basketball theme, and he really wanted Batman balloons. I was mean and said no because they didn't match the theme. So this years theme... Batman!! He was so excited :). He was especially excited to help fill the pinata!

He had to get a flash light to check to make sure the candy was really going in :)

Pinata filling process:
1. Shove handful of candy in...

2. Smash the candy down with a wooden spoon...

3. Check with flash light to make sure it all went to bottom...
4. Repeat process over, and over and over :)

I think Dawson thought filling the pinata was definitely the best part of his party. I don't think he has ever been so excited about anything.

Ready to party...

Don't laugh at the cake. I am so not a great cake decorator, but its the thought that counts right? Dax had the great idea to print up the Batman symbol, and cut it out to use as a template for the cake. So glad Dax is so smart. I can only imagine what it would have looked like if I had free handed it like I had planned to. Thank Dax!
Dawson invited a few girls to the party, so we thought they would rather have a cute yellow bucket than a Batman bucket :)
Dawson's awesome friends: Gentry, Dawson, Paisley, Clara, Easton, Haley and Ollie!
At Dawson's 4 year old party he cried on every game when he didn't win :(. So he promised he would not do that this year. So we started off with musical chairs, and what happens when he gets out... yep, crying :/. After calming him down, we played a stacking cup game. We timed each kid to see who could stack and unstack the cups the fastest. Dawson actually really did win this game, but he was kind enough to let one of his other friends. Awe... he is really growing up!!

Next we sang Happy Birthday, and he blew out the candles on his cake!

On to the gifts...

Tinkertoys...

Dawson loves to build, and he loves these tinkertoys! Dawson's friend Ollie only likes Dawson to come to his house, so we are always trying to think of ways to get him to play at our house. Well, Ollie got really excited when Dawson opened the tinkertoys, so I got excited and said "now will you come play at our house with Dawson?" Ollie got really quiet and replied, "I have my own." I was laughing so hard. I wonder if we will ever find anything that will entice Ollie to come to our house :).

Finally it was time for the pinata. What better way to end a party! This pinata was awesome. You just take turn pulling the strings to open it instead of smacking it.

Unfortunately, it broke open on the third kid :( Dawson was pretty sad, he didn't get a turn before it broke open. Thank goodness there was candy spilling on the floor to distract him!

Dax actually had to shake the pinata to get the candy out.

It was a great party!
Dawson had a lot of fun, and got a lot of awesome presents.

March 7, 2011

In our family we have a tradition that on your birthday you get to choose what we have for dinner. Guess what Dawson chose? That's right... Jimmy Dean Breakfast sandwiches, or as we like to call them Breakfast Hamburgers :) I thought that was so funny. He could have anything he wanted, and that is what he chose!

He was really happy!

Aunt Becky and her family came to celebrate this awesome occasion... actually she invited herself over so she could watch the 2 hour special of the Bachelor. That's right, she doesn't want to pay for cable so she makes me record things she wants to see :). Hey, it works out for us, then they come and visit alot!!

Taylor, Elora, Becky, Corey and the birthday boy!

Dawson was happy they came because they brought the puppies!

Jada and Dawson are just sure they are going to get to keep the cute black puppy named Double Stuff. Sorry guys, it is not going to happen :/
Dawson got to open a couple more presents, and managed to drag out his birthday a little longer! Happy Birthday Dawson. I will always be grateful that Aunt Becky helped me to realize we needed one more kid :). What would our family be like without you? We are so blessed to have you in our family. Luv ya!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-26T09:30:00.003-06:00

March 17, 2011

We never do much for St. Patrick's Day, so this year I thought I would make dinner fun. We had breakfast for dinner, and made as many things green as we could. We had green pancakes... The first couple I even tried to shape like shamrocks.

That didn't work out to good...

So Dave took over, and made the usual round.

If Dave looks weird in this picture, he was trying to. He hates when I take his picture, so he squatted down so he looked short and gave his freaky smile :). You look awesome Dave!

We also had green eggs...

I thought this was a fun idea, but I could hardly bring myself to eat them. They looked really gross.

Finally Mtn Dew...

What better to drink with breakfast! I was trying to keep with the green theme.

Also, we stuck with our tradition to wear green!

Our fun St. Patricks dinner!

Dawson really liked it. He thought it was awesome!!

Probably Inappropriate....

2011-03-24T18:47:00.004-06:00

March 23, 2011

Like the title says this is probably inappropriate, but I just could not help myself. I walked past the bathroom, and this is how I found Dawson... yes, he was studying the RCwilley ad :). I quietly backed up and got the camera. I was trying so hard not to laugh. I don't know where he picked up this habit. I never look at ads in the bathroom.... Ha....Ha... This was so funny I just had to post about it!

When he noticed me he wasn't even concerned that I was taking pictures, he just wanted to show me what he thought we needed from RC Willey's. He kept pointing and saying look...
He was starting to get frustrated that I was taking pictures, and not paying attention to what he thinks we really need to purchase.
So here it is. Here is a picture of what our 5 year old has decided we need to buy.....
I must say, Dawson has a good eye. I agree a leather sectional would be nice to purchase, but sorry Dawson it will have to wait till we finish the basement.

Thanks for the good laugh Dawson! I hope you will forgive me for posting this :) Luv ya buddy

Christmas 2010

2011-02-23T13:35:00.019-07:00

December 25, 2010

We had such a great Christmas. Although it did come and go very quickly this year. It seems like we just had it, and then it is here again. This year was especially fun, because Aunt Julie and her family were here from Illinois.

Waiting on the stairs to see what Santa left!

Awe, the surprise...

Checking out their stockings...

The kids drew names this year, and Dawson got Daxton. He wanted to wrap the present all by himself :)...

It was a Muse CD, and the ends of the present weren't closed.
He did such a great job!

Here are the gifts they gave to each other...
Dax gave Brayden a basketball,
Brayden gave Jada littlest pet shops,
Jada gave Dawson a puzzle and 3-d coloring kit,
and Dawson gave Dax a Muse CD.

Dawson claimed he was old enough to use the scissors all by himself.
we were a bit worried, but no one lost any fingers :).

Jada hand made this scarf for me. It is sooo cute, and the best color ever.
I love it!

Dax gave Dave new lounging shorts, and beef jerky.
Dad got spoiled!

Here is Dawson opening the only thing he asked Santa for...

He was so excited that Santa came through for him!

Wow Brayden, what could that be...

Yep, that's right... he got an awesome banana chair!

Here's Jada opening her big present from Santa...

Wow... Santa really went all out this year... an Ipod Touch!
She was so dang excited.

Dave got a new watch from Santa, and surprise he actually kept it. Santa has tried to get him a new one for a number of years, but he always returns them.

Brayden loved this gift...

He got an Itunes gift card! He is always wanting to get new games for his Ipod Touch.

Dax got a new amp cord, he is always wanting something better for his guitar!

Santa finally got the kids a pogo stick, but unfortunately it broke on the first use :(. Toys are not made as good as they used to be.

Santa left a gift for all the kids to share...
The Lego Harry Potter WII game!!

Santa gave Brayden Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011!

Here's Daxton's gift from Santa...

Yes... finally, a long board!!

Jada's gifts...

Clothes, Littlest Petshops, Eclipse DVD, Ipod Touch, Socks, Gloves and Scarf, and Wool Socks.

Brayden's gifts...

Banana Chair, Basketball Shoes, Walkie talkies, Nerf Gun, Dangerous Hunts, Itunes gift card, Toy Story 3 DVD, Star Wars guys, Air Hog helicopter, and wool socks.

Dawson's gifts...

Space Shuttle, Lego's, Spark Scooter, Nerf Gun, Bow and Arrow, Star Wars guys, Despicable Me DVD, and Wool Socks.

Daxton's gifts...

Sweat pants, Muse CD, awesome decorative guitar hooks for his room, new amp cable, The Dark Knight DVD, new underwear :), Long board, new razor and shaving cream, and Wool Socks.

Brayden could fit in Daxton's long board box,
it looked pretty fun!

Our future hunter!

Outside trying out new gifts...

It was so foggy outside. It was so pretty!
Can you see the sparks coming out of his scooter...

He is sooo happy, thanks Santa!

Merry Christmas 2010!!

My Funny Boys :)

2011-02-22T16:38:00.005-07:00

February 22, 2011

Our kids have been saying and doing some pretty funny things lately, so I thought I would document them.

Dawson:

At dinner, I always give Dawson a smaller plate because he is little. Well someone else set the table and gave him a full size plate. He sat down looked at his plate, then at all the other plates and this is what he had to say...
Dawson: Hey... why do I have a big plate?
Dave: Because you are a big boy.
Dawson: No... I am a little man!

Our happy "Little Man"!

So proud to be a little man, yet he wouldn't eat the dinner I made!

We had Dawson's Kindergarten registration the other day, so we took Dawson to get his five year old shots. Later that day this is what Dawson had to say...

"Mom, I feel different now... since I got my shots. Now I like Mario Brother... my shots made me different!"

Dawson is such a crazy guy... he is always making us laugh. He also always wants me to take his picture so he can make funny faces like this one!
Dawson climbed up on the kitchen counter to draw on our white board (this is one of his favorite things to do). I had to get a picture of his drawing. He drew a picture of our guinea pig "Lacy". I just love how you can see Lacy's heart :). I think this is such a good likeness of Lacy... wouldn't you agree?

Brayden:

The other day Brayden looks at Dave and I and says, "How much weight would I need to lose to make my ears skinny?" Dave and I just laughed and told him you can't lose weight in your ears. We informed him not only are his ears perfect, he is perfect and does not need to lose any weight. I still laugh every time I think of this question he asked :). Kids are so funny. It is crazy the things they think about!

Daxton:

Prepare yourself for the scariest thing that one of our kids have done lately. Yep, that would be Daxton. Warning: view at your own risk... I can not be held accountable for your reaction!

There is a good reason for the frightening look on Dax's face... he is trying to look like Aniken Skywalker from Star Wars. You will find out why he is looking like this in the following pictures...
Yes, that is right he now sporting a new Jedi braid :(. I am not thrilled about this, but we are indulging him for a bit.
Just thought I would throw in an up close and personal shot of the awesome Jedi braid! Remember I forewarned you before you viewed this :).

I love my funny kids. They are always giving me reasons to smile and laugh :). Luv ya guys

The Most Awesome Date Ever...

2011-02-20T17:59:00.006-07:00

February 18, 2011

We went out on a date with some friends, and they suggested night snow shoeing by the full moon. It was amazing!! We had such a great time. I was a little worried at first... I am always in fear of animals when I am in the mountains. However, it was too beautiful to worry about being attacked by some ferocious beast.

You can see the lights from the Sundance ski slops in the distance.

My camera would not take good pictures, so Sinika took all these awesome pictures. Thanks Sinika. They are amazing!

I love these pictures of the moon through the trees!

Three couples went: Cassie and Alex Gross, Sinika and Adam Swalberg, and us. As you can see we were on a groomed trail, so it was pretty loud. Sometimes we went off the groomed trail, and it was like walking on clouds. Dave and I have never been snow shoeing before, and we decided we love it. Now we want to take the kids!

It is sad how little the moon looks in this picture, it was so big and beautiful.

After snow shoeing, we went to dinner. This is definitely one of the funnest dates we have ever gone on. We laughed so much and had a great time. Thanks to Sinika for planning it all. We have such great friends!

Happy Valentines 2011

2011-02-18T16:58:00.006-07:00

February 14, 2011

This year we got to celebrate Valentines with Grandma Hamilton. She came for dinner, and we watched the movie "Raising Helen". It was such a fun time. Dave barbecued pork chops, and they were sooo yummy. I can not wait for summer to have a real BBQ outside in WARMTH.

Grandma is holding her special valentine that Dawson made her :)

This is Braydens awesome valentines box to collect his valentines. Daxton made it for him. It was way cool.
These are the treats for the kids. I always make a big heart sugar cookie with a package of gum. It is usually waiting for them when they get home from school. Unfortunately, this year I was in charge of Brayden's class party so it wasn't ready till after they got home from school. Dax was pretty bummed. He walked in the door expecting them to be sitting there... nope... not this year. Sorry guys :(

Dawson's valentine for me :)... Dave's was the same but in blue!
We are such lucky parents!!

This year I put one conversation heart on each cookie, and they had to figure out which one was theirs?

Dawson's... bet you couldn't guess this one :)

Jada Babe's

Daxton's

Brayden's... he is dying to get a cell phone so he can text,
so this was perfect for him.

Another gift from Dawson. He is always ressaging (that is how he says massaging) our backs. Once again... we are such lucky parents :)
Grandma's valentine for us... a very yummy pudding cake. Thanks mom I think I gained a few extra pounds from this gift!

My Wall of Art :)

2011-02-10T16:41:00.010-07:00

February 10, 2011

We have an amazing artist in our family, and he has been kind enough to loan out a few pieces of his work to us. Our bedroom wall is full of his masterpieces :) He is constantly taping new works on our wall. There is nothing better than waking up to all of this amazing artwork. The artist is none other than....

Dawson Starkey!!

We are so blessed to have this crazy good artist do so many wonderful pieces of work for us. I just had to brag him up!

He has just been learning to draw hearts, so he draws them constantly

He is also learning to write...

these are the three words he can write without any help!!

These are fish swimming in the ocean...
at first I thought they were teeth :)

He always draws Dad, Mom and himself...

He loves this picture,
because he remembered to draw a goatee on Daddy

I just love this kid. Everyday is filled with tons of new pictures! He loves to draw. I want to keep everything he makes, but there are just too many. So.... I thought I would get a picture of my wall of art. It will help me remember forever!! Thanks Dawson... Luv ya