family photos ta' booot!

we finally got family pictures...we love meghan and her work . she was ever so patient with us and let me tell you ...we were NOT and easy group to work with. i think she took over 400 pictures and gave us back about 40 or so that worked out. babies and toddlers make it near impossible to get everyone looking and smiling. not to mention we were sweating to death. please someone else tell me they've left a photo shoot thinking not ONE is going to turn out cuz their kids were non-cooperative. But alas there were many that i loved. thanks so much meghan. you do such great work.! if ya' all are in need of a photographer she does all sorts of settings...check her out...here

butt.smackin.fun

Lake Almanor 2010!!pouting like your an only child...

lovin like it's your last grandchild...

eating like there's no tomorrow...(cafe rio salads!, thanks mindy and marty!)

spoilin like it won't affect them! (Kim- you were too kind to all the kids, they replaced us as parents-we've never given them that many gifts in all their long lives.)

serving because your nice- Raquel! thanks, those sandwiches hit the spot.

tubing because you're fearless...almost. (Ruby would only go with her uncle Ryan)

skiing and boarding because we think we're young and limber...ha ha, right.

behaving like all is right with the world...

playing like there's no limits...

going - not only for the beauty of Lake Almanor but- for the priceless time we have with our dear family...despite the TWO speeding tickets we got while driving out to Cali...(ughh!) we witnessed this beautimous rainbow coasting (literally) into our hometown. how nice. We miss you -lake - and the good times you create-please be there next year!

I swore...

...i wouldn't attempt another shirt-dress for a while , but, i couldn't help it. it did go faster the second time around and....i didn't ignore my kids this time! yeah!again for this GREAT website and the free tutorial for this dress go here

speaking of swearing ...here are some other things i swear by lately...

A. old and dear friends to brighten up my birthday . thanks girls and everyone else that came. ( and to my thoughtful husband who planned the party)B. my beautiful little guy that makes me smile every time i look at him...

C. cousin sleepovers- tiring- but fun to watch the kids thoroughly enjoy every minute (plus, then we trade with their parents and take an overnighter ourselves)...Liam HAD to sleep next to Willa on the floor even though his bed was right next to her. then he ended up taking over the mat and shoving his poor cousin off. signs of the time...watch out future wife!

D. letting my husband go on a mountain-biking excursion with some buddies...talk about coming home a new man! i didn't recognize him with all the dirt- and - he was so totally enthused!

E. having Liam on silverware duty. i HATE unloading the dishwasher...just like my Mom does...and i always think Liam is too little to help but found out he does a great job! F. i don't swear by this... the midnight showing of eclipse. i think the movies and books are entertaining- but i definitely don't need to stay up till 2 or 3 am to watch it the first night. i had fun with these girls - though i don't know how i got talked into it by Ingrid!- i was so so tired waiting for it to start. don't know if i'd do it again. i guess there is always a first and last time for everything. !

the back rolls...

the thunder thighs...

the rubber band wrists...

whats left to be desired?