5 Months Old

Can you believe it, Parker is 5 months old today!!!

I'm back

Monday night, Carson, Cooper, and I got the stomach flu. We were so sick, especially the boys. After 2 days of recovery, we are feeling great and have a ton of energy!

Ready to Go!

Today we got all signed up at the YMCA. The boys are signed up for swimming lessons and karate lessons. Karate starts Tuesday, swimming starts Thursday. They are so excited!! On another note, it is snowing right now. I think we have almost 2 inches. It better be gone by morning!!

Mom, look at the shark!

After Multnomah Falls we went to the fish hatchery. We fed the fish and saw the huge sturgeon. Cooper, of course, kept calling them huge sharks!

Waterfall Fun

Today we headed out to Multnomah Falls. There was a ton of water! The boys and I hiked up the icy, snowy trail to the bridge. We also ate lunch at the lodge. It was so much fun!

Chuck E Cheese

Last night we went to Chuck E Cheese with Josh's family to celebrate Carson's birthday. The kids had so much fun running around and playing games. We had pizza, yummy cupcakes, and opened presents.

Project 365- January

1. Today we recovered from Carson's birthday party. We did some cleaning and some cooking.

2. Today we played with my old Barbies. All 3 had alot of fun with them. Later, we went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Carson's birthday with Josh's family. The kids had so much fun playing.

3. Today we went to Multnomah Falls and the fish hatchery. It was cold but dry. The falls had so much water coming down. It was beautiful. The boys and I hiked up to the bridge (through ice and snow on a narrow path). After that, we drove a few miles to the fish hatchery and fed some huge rainbow trout. We also saw some huge sturgeon.

4. Today we went to the YMCA and got all signed up. The boys are signed up for swimming lessons and karate lessons! We also went to Red Robin for lunch. Then, to Target for swim supplies (towels, little swimmer diapers, new swimsuits). Grandpa brought home a special ice cream treat. Finally, as of 9pm, we have 2 inches of snow.

5. The day started off great. We started school (at home). We went to the YMCA. We had lunch. By nighttime, Carson, Cooper,  and I were sick with the flu. The boys threw up all night long!! We were so sick.

6. Recovery day. The boys were feeling much better. We rested and watched movies.

7. Recovery day. We rested some more and took it easy.

8. Today we had lunch at Grandma's work. The kids did some craft projects and played.

9. Today we had we went to Bridgeport and walked around. We got new books and had lunch. Later, Emma went to Grandma Michele's to spend the night.

10. Today Emma came home at lunchtime. Then in the afternoon the boys headed over to Grandma Michele's to spend the night.

11. Today Jack came over to play with Emma. The boys went to church, Saint Cupcake, and Burgerville with Grandma Michele.

12. Today we went to the library. We got a new library card and then picked out some books. Later, Carson and Cooper had their first swim lesson. They loved it!

13. Today we went to the World Forestry Center. The kids had a great time! Later, the boys had their first karate lesson. Cooper was so shy but he loved it!

14. Today was a resting day. We did some craft projects and played in the bubbly tub before bed.

15. Today the boys and I went grocery shopping. The kids rode their bikes outside and played with the dogs. Later, Jack came over to play.

16. Today the boys woke up with another cold. That didn't stop them from playing outside. Jack came over to play before bed.

17. Today the boys went to Grandma Michele's. Emma and I went and got some new paints. We had dinner at Gustav's and read books before bed.

18. Today the boys came back from Grandma Michele's. We just hung out and went in the bubbly tub before bed.

19. Today the boys had swim lessons. They jumped in at the deep end, and even went under water with no fear. They also worked on their swim strokes.

20. Today we watched the Inauguration. Carson was way into it! Later, the boys had karate lessons. They worked on their kicks and did an awesome job! Later, we all went to family swim. The kids went home with Grandpa and my mom, brother, and I stayed for water aerobics. It was hard, but a great workout.

21. Today we went to the zoo. We packed a lunch. It was cold, but that didn't bother the kids.

22. Today the kids hung out with Grandpa. I ran some errands. The boys went to dinner and a play with Grandma Michele & Grandpa Jim.

23. Today the kids played outside all day, even though it was cold. Grandma Michele picked the boys up in the afternoon to spend the weekend with them.

24. Today with the boys gone, Emma, Grandma, and I went to the craft stores. We had dinner at Gustav's and Emma played in the bubbly tub. The boys went to the beach with Grandma Michele & Grandpa Jim.

25. Today the boys came home from Michele's. They went to church and then stopped by the new fire station. They got a full tour and had a blast.

26. Today we had swim lessons. The boys practiced diving, swimming on their backs, and putting their face in the water.

27. Today was karate. The boys worked on their somersaults and blocking with their arms.

28. Today we worked on finishing up the letter A. Jack came over for awhile and played.

29. Today we cleaned house. The kids played outside with Grandpa.

30. Today was payday & tax return day!!! We went to Target. The kids each got to pick out one new toy. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.

31. Today we went out all day. First, we went to the Chocolate Fest at the Forestry center. Then, we went to Burgerville for lunch and Craft Warehouse. The next stop was Old Navy, where we got some really cute V-day shirts. Next, we went to Powell's books. Finally, we dropped off some movies and stopped by Michaels. Carson wanted to keep going and going!

A look back at 2008

Josh
- was promoted to Staff Sargent
- went back to Iraq

Shannon
- graduated from college
- had my last baby

Carson
- started Preschool
- learned to write his name
- became a huge Superhero fan

- turned 5

Cooper
- finally got potty-trained
- really started to talk, finally
- became a huge Superhero fan as well

- turned 3

Emma

- became quite the comedian

- loves anything pink and baby dolls

- loves Mickey & Minnie

- still must have her pink silky blanket at bed

Parker

- was born 8/8

- had his 1st Christmas

- loves watching his brothers & sister

As a Family, we enjoyed on a regular basis

- Starbucks

- donuts when Daddy was home

- movie night

- going on walks

- baking

- craft projects

Carson is 5!!!

Carson had a great 5th birthday. He talked to Daddy in the morning. Uncle Sean got donuts for breakfast. We went to the fabric store and picked out fabric for a new blanket. We had Burgerville at Grandma's work. Grandpa took Carson and Cooper to the movie Bolt in 3D. We had a party with pizza, presents, and cake! Daddy got to watch the dance party and see Carson's presents. Carson stayed up late in his bed playing his new Leapster2 game under the covers and with a flashlight. He had a very fun day!!

Tues. Night Dance Party

Carson's Day

On Tuesday, Grandma Michele took Carson out for his birthday. They went to lunch, Saint Cupcake, and a special toy store. He had a wonderful afternoon!

Random Pictures

From the past few days.

- Emma feeding Josh via webcam

Carson's Last Day of 4!

Today was Carson's last day being 4 years old. I cannot believe he is going to be 5 years old tomorrow!!! How did he grow up so fast???

- Birthday

- 1st Birthday
- 2nd Birthday- 3rd Birthday (at Disneyland)

- 4th Birthday

Christmas at YiaYia's

We went over to Josh's grandma's house to celebrate Christmas with his family. I decided to drive there myself thinking it wouldn't be a problem. Oh no, our car got stuck in the snow. I could see YiaYia's house. It was not moving. 10 minutes later Jim and Michele got there and started helping. Then Caleb got there and started helping. We walked the kids up to the house. It took them over an hour to get the car unstuck. I felt terrible. I hate the snow!!! We had a great dinner. The kids loved opening their presents. Everyone loved what they got from the gift exchange. We had a great evening!