So Cal

What would I do if I had a couple million dollars lying around?  I would buy a beach house on Newport Beach.  I love this place.  My fam has been going here every summer since I was born.  They have the perfect sand, the perfect waves, and the perfect weather.  How could you not love it?  We had so much fun this year just hanging out and relaxing.  Ava was the funniest.  She would stay out on the beach for hours and roll around in the sand and didn't care how dirty she got.  Jack, on the other hand, has a slight phobia of sand.  He likes to play in it but doesn't like it to touch him.  hmmm.  I was kind of bummed having to watch all the surfers catch these nice waves while I sat on the sidelines five months pregnant.  I guess there's always next year.  The sacrifices we make for our children.  Overall, it was nice to get out of the Arizona sun and spend time with family and make new memories.  See ya next summer.

Newport Beach

Stinker face.  This basically sums up her personality.

The pic Jason took of me while I am saying "don't take a picture." Thanks babe.

Cousins

The magnificent duo

Hoodlum #1

Hoodlum #2

Working hard on their sand castle

Ahhh... the sand is touching me!

Beach girl

Ode to Toy Story

I just thought that I owe a big shoutout to Toy Story.  After all, it has been my lifesaver this summer. When it has been too hot to go to the park or our own swimming pool isn't even refreshing anymore or I don't feel like going bankrupt to entertain my kids outside of our house everyday, Toy Story has been there for me.  It doesn't matter what time of day it is, if it's on, my kids are watching. (maybe with a break from here to there)  They love this movie! Actually, both one and two, which equals double the fun.  Thankgoodness this movie is cute and funny for adults too, since I have to listen to it in the background a lot.  But with that said, I have been able to get tons of stuff done.  Such as... laundry from our trip two weeks ago, some cleaning that I keep putting off, the dishes that never go away, catching up on my own TV shows, playing on the computer, showering and even getting to shave my legs (bonus)... you know, pretty much stuff that we took for granted before we had children.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids to death and I don't know what I would do without them,  but us moms just need a break every now and then.  So, in the mean time,  Toy Story will remain my source of freedom. I'm sure it won't last forever (its already been a couple of months) but until their fascination wares off, I am "eternally greatful".  Thanks Toy Story and thank you kids for not gravitating to something like Barney.  One more thank you to Jack who even hits the play button to start the movie all over again.  You  are my SUPERSTAR. 

Fun in the Sun

We just got back from one of the best places on earth--Lake Powell.  It was a blast.  There was plenty of skiing, cliff jumping, swimming, eating, hanging out, yummy ice cream at Dangling Rope, and late night games of Monopoly.   Oh, and must I forget all the times you wiped out on the tube, Jason, hope your back recovers ;)  The best part was there was finally enough water that we could go through by Wahweap (yeah) rather the long way by Antelope Point.  Makes a world of difference.  Thank you Colorado snow.  Hopefully next year there will even be more water.  Can't wait to go back =)

Jack going down the water slide

She finally got used to her lifejacket-phew

Jason and Garrett contemplating the 80ft jump...which they did 

(ask Jason about his tailbone)

Jason and Jack tubing

One rough day at the lake

Graduation

i know i may seem a little young to be having a child graduating, but it's only preschool.  jack had his first graduation and it was the cutest thing.  i had no idea how cute it was going to be.  they did the little graduation walk to the graduation music.  it was hilarious.  then they had their names called and got a little certificate.  all the kids sang songs that they had learned  and got to talk about what they want to be when they grow up.  it was so fun to see jack in that kind of setting.  he was so excited to have his parents watching him and we were so excited for him.

jack had to talk about what he wants to be when he grows up.  Instead of the obvious boy answers--a fireman or a police officer--he said he wants to be a teacher.  okay, and then when his teacher asked why he wants to be a teacher he replied, "because i get to use a calculator."  Crazy kid.

yeah!  he made it past the first year of preschool.  we always knew he could do it.

so excited to be graduating.

waiting patiently for his name to be called.

the cutest face ever.

Easter

I know easter was a couple of weeks ago, but hey, better late than never, right.  Actually, I was having some camera issues.  Well, we had a really great easter and the kids had a blast.  Here are a couple pics of the weekend.

jack loves taking pictures

the fam

ava didn't quite know what to think

can you say "bedhead"

Well, I thought I would do some updating since I havn't done any blogging since Haloween. I am still learning, quite frankly, and I am pretty much terrible at it. Did I mention I hate computers. Anyways, I know there are kind of a lot of pictures just thrown on here, but here is a little glimpse of what we have been doing in the last couple of months. Sorry about this underline thing, I can't get rid of it. It's so awesome.

I did it again. I ran another marathon. This time, Disney World. My friend Carolyn ran it also. It was her first and my 6th. It was pretty cool running through all of the parks. I would still have to say that the NYC Marathon was my favorite. I think. They all have their special moments.

WE FINISHED!

Jack and Ava loving on each other. Doesn't happen very often.

Me and Ava on It's a Small World.

Ava loves animals. Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ava, Sheamus, Jack and Elyott at Epcott.

We actually got to see Mickey Mouse.

Hmm.... I wonder what's in there.

Jack and his singing friends at the Magic Kingdom.

Jack and Ava goofing off on our ski trip to Colorado.

It is so impossible to get a picture of both of my kids looking at the camera and somewhat smiling. As you can see. It is so annoying when I see other photos of kids who are always perfectly smiling and looking right at the camera. What I would I give.

Dad and Jack.

Mom and Ava.

Christmas caroling on the Breinholt trailer.

Jack getting caught stealing more candy.

Ava and Santa Clause.