The Cameron Family

Growing Up Fast...Too Fast!

2011-11-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Jett Dayley

2 months~

3 months~

4 months~

5 months~

Fall Break Fun

2011-11-09T14:35:00.001-08:00

We had a picnic at the park, lots of playdates, and a sleepover or two! Everyone (including yours truly!) was worn out by the end of the week. And on the last night of fall break, I let them crash on the family room couch. Ah...finally, peace and quiet!

Baby Brother

2011-11-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

Rian has been wanting to learn to change Jett's diaper ever since he was born. In the end, she wasn't quite prepared for what was there though!

Jack just ADORES this baby! In fact, just this last Sunday in church he leaned over and whispered in his ear, "I love you baby Jett." And my heart melted.

Tub Time

2011-11-09T13:55:00.001-08:00

Let's Eat!

2011-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

Attempt #1- not well received...

Attempt #2- A little improvement...

Finally- give me more!!!

Jack Turns 5!

2011-11-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

School Celebration with Star Wars cupcakes!

A Star Wars themed party with lots of friends, big screen movie, cake and presents.

Gifts sent from Grandma and Papa!

Winding down with his new Star Wars game after a long day of celebration!

Happy Birthday big boy!!!

First Day at Church as a Family of 6!

2011-11-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

First Day of School

2011-11-09T13:06:00.001-08:00

Rian-entering 4th grade, and Dakota- going into 6th grade. Or in other words...junior high! Ahhh!!!

Jack was less than thrilled about the prospect of starting school. In fact, for months I had been trying to get him excited about the idea. My efforts failed miserably. I thought it was ironic that Jack is my 3rd child to start school and yet it was the FIRST time I cried. Ironic also that he is by far the one I was most excited to start! He has been so bored, not having gone to preschool, and being the only child at home since he was a baby. I knew he would love it, I just knew it would take some time. So...he cried, he begged, he clung. It was horrible! A part of me wanted to scoop him up, take him home with me, and snuggle him all day! The teacher told me it would be best if I just gave him a little hug and left. So I did. I cried the whole way home. It took him a little less than 2 dreadful weeks, and he finally came around. He loves school now. He is excited to see his friends, and proud of all the things he is learning. He tested his teacher quite a bit in the beginning, but soon learned there was little he could get away with. He is doing so well, and I am extremely proud of him!

*Jack wouldn't pose for a picture before we left the house (since he was still refusing to go!), so I had to sneak my head in the door and snap this heartbreaking shot. Just after I did, he got up, started to cry again, and ended up being cuddled by his sweet teacher.

My only saving grace...the bus! If it wasn't for his love of riding the bus, I most likely would not have been able to get him to school that first week.

2011-09-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

Brotherly Love...

Smiles & Conversation...

2011-08-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

I love the above picture because alot of these girls have played together for several years and now they all have little siblings that are playing together. They all help the little ones stretch and get warmed up before the game, then cheer them on during. We had the loudest crowd in the arena by far!

Jett's Blessing

2011-08-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Jett Dayley Cameron~2 months old

Dave with his dad, who was just recently reactivated. This blessing was so special because it was the first of our children that papa C was able to stand in on. I was especially grateful since papa O is in England and wasn't able to be in the circle.

Dave with his good friend, Sasha. Sasha bore a beautiful testimony in church about how much a part of his conversion Dave was just by being an example to him years ago when they played soccer professionally together. Since then we have been priveledged to be at his baptism, the blessing of his 3rd son, and last year we were able to witness his family be sealed together.

Also in the circle were Uncle John, Steve Holt (our long time Home Teacher and friend), Bishop Schuyler and Brother Sargent (counselor). We are so grateful that all of our in-town family, as well as several great friends, came to Jett's blessing to support our family.

Our Journey To Washington

2011-08-10T15:06:00.001-07:00

1st stop...Vegas! We stayed at the Circus Circus Hotel and had a few hours of fun before bedtime. Here, the kids watch in amazement at the flying acrobat show!

Jack took his aggressions out at this rest stop and ended up in time out. He was visibly devastated.

The kids enjoyed every chance they got to stretch their legs and take in the scenery.

Jett on his 1st ferry ride.

We LOVE the ferry! Especially because it means we have completed our 3 day car ride and will now be spending 3 whole weeks at the most beautiful place on earth!

Bainbridge Vacation Week 1

2011-08-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Patio Dancing...

4th Of July Fireworks

"Minute To Win It"

On our way out of Poulsbo we watched the birth of this baby seal!

Bainbridge Vacation Week 2

2011-08-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Baby blue eyes...

Geo-Cacheing

Battle Point Park

Cousins

Dave & the Kayak Titanic incident (aka: The Kayanic)

All 18 Grandkids!

Bainbridge Vacation Week 3

2011-08-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tubing Beauties!

CrabFest!

Time with Cousins

The Grand Forest

She does it again!

Jett's first ride on the boat.

Lovin the new tube!

Beach Day

Jett~7 weeks old

Jack~almost 5 years old

Rian~9 years old

Dakota~11 years old

Master Sandcastle

Attempts at a family photo...where's Jack???

Our family~ 2011

Bainbridge Titanic

2011-07-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Jett Dayley Cameron

2011-06-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Finally! The big day has arrived...June 5, 2011

Born at 2:06am

Weighing 6 lbs, 3 oz & 18 1/2 inches

Looking just like his big brother Jack!

Our fantastic nurse, Jaime.

Resting after a LONG night!

Thrilled with our new little precious angel!

Visitors!

2011-06-08T21:26:00.001-07:00

Big Brother Jack...

Big Sisters Rian & Dakota...

Our four beautiful children...

Aunt Jacy & Jasmyn...

Grandma & Papa Cameron...

Uncle Craig, Aunt Veronica, Diego & Elizabeth;

Stacy & Erika...

Jett Opens His Eyes

2011-06-05T05:27:00.001-07:00

Jett Dayley Cameron

2011-06-05T02:39:00.000-07:00

Need an Epidural

2011-06-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

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Dressed to go at 6:15PM

Our 5th Grade Graduate!

2011-05-28T22:57:00.001-07:00

I absolutely CANNOT believe our baby is moving on to 6th grade, which also means Junior High...ahhhh!!!! When I said to Dave "I don't know if I can handle her going to middle school", he said "But she can handle it". Very true. She has a great sense of who she is and is a sweet girl that will undoubtedly make good choices. Congrats, Dakota!

Best Friend, Willow

Good friends, McKenna & Jasmine

Dakota was fortunate to have Mr. Schooley for 3rd & 5th grade. She had a hard time saying goodbye to him, he was a wonderful teacher to her.

Choir and Chimes

2011-05-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

Dakota was in the Chimes Group this year. She enjoyed it so much and I really enjoyed getting to hear her group perform! At the concert, the 5th graders also performed a couple of songs. This, I don't think she enjoys quite as much!

And the Grammy goes to...

2011-05-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

This year Rian was in the drama club. All year long they worked on several plays and last week they performed one of them, "Readin', Writin' and Rockin'". She did a fantastic job!

Little Fishy

2011-05-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

During his first week Jack cried before, during and after each lesson. He even cried himself to sleep the first night and woke up crying the next morning. He tried every excuse in the book to escape his turn every time. Even going so far as to say he needed a tissue. Mind you...this boy has NEVER asked for a tissue in his life! After week one though, he got a little more comfortable and even started floating around in a tube during the other kids turns.

No floatie needed anymore!!!

Playing "swim froggie" with his good little friend, Gabby!

I gotta say, I was a little jealous of the instructor here. It looked like a lot of fun to throw the kids in the water!

Doing SO well!

Lessons are over, and although he started off slowly, he is now swimming so well! We took the kids to Lifetime yesterday so he could get some practice in to keep it fresh in his mind. He now swims long distances, touches the bottom of the pool, and turns in circles underwater. Go Jack!!!

Rian's Birthday Celebration

2011-05-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

Because Rian has a summer birthday, she rarely gets to celebrate with her school friends. Between the impending birth of her little brother, summer vacation, and our annual trip to Bainbridge, we knew a party would be difficult to get together on her actual birthday. So, we decided we would do one before school let out for the summer. She invited several friends over for a movie night and ice cream sundaes!

Happy Pre-Birthday Sweetie!

2011-05-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Soccer Stud

2011-05-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Jack is amazing in his soccer games! He works hard to score goals as well as play keeper, he has learned that he also needs to pass the ball, and has also become quite the little leader on the field! Unfortunately, I also caught him taunting the other players!

Handing out goody bags at the last season game, posing with his team, and receiving his medal.

Other than actually playing...Jack's favorite things about soccer are his adorable girlfriends, Hayden and Kyndall, and orange slices!

The Simple Things...

2011-05-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Because its just more fun to watch a movie in a fort!

Gotta love the sound of that Ice Cream Truck!

Jack was proud to use his own money this time!

2011-04-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

The kids woke up bright and early to find their Easter baskets full of goodies and toys!

The Easter bunny had also hid lots of candy filled eggs around the house for them to find.

After church we headed over to grandma and papa Cameron's house for a yummy feast and an egg hunt prepared by Brevin and Tyler. This is a tradition in the making...second year in a row that these sweet boys have done this for the smaller cousins. Tyler even gave away one of his dollars from grandma to the cousin that found the most eggs!

I love the meetings at church on Easter Sunday, 3 hours where all that is spoken of is our Saviors resurection. Even in Primary, the Spirit is so strong as we speak of Him. I am especially grateful for these 3 (soon to be 4) amazing little spirits...

Happy Easter!

Big Brother Jack

2011-04-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Jack is so excited for his little brother to join our family. He is constantly talking to my belly (asking the baby if he wants to be named Boogart or Jett), tickling me in hopes of making Jett laugh, and asking daily when Jett is coming out of my belly. One day I came home from a quick errand and he asked if I went to get Jett out. Another time he came into our room and handed me his little blue blanket (one that Bree gave me when I was pregnant with him and he has used since the day he was born) and told me he wants to give it to baby Jett.

The following are pictures he has drawn, both highlighting his soon-to-be baby brother...

From left to right...Jack, Rian, dad, Dakota, mom. I reminded him that he forgot someone so he quickly drew baby Jett in the only space he could find on the page. He laughed hysterically at his artwork because Jett was standing on daddy's head and his foot was in his eye!

This picture is a little harder to see, but from what he tells us it is baby Jett in a spaceship! He was so proud of this one that he enlisted Rian's help to tape it up above his bed.

Now I just have to hope that the enthusiastic welcoming continues once he realizes babies cry a whole lot and require most of mom's attention!

Skillz...

2011-04-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

She later scored a goal, which doesn't happen too often for defenders, but of course I didn't have my camera on her at the time...ugh!

Pre-teen?

2011-04-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Dakota turns 11!

We started the day off with her favorite breakfast...French Toast.

(Can you pick out my non-morning child?)

I later picked Dakota up from school for lunch...Subway, her absolute favorite.

After school...presents, cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

(I think for my next birthday, I will wish that my kids would STOP growing up so fast!)

Special Time w/ the Camerons

2011-02-26T15:39:00.001-08:00

...Cousins

Siblings...

...Brothers

Tucson Tournament

2011-02-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

Opening Ceremonies & U-11 Olympics

(where Dakota's team took 1st in Shooting!)

Rian in action!

Dakota in action!

Dakota's Team (coached by Dave!) took 1st place in their age & rank!!!

So proud of my little soccer family!

Some great Christmas videos...

2011-02-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Dakota playing chimes at the school Christmas concert.

Rian singing with her grade in the school Christmas concert.

Chrismas morning (surprise, Bree!)

Jack and Spidey

Jack showing off his mad dance skills!

Christmas

2011-02-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Decorating our beautiful tree!

"Ta-daaaa!"

(Can't get over the look on Jack's face in this picture!)

Making cookies...yummy!

School Christmas concert. Dakota can barely contain her excitement :)

Christmas Eve has finally arrived!

A visit from Santa, who came with a gift for each Cameron kid!
A

Cousins gift exchange.

A plate of yummy snacks for Santa.

One last check for Santa on the radar. He was so close that we just had to go outside and check. Aunt Bree did NOT want this picture posted, but look at the amazement on Jack's little lit up face as we actually spot Santa in the sky!

Our favorite story, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before bed.

Christmas Morning!

The girls were so excited about the gift they got for daddy...a volleyball! "Perfect", Rian says, "because we already have a net in the backyard!" Only problem is, its a SOCCER NET.

Dakota finally notices the Wii we had set up on Christmas Eve. Our special gift from grandma and papa O! Look at that face!

Look how much Lucy loves the new bed she got. Plus, Dave's traditional "made to order" Christmas morning breakfast buffet. Love it!

Another trip to grandma and papa C's house.

The Cameron cousins (mine are still in jammies because I was too sick to force them into anything else, and Dave just didn't care!)

Videos from England

2011-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Falcon Show at Warwick Castle

Aston Villa game...kinda gives you chills (at least it does if your entire family's life revolves around soccer!)

New Street "Scary Guy"

(Jack tortures me all day, every day. Is it really so wrong to find some enjoyment out of doing this to him every once in a while?)

Carnival ride overlooking Cardiff, Wales.

England

2011-01-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

The first day and a half were really spent trying to adjust to the time change. On our second night there, all of the kids woke up at 2 am and were wide awake for at least a couple of hours. Recovering from our travel was my challenge! The girls did manage to help grandma trim the tree and put up Christmas decorations. We went to a traditional English carvery for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, which was really neat (although I don't have any pictures because the airline lost my baggage...which contained my camera!)

Friday~Warwick Castle

Top left- We learned that Rian, as a female redhead, would have been quite the sought after young lady back in the day. Apparently, her urine was considered to be able to cure disease! Bottom right- Jack, worn out after such a big day. After all...he was crowned "Knight of Warwick Castle"!

Saturday~Dad got tickets to the Aston Villa vs Arsenal soccer game for us...what an experience! We had amazing seats, and although it was freezing out, it is still a memory that will last a lifetime (especially for Dave!).

After the game, we took the train to New Street where we met the rest of the crowd (grandma was kind enough to keep Jack and Rian so that I could go to the game also) for footlong German sausages, one of papa's favorites!

Sunday~After attending a stake conference where mom and dad spoke, we headed to Wales with stops at historical church sites on the way. Above, Benbow Pond where Wilford Woodruff baptized some 1600 saints.

Monday~ Cardiff, Wales for shopping, a street carnival, and a stop at an arcade.

Above- the view from our hotel room.

Tuesday~Travel home from Wales with a stop at St. Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life.

SO MUCH SNOW!!!

Christmas in England.

Wednesday~ Transfers...a very special day for us. It was so neat to be able to meet so many of the missionaries and really see mom and dad in action! Dakota and Rian even got to stand on the Rameumptom and get the customary EBM introduction.

Plenty of Fish-n-Chips!

Thursday~Trip to a Star City Mall for Mini Golf and a super yummy lunch (the only restaraunt that we visited with a soda and ice dispenser...heaven!)

New Street Shopping Center to watch some of the missionaries carol with the young single adults.

Cookies and Crackers!

Unfortunately, our amazing adventure had to come to an end. We are so grateful to have had the chance to go to this gorgeous place, to see some beautiful sites, and most importantly to spend some precious time with grandma and papa!

Knight Jack of Warwick Castle

2010-11-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

2010-11-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful job!

"BodyPump"

"BodyStep"

I feel especially lucky that this job has introduced me to 3 girls that have now become some of my closest friends! This picture was taken on the day we rolled out BodyStep 80...dressed in theme! (Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of "BodyAttack", which is my favorite program to teach!)

(Stacy, Kelly, me and Alejandra)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-07T08:03:00.001-08:00

This Halloween book is Jack's first choice every night this time of year. Here is how he explains this particular page...

The purple monster is mommy, scaring the cute little girl, who is Rian. The wolf is Dakota, who is comforting Jack. Jack is crying because he dropped his lollipop into the bush.

Should I worry that he immediately sees me as the big fat monster???

Dakota got the chance to haunt at Fear Farm again this year with her friend, Willow. I could hardly look at her with this super creepy make-up on!

Pumpkin Patch

Carving Pumpkins...

Jack (Luigi), Rian (Vampiress), Dakota (Sorceress)

The kids made some friends while trick or treating near grandma & papa C's house...

All the Cameron and Shepherd children (+1) at the Trunk or Treat.

Dakota & Rian trick-or-treating...

Our favorite Halloween tradition...MONKEY MAN!!!

Once again it was Jack's year. Much to Jacy's pleasure, Bailee and Kendall did join in his terror!

Until next year Monkey Man!

Our Bainbridge drive home 2010...Forgot to put up

2010-10-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Auntie Bree!

2010-10-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my amazingly brilliant, bonkers talented, crazy sweet, and absolutely beautiful baby sister! I love you!!!

"I love Aunt Bree because she read me and Cameron stories before we went to bed in Washington! Happy Birthday Aunt Bree!" -Rian

"I love Aunt Bree because she inspires me to write just like her! Happy, happy birthday Aunt Bree! I hope you have a great day." -Dakota

Happy Birthday Papa!

2010-10-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad/Papa!

Take 1...

Take 2......

Take 3...

Take 4...

Take 5...

Finally!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Our Stars...and Jack!

2010-10-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok...so the title is a little bit mean, but read the entire post before you judge!

Yesterday all of the parents were invited to Ms Neal's 3rd grade class to listen to the children's recently published stories. Rian wrote such a cute story and read it proudly out loud to the group. Looks like she might take after her brilliant Aunt Bree! Afterwards, there were treats for all.

No shocker here...Dakota was named Student of the Month for September. This officially means that every year (besides 2nd when she attended a different school) she has received this honor either the 1st or 2nd month of the school year. The students have a reward/punishment system in their class where they have to write Mr. Schooley a check out of their fake bank account for misbehaving. Dakota's goal is to not have to write a single check the whole year. I know she can do it. However, they have to write one if their parent doesn't sign the agenda every night...that's alot of pressure on me!!!

Oh Jack...sigh. My son came up to my room the other day COVERED in YOGURT!!! What would possess a child to do such a thing? I don't know. But, he was super excited about it. I guess that's what I get for ignoring the fact that it was dead silent downstairs, so that I could have some quiet time. Which, by the way, was totally worth it!

The family that plays together...

2010-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Jack's first rec practice as an Arizona Hammer! He was definitely excited, but also a little nervous to go out there without mom or dad. It didn't take long before he decided to just go for it! He loves to run around with all the other boys and is so excited to have his turn on the field!

Does this picture remind you of anyone??? ^^^

Rian in her first official competitive game! Despite her fears of being out there in front of all those parents, she played so hard and totally won over the hearts of the crowd.

Dakota's first game of the season. She is so fun to watch! She has set a great example for her sister and brother. Her drive and skills improve each time I watch her, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for her!

Family Home Evening~Activity???

2010-09-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Rian was devastated last Sunday night when we told the kids to get ready for bed. This isn't unusual for her, but her reason actually gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling. She was upset because this would have been the second week in a row that we'd skipped Family Home Evening. So I gave a quick lesson on the importance of prayer and left the activity up to Dave...this is where things got a little out of hand.

Our activity included 2 newly invented Cameron family games...the first of which consisted of Dave rolling across the room as fast as possible while the kids jumped over him. The problem came when they started laughing so hard that they couldn't jump in time, or high enough to clear him! At the point that they got too exhausted to jump anymore and he was just bulldozing them, they decided to try game #2...Dave does a push up while the kids stand on his back. I'm a little bit surprised, and a lot grateful, that this FHE didn't conclude in the emergency room.

I'm especially grateful for my kids. Rian will absolutely not let us skip a week of FHE. Tonight, and most nights, she jumps at the chance to give the lesson. She takes the initiative to put a sweet thought together all on her own. Tonight she talked about the Iron Rod and even had a little "Pin the Fruit on the Tree" game where she led us each, with our eyes closed, along a makeshift rod. Dakota loves to do the activity. She always puts so much effort into it, and it always comes with a sweet little spiritaul thought. Jack enjoys leading us in his favorite song, "Follow the Prophet", or "Fall on the groffit" if you really listen to him! He sings the song as he walks around in a circle. One by one we are to join in, walking around and singing the song together.

Jumping Jacks

2010-09-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Jack doesn't always like to have his picture taken, but on occasion he gets silly and wants me to capture every moment of it. While at grandma and papa's C's house for a family get-together, he was in one of those moods. I took full advantage of it and snapped these great mid-air leaps.

Gotta love this kid and his testosterone filled little body!

Big Boy!

2010-08-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

We weren't able to celebrate Jack's birthday until Sunday because we had such a busy weekend. Luckily, at age 4 he had no idea. The plan was to wait til after dinner to open gifts and have cake with the Shepherds (as it was also Payson's b-day), but I just couldn't wait to give him his gift from grandma and papa O. Jack's DS had broken a few days earlier and he fought all weekend with the girls for a chance to play theirs. So, that is what grandma and papa gave him, and it came EARLY on Sunday morning! He LOVES his new, totally tough DS!

He also got a football, Toy Story flip flops, a firetruck, an outfit, and a cool new car from grandma and papa C!

The girls were eager to give Jack their own gifts. So on Saturday we hit the Dollar Store where Dakota got him a super cool sword, and Rian found a fireman's hat.

Great gifts, a dinosaur cake...

And 2 crazy birthday boys!!!

Happy Birthday to our little man!

3 Crazy Kids

2010-08-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dakota Wakeboarding

2010-08-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

Fireworks

2010-08-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

RUN!!!

DUCK!!!

Finding Crabs

2010-08-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Pay attention to Jack's little celebration at the end...

"oh yah, uh huh, oh ya, uh huh"

Already???

2010-08-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

First day of school...

This year is really exciting for the girls because they both got their teachers from 2 years ago...Mr. Schooley (Dakota) and Ms. Neal (Rian). These remain to be our two favorite teachers EVER!!! Here's to another great year!

A Special Day for Rian

2010-08-10T14:43:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful little girl has turned 8 and was baptized today, August 7, 2010.

Just as Dakota did, Rian wore the very dress that I was baptized in. We had so many family and friends come to show their support. Two extra rows of chairs had to be brought in as the room continued to fill up. We had more than 40 people there just for Rian!

Megan, Chris, Emma and Taylor came all the way from California. Aunt Megan put together a special desert...made to order!

Showered with gifts, including her very own new pair of scriptures.

Cameron Family 2010

2010-08-05T20:11:00.001-07:00

How did I get so LUCKY???

Count Your Blessings

2010-08-04T00:59:00.000-07:00

" Remember the days blessings...

...forget the days troubles"

So we had some serious car trouble on our way home from Washington. What should have taken us 12 hrs from Bainbridge to Salt Lake City, ended up taking 24. We drove through the night, stopping every 30-40 mins to let the car cool down. Many times I just felt like crying, but my amazing husband was able to find the good in almost every trying time. At our 1st stop we happened to pull over at a mountain top that looked across to a massive, beautiful waterfall. At the next, a gorgeous green mountain view. I remember one stop in particular, around probably 2 o'clock in the morning, where we pulled off the freeway and got out to stretch our legs and rest the car. We looked up and saw more huge, brightly glowing stars in the sky than I knew even existed! Dave and I had lots of time to just talk and enjoy each others company, while the kids slept soundly and cluelessly in the back seat.

"Obstacles are Opportunities in Disguise"

We stayed, as planned, in SLC with friends on Saturday night and attempted to leave on Sunday after letting the car rest overnight. Unfortunately, we only got about 80 miles out of SLC when the car gave up on us again. At that particular point, there just happened to be a Petting Zoo, at a gas station in the middle of nowhere! The kids had so much fun playing with the animals. We then were able to get towed back to a transmission shop close to our friends home. They put us up for another 2 days while we waited on a diagnosis on the car and made arrangements to get home. The kids had a blast with their children, playing the Wii and even tie-dying t-shirts . We are so grateful to our friends, the Baca's, for being so hospitable! But we are even more grateful that we were able to finally get home on Wednesday morning, after pulling yet another all night drive!

Week Three...

2010-08-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Down time...

Sluy's Bakery, Poulsbo. A new "must visit" as far as the kids are concerned. This is also officially my new favorite bakery...the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are TO DIE FOR!

Chris took Emma out on the Kayak and picked a Starfish right out of the water!

Really...why take time out to walk all the way to the bathroom?

These boys played so hard, and yet they stayed up til almost 11 o'clock most nights playing their DS's. One of their favorite things to do was jump from the top bunk onto the couch below. In fact, one night as all the kids sat at the table for dinner, the following conversation took place...

Payson: "Hey Jack, you wanna go high dive?"

Jack: (enthusiatically) "YEAH!"

Payson: "Let's go!"

Jacy & Alisa: (simultaniously) "No, No, No!"

Nature hike...

"Despicable Me"

It was rare to find Rian outside, unless it was for a trip to the candy store or a ride on the boat. She much preferred to spend her time watching tv or playing her DS with Cameron by her side.

Jack, Jasmyn & Dakota enjoying the bay!

Point No Point Beach

2010-08-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

This has become one of my favorite places to visit while we vacation in Bainbridge. Although its usually a little cold, the kids always have so much fun. Except for Rian...this year she spent most of the time in the car! We did get her out for half an hour or so toward the end of our time there, and I think she managed to have a little bit of fun!

Bainbridge Week 2...

2010-08-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Boating FUN!

Unfortunately, our Boob Tube decided it had finally had enough this year. After it pretty much tore apart on the first run of the trip, Dave got creative and used it as a wakeboard instead. We couldn't quite convince any of the children to try this new form of water fun!

Emma & Rian were inseperable!

Our handsome son on a long, leisurely boat ride. Jack loved the boat more this year than ever!

Boat trip to Poulsbo for ICE CREAM!

Lots of friendly soccer on the gorgeous turf field at Battle Point Park. All of the kids enjoyed getting in on the fun. Dave made trips to the park almost daily to get his soccer fix, and the kids were happy to tag along!

Always room for more ICE CREAM!

July 4th in Bainbridge

2010-07-11T20:38:00.001-07:00

We love to spend the 4th of July in Bainbridge. We don't have to go any farther than our lawn to have a great time and see a fantastic show!

This year we start off with s'mores...

Each year the family helplessly sits by and watches the boys create their own show. I believe one of these years we will undoubtedly be taking a trip to the ER.

But I will admit, this year was quite a show!

Of course we have sparklers for the kiddos!

Jack was undecided as to whether or not he enjoys the fireworks or not.

We love to take the boat out and see all the fireworks going off around the bay.

We had 2 very special people missing from our celebration this year, but we did get to see them on Skype!

Happy 4th of July!

CrabFest 2010!

2010-07-10T14:37:00.001-07:00

Time to go crab fishin'!

JACKPOT!!!

Rian can already taste it!

FEAST!!!

Bainbridge 2010 Week 1

2010-07-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

We stopped at a small motel in Fillmore to sleep on our first night of travel, then drove just a couple of hours to SLC on day 2. While there, we visited the BYU womens soccer facility and then headed over to Temple Square.

Who else but my son would fall into the fountain at Temple Square? He laid down on his tummy to splash his hands in the water and lost his balance. He was pretty freaked out and upset but it wasn't until Dave and I started taking pictures that he got REALLY mad!

The kids did so great on the trip. 2-1/2 days in the car and not one meltdown. The only fit from Jack came when we refused to buy him an icee at a late night convenience store potty stop.

We had an unexpected visitor this year. We lovingly named him RJ, after the lead raccoon in the movie "Over The Hedge". He wasn't at all scared of us and made several appearances.

We decided to take the kids on the ferry over to Seattle to get Fish-n-Chips at Ivars and do some souveneir shopping. It was a really fun afternoon for all of us.

Myself, Megan & Jacy on our way out to see Eclipse. Dave was the only man here at the time and he offered to stay with the kids while we went. Brownie points!

Our favorite playplace, BattlePoint Park, just one mile from the house.

This ends week one, but stay tuned for posts of our 4th of July celebration and CrabFest 2010!

Rian Turns Eight!

2010-07-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

We were happy to arrive in Bainbridge Island this year the day before Rian's birthday so she was able to celebrate with her cousins.

The party started with a super fun treasure hunt that Aunt Bree put together. The treasure box at the end contained a special toy for each child. The kids then played a quick game of Musical Chairs before moving on to the Pinata.

Gifts...

and cake!

Happy Birthday Crazy Red!

Payson, Jack, & Emma playing soccer

2010-07-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jack and Dad's Shoes

2010-07-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Bainbridge Puget Sound Boat Ride

2010-07-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Westside Complex (aka...Dave's baby!)

2010-06-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Driving along the Loop 101 between Thomas and McDowell brings a whole new kind of excitement to our family these days. Looking West off the freeway, we feel so much pride as we find it nearly impossible to not stare at this amazing site...

The Westside Complex opened in February 2009, with one field of beautiful green grass that we were so excited about. Today, after countless hours of care and hard work, it hosts an amazing 20 full size soccer fields!

Unfortunately, I'm far too nervous to stop on the side of the freeway to get a picture of it in full swing on any given Saturday. So for now, here are a couple of pictures I took last weekend from the field.

Lifesavers...

2010-06-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is definitely here. We've been up near 110 degrees everyday, which even makes going to the pool dreadful! I came downstairs yesterday to find this...

All I can say is, thank goodness for ds's!

96 degrees & rising!

2010-06-04T18:41:00.001-07:00

Bring on the summer heat...

...well, if you have great friends, with fun kids, and a sweet pool!

"Jackers"

2010-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

It took some time and quite a few comments from family, friends, and strangers, but I did finally manage to chop off a good amount of his curly locks. He looks so grown up and handsome with his shorter, more tamed, do!

Jack seems to deal with the summer heat by sleeping. Almost daily I catch him slipping into dreamland right around dinnertime. This creates quite a dilemma for me...Jack isn't the type of kid you want to wake from a nap, but you also don't want him wide awake at 11:30 at night!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-05-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

13 wonderful years!

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.

On Saturday afternoon we decided to take the kids to go see "Shrek". Afterwards we took them home, then headed out for a dinner for two and a quick stop for ice cream. Just having him home on a Saturday and able to spend quality family time together was the best gift I could have asked for!

Boy, is he a boy!

2010-05-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Jack almost always has a stick in his hand. I don't know where he gets them, but I do know that he truly believes they are his swords...there to protect him and help him fight off monsters and all those crazy dinosaurs!

We loved that he fell asleep like this...

The condition of his feet say a lot about the day he had...

He is ALL BOY!

Reminder...

2010-05-20T08:28:00.001-07:00

I found this on Rian's bed this morning...

The girl never stops making me laugh! Because this is the last week of school, each day has a different themed party (which makes me wonder why we even have a last week of school!). Today is "Game Day". Apparently Rian was worried about forgetting her game and obviously has no trust in me to help her remember. Just to be sure she wouldn't forget, she wrote herself this cute little note. She is too much like me in soooo many ways!

Student of the Month (Again!)

2010-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Without fail, Dakota is chosen as the Student of the Month in either August or September each year, and this year was no different. But this year, she received this honor twice. Her teacher, Mrs. Marquez turned the responsibility of choosing the final Student of the Month over to the children in her class. Each child voted for one boy and one girl to represent their class, and her peers chose her. We all know what a special and tender-hearted girl she is, I think it is so wonderful for her to be recognized for that by the children in her class.

I was able to go to school and have breakfast with her.

Receiving her award.

I really cannot believe that in a few short months, I will have a 5th grader! I love being Dakota's mother, my only issue with her is that she is growing up WAY TOO FAST!

My Favorite Day

2010-05-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Dave had plans to make me breakfast on Mothers Day but the kids beat him to it. Instead of sleeping in, I was woken up at 7:30 by 3 beautiful, excited faces staring at me from about 6 inches away. They asked me to come downstairs for a special surprise. I asked them if I could have it brought to me in bed, but we soon found out why that was completely impossible. Dave tried to get me out of it, but after going downstairs he yelled up to me "You're gonna want to come down here." What I found was truly sweet and amazing!

French Toast, Eggs, Waffles & Mini Pancakes (the frozen kind), Strawberries and OJ. Wow! No wonder it couldn't be breakfast in bed. They each then gave me their sweet little homemade gifts (even a drawing from Lucy!). After I force fed myself, I went back upstairs to bed for a couple more hours.

I was woken up around noon with a brand new, super sweet phone from Dave. Now I can keep up with the cyberworld from places other than my bedroom!

After lunch, I was able to Skype with the woman who made me the mom that I am. I love you, mom!

Then we loaded up and headed over to the VA hospital to hang out with Dave's grandma and the Cameron family. It was a beautiful day, and in an effort to keep Jack from disturbing every resident in the hospital, we went outside and visited for a while.

Rian, Dakota, Elizabeth and Diego with grandma Mary and great-grandma Meyer.

*Jack was NOT interested in being a part of this pic!

The kids LOVE to push great-grandma in her wheelchair.

Cute & Creative Kids

2010-05-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

It was a windy Sunday and the kids decided they wanted to fly kites. Since we don't have any kites, they got creative and made their own, using plastic bags and sports ribbon.

I really thought that by now, the Webkinz craze would be long gone, but I was dead wrong! Rian now has 25 and Dakota has 24! They don't spend nearly as much time playing with them on the computer as they do with the actual toys, but every once in a while they like to check up on their cyber-babies! Jack thinks the stuffed animals in his room are Webkinz...we all just go along with it.

Dave doesn't have a lot of free time in his busy schedule, but when he does have a few minutes to spend with the kids, he pulls out the Guitar Hero. Jack's the first one to run to the room when he hears it, yelling "I wanna play Rock On too daddy!"

Dakota's favorite breakfast on Saturday mornings is French Toast. Many Saturdays, she's up long before I am, so she was determined to learn how to make it herself. She has gotten quite good at it! Last week I came downstairs around 9am and found this...

Notice the plates set out for Dave and I as well. Dakota is a great helper, without her I couldn't catch those few extra Z's on the weekends.

Easter

2010-04-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

Friday-coloring eggs with cousins...

Saturday-all dressed up...

Egg Hunt...

*I love this picture of Rian because it has a cute story behind it. There were several "Golden Eggs" hidden with money in them that each of the older kids found except for Dakota. She was upset but got over it pretty quickly. Rian told me she wanted to give her golden egg to Dakota but didn't want Dakota to know it was her. So she hid behind the tree until Dakota left her basket so she could sneak it in without her knowing. I thought that was a sweet, selfless act on Rian's part, and I love that she wanted to remain anonymous!

Fishing

2010-04-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Jack loves to turn his tubs into adventures. Today he decided he would go fishing! He and Rian took the magnets off the refridgerator, tied them to a string and then tied the string to Jack's wooden stick. This created the perfect fishing pole for catching tub toy fishies!

If you're wondering why the ladder is there...Jack brought it out from my closet during tub time and tried to dive off of it into the tub! He was not happy when I put a stop to that. I honestly don't know how we have made it 3 1/2 yrs without a trip to the ER with this kid! Knock on wood!

Cousins

2010-03-19T21:30:00.001-07:00

Final day of Spring Break...feeding ducks at the pond.

Shepherd & Adcock cousins

Emma and Jack

Cameron cousins

(while Morgan & Alex were visiting from Indiana)

Little hands...

2010-02-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Dakota loves to draw, and the more she practices the better she gets! This is her latest creation, done completely freehand...no copying or tracing. She loves to display her artwork all around the house. This one is currently taped to the wall next to her bed.

Jack enjoys coloring too! Only, if he can't find any paper, he just takes whatever form of ink he can get his hands on and takes it to the wall. This specific work of art is on the wall leading up the stairs. Beautiful!

The babysitters made this for Rian one night. She loved it so much she decided it needed to be displayed on the wall also. I thought that was kind of cute...until I noticed how she mounted it to the wall. Click on the picture to get a close up look. I believe you will see 7 NAILS around the outside of the paper, because apparently tape just wasn't sufficient enough. So my dilemma is...do I leave the cute little picture (which of course isn't straight or centered!) or take it down and have 7 little holes in the wall?

All of these pictures remind me of a poem I first heard just before I had Dakota. I still love it, and it's perfect for reminding me that all of these cute little pieces of my children are what truly make our house a home.

There used to be so many

of my fingerprints to see,

on furniture and walls and things

from sticky, grubby me.

But if you stop and think a while

you'll see I'm growing fast,

these little moments will disappear

you can't bring back the past.

So here is a small reminder

to keep, not throw away,

of tiny hands and what they made

to make you smile someday.

A Whole Decade!

2010-02-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Dakota's celebration began on Saturday with a birthday party with her friends. We originally planned to set up the projector in the backyard for an outdoor movie. So we cleaned it up, strung lights and marveled at our work...until it started pouring! We rolled with it and moved the "theater" to the garage, which we had cleaned and prepared just in case mother nature decided to invite herself! This plan ended up working out just as well.

The party started with gift opening while we waited for daddy to get home with the pizza. She scored some great stuff!

The pizza came just in time, and the girls ate quickly so that we could start the movie!

About half way through the movie, they decided they were ready for desert. Instead of a cake, this year Dakota decided she would rather have one of her other favorite treats...a HUGE ice cream sundae bar! Complete with oreos, nerds, gummy bears, peanuts, choc chips, m&m's, choc syrup and whipped cream. Some of the girls' creations literally made my stomach turn!

On Monday, I got Dakota out of school and took her out to lunch. We went to Subway and enjoyed some quality time together. That night we had our family celebration, because neither Dave or Dakota had soccer. We had more ice cream sundaes and Dakota opened her gifts. Grandma & papa sent an outfit from England, along with some spending money. Rian & Jack gave her a Zhu-Zhu pet, and Dave & I gave her an Ipod.

Happy Birthday, Dakota!

Science Fair

2010-02-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dakota and her friend, Willow, spent hours and hours working on their project, with help from Willow's parents. They showed the effect of mentos mixed with soda, which turned out really great!

While Dakota was busy working at Willows, Rian decided to create her own science project. I kind of ignored her attempts because I was under the impression that the science fair was for 4th and 5th graders only. I figured it would come home with her the very same day she took it in, but didn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt her feelings (no...I would let the school officials do that!). But I was definitely misinformed!

It wasn't until we got to the science fair that I realized that her project was in fact set out, alongside all the other lower grade students'. She (hand) wrote a report on Manitees, and used foam, feathers and markers to create a cute little manitee inside a shoe box. It definitely stood out; it was 1/4 the size of all the others, and was clearly the result of a child creating without the assistance of a caring parent. Of course, as her mother, I felt absolutely horrible! But I was also so proud of her for completing it all on her own, and promised that next year I would help her create something just as amazing!