Easter 2009

I have to have a quick finger to get a shot before Jack takes off!

Brevin put together an egg hunt for his cousins- such a sweetheart!
Cameron cousins
This time we got smart and put Jack somewhere he couldn't escape from!
(See how happy he is?)

An egg hunt at the Ogden's.

Two Wheelin' It!

Rian recently decided it was time for her to learn to ride a bike without the training wheels. Since she doesn't have a bike that fits her, Dakota happily handed hers over (with high hopes of getting her own new one). Just as we did with Dakota, we headed over to the park to give it a go on the grass. This worked well with Dakota, but Rian isn't quite as adventurous. She was too nervous, and didn't have any trust in myself or Dave.

She gave it her best effort anyhow. Go Rian!!!

However, I think this last picture says it all...

... and we haven't been back out since!

Jack's 1st Official Soccer Practice

Jack has been waiting for his chance to hit the field as an actual participant and not just some crazy kid whose parents can't control him at his big sister's soccer game. He finally got that chance. Dave's PC team runs a league called "Little Bears" and this was Jack's first practice. He did just what we've always thought he would- took the ball and ran with it! He had so much fun. We had a hard time getting him to quit. In fact, he was out there long after practice ended, kicking the ball with some of the big boys.

*Working on uploading a video, check back!

A Conversation Between Two Sisters...

I was upstairs working on my sharing time lesson, when I heard the following conversation take place between Dakota and Rian. I anticipated a fight, but the conversation took a different turn. You probably had to be there to get the whole effect of it. But as you read it, be sure to sound very "know it all" in Dakota's voice, and fade those "R"'s Rian's.

Dakota: "Sometimes I can't believe you're my sister. Not because you're mean or I don't like you, but because you have red hair."

Rian: "You don't like my hair?"

Dakota: "No, I like it. Its just that I'm the only kid with brown hair. You and Jack both have red hair."

Rian: "Well, my hair isn't red, it's strawberry."

Dakota: "Strawberries are red, aren't they?"

Rian: "True."

Don't do this at home

Happy Birthday Dakota!

I can't believe my baby is 9! It really is just crazy. She has definitely blessed our lives for the past nine years. She has been an angel since the day she was born. I have always said how lucky we were to get her for our first child. An easy baby, happy toddler, and all-around amazing little girl!

On Saturday, she decided she was feeling just good enough to go ahead with her party. She invited five friends to go see Coraline in 3D. It was a cute movie, with amazing special effects. But, the girls would also admit it was a little scary and kind of weird in certain parts :)

After the movie, we came home for cake and gifts. A special thanks to all her friends that were able to come and celebrate with her!

After the party, we went to the park to meet grandma and papa Ogden and the Shepherds to celebrate Dakota and Cameron's birthdays with the family. We had cupcakes, more gifts, beautiful weather, and lots of love!

Today, I took cupcakes to school, Dakota got to chose her favorite dinner (Chicken Alfredo) and open her presents from us.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. We love you!

Sick Days...

We've all come down with the nasty flu virus this week. Fevers, coughs, runny noses, the works! At least we are all suffering together. Dave hasn't come down with it yet, we are keeping our fingers crossed. Dakota's birthday is coming up so we're hoping to be past it by then. The last picture is proof of Rian's OCD when it comes to having a clear nose. She can go through a whole roll in five minutes if she feels anything in her little nose.

The "Westside Complex" is OPEN!

We had an exciting day on Saturday with the Grand Opening of the Westside Complex. This is something that has been in the works for many months and we were thrilled to celebrate with the AZFC family! There was a band, jump houses, face painting, food, and of course, SOCCER! The Westside Complex is a gorgeous piece of land with beautiful green grass and straw stadium seating. It will host tournaments, games, and entertainment events, and will also be home to the National Soccer Skills Tour (NSST).

My husband has an amazing, creative mind, and days like these remind me how special he is. He would do anything in his power to help build soccer in the west valley and this complex is proof of that. The soccer community is lucky to have him!

A Week With Family

So much to cram into our precious week together. Here are some of the highlights.

A trip to the temple to see the glorious lights...



A temple visit for the adults to do special work for our ancestors...

Quality family time...

Here's to 2009!

~Fun & Games~

FOOD!!!

~Celebration~