March 2011

The kids and I have been participating in the East Valley Mormon Choirs. This was their first concert and they loved every minute. I was especially nervous for Emmet because he sang a duet in front of 3000 people at his first concert. He surprised us all and did an amazing job. It was so fun to watch!!

For Spring break we headed to Pasadena, CA to visit my brother's identical twin boys. They are the first Olson cousins for my kids.

My kids had fun feeding these cute twins. It was nice there was one for each. Emery especially loved holding the babies.

Happy New Years!

Happy New Years!

A quick recap is in order. I haven't felt like anything too exciting has been going on with us, but here are a few noteworthy activities!

1. December 10, 2010 was the four year mark of Sam's death.

It was a good day and I'm so thankful for all of the sweet phone calls, emails and notes. It's always nice to know that people remember. With each passing year that day gets a little easier. The last four years have flown by. Thank Goodness!!

2. I completed my first semester at ASU! I absolutely loved my classes and the fun friends I made. I am still amazed that I was able to take nine credits and not neglect any of my other duties. My biggest worry about starting school was making sure my kids came first. It's such a great feeling of relief to know I was able to find balance! It was so sweet when in their personal prayers they would pray that mom would get an A on her test.

3. I usually dread, despise and hate the holidays, but guess what...this was the first Christmas I enjoyed since Sam's death! Here a few fun pictures.

We kicked off the holiday season with a fun evening of decorating gingerbread houses.

Emery had a great time playing with her cousin Gid.

Emmet loves his cousins and had a great time playing with them!

We always show off our musical talents Christmas Eve. My kids are carrying on the tradition singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Emery's favorite part of Christmas is the Nativity. She takes being Mary very seriously. I have already been preparing her for next year when she passes the baton and isn't Mary!

Santa did find us. Don't worry those gift aren't just for E and E! My parents and Chance and his wife, Angela spent the night. Christmas morning is much more magical when we share it with more than just the three of us.

My dad and I Christmas morning! We were a little tired.

I had to include this. Emery loves her American girl doll and that pajama outfit was worn for days!

4. We talk about Sam often and even though it's been four years we do miss him terribly, but...I am constantly amazed by how blessed the three of us are.

Happy Halloween!

We a had a great Halloween, hope you did too!

It's Pumpkin Time

The last time we went to a pumpkin patch was in Maryland. The scenery was beautiful and as you can tell my kids were much younger. Obviously, they don't remember much.

Living in AZ there aren't many pumpkin patches to choose from and none of them are close by. With the help of my parents we drove down to Wilcox, AZ. I thought it was in the middle of no where!

We went to Apple Annie's Orchard and Pumpkin Patch.

We had a great time!

We took a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch. They each chose their own pumpkin. Of course Emmet had to pick the biggest he could find!

There was an amazing corn maze that we took the kids through. Along with rows and rows of beautiful sunflowers. One of my favorites! We also were able to pick green beans, a variety of peppers, squash, zucchini and tomatoes!! It's such a novelty here to pick fresh food.

This girl and clothes

Every morning is a battle getting Emery dressed. She has her own ideas about fashion. This is her latest outfit. She adds this blue belt to everything. I finally told Emery's school teacher she has more than two shirts in her closet and I promise I wash them. I've resorted to hiding some articles of clothing. Thank goodness it's starting too cool off so we can retire some outfits.

My Seven Year Old!

This was taken on his birthday. I swear the older he gets the less he wants to smile for the camera. He'd rather make faces! Emmet was super excited to turn seven. All his birthday wishes came true!

Emery is Five!

I am in complete denial that my youngest is five!

I adore her to pieces.

We celebrated with family and had a fun "princess party". Her friends came in their favorite "princess dress".