Weekend In Dallas

Mike and I had the opportunity to go to Dallas ALONE for the weekend.  OH MY!  How fun!  

My amazing sister in law took care of her 3 children and our 5 for the weekend.  What an angel.  (She even let Caiters sleep in her bed a bit and play with her hair:)

I didn't pull my camera out very much but I did get a few photos to remember the trip.  

Here ya go:

Texas flag.  

Excited to be here:)

You can read more about this HERE.

Mike was a trooper, he obliged my need to shop like a champ.  Even helped me pick out fabric for two blankies. (a boy blankie and a girl one, since we are not going to find out the gender of baby C)

We enjoyed some awesome meals.  

Adult conversation.

Uninterrupted. 

Texas De Brazil

Oh my!  This place is unreal.

We had such a great time and I am fully convinced that this going places alone thing should be happening more often in the future!!  It was fantastic to be able to appreciate each other for who we are and not just operate in the normal teamwork mode that comes naturally when you have a large family!

I love this man and I am so thankful that God placed us together and has continued to bless us with children, family, a home, love and health.

10 Years and Counting

I'll be playing catch up for a while as I try to post about all the fun we experienced on our trip to California. Most notably, Mike and I celebrated our 10th anniversary! Mike had a whole evening planned, there was chocolate from See's candy and roses and the honeymoon suite...it was really great! When we got home, the kids surprised us with their own anniversary surprise.

Honeymooners

Standing in front of the church where we got married.

So the kids (with Grandma Bev of course) made an adorable book for us. It was really touching and super cute to see their little proud faces as we looked at it together.
They listed all the things they love to do as a family..

Each kid wrote a note and decorated their page. (Some had a little help)

So sweet! I just have to comment, Mailee's printing is looking so great. She has grown so much in this last year!

Mikayla's words were from her heart and all on her own. What a sweet girl.

An awesome memory...looking at the book together.



10 years already...it's hard to believe. I am so thankful for

the full and blessed life we have shared together this far. I love you Mikey!!

Wedding Time

Yesterday Mike and I left the kids at Grandma Bev's and went to a beautiful wedding. Mike's friend from Chiropractic college got married out at Copper River. We had a great time and the wedding was amazing!!

Fresno does not have many "views" really...this might be one of the best views in town. It's so nice with all the palm trees!

There we are!


The bride and groom. Her dress was so amazing!

The highlight of the night- hanging out with one of our favorite couples, Dave and Erin!

Dave married the couple. Crazy, seems like yesterday that we were two young couples just getting married. (we both got married the same summer, 10 years ago)

After the reception, we went back the their house to hang out. It was like no time had passed. So fun. Such special friends!

Well, almost all the kids stayed with Grandma. Caitlyn came with us. She was a good girl and got lots of attention. I hope she didn't steal the bride's thunder :)

(just kidding, the bride was stunning, all eyes were on her!)

Mike and Chris.

Cheers for now. I will try to upload more pics soon!!

Daddy Daycare

Caitlyn has lots of loving arms to hold her all the time. A 5th baby has such a different experience than a 1st baby! When Mikayla was a newborn, we doted on her every move! When Mikayla was a newborn, she was super fussy and Mike would hold her for hours and hours every day. Each night as soon as he got home, I would hand him the baby and that would be where she would stay. Caitlyn has sisters who monopolize her most of the time BUT when the girls are in bed, Caitlyn is so happy to be with her Dad! (granted it's not for hours and hours like it was for Mikayla but she's not counting, only I am :)



Can you guess what their favorite activity to do together is?

Watching "the game"...

Watching "the game"...

more watching...

still watching...

Fell asleep watching!



When the game is over, Mike likes to do this to her ears.

Best "Daddy hold" out there. It works every time!

So comfy with my Daddy.

Mike's Birthday

I'm almost caught up :) On Saturday Mike turned 35. It is hard to believe that I have only known him for 10 years. We have lived so much life and experienced lots of changes and amazing moments in just 10 years.

Mike you are thoughtful and perceptive. You look after so many things and provide everything that we need. You are helpful with the kids and things around the house and you are such a great Dad! In 10 years you have accomplished so much- from completing Chiropractic school with two small babies at home to starting a successful and meaningful practice here in Kelowna. Oh not to mention having (almost 5) kids. I love your heart to help people and your desire to keep learning and then share what you learn with your patients, family and friends.

I love how you are such a "big brother" with your family, always wanting to help them, support them and protect them.

Such a fun Daddy! Our kids love you so much and I love watching you with them.

I love you more today than yesterday!! You are dedicated to becoming better all the time and that makes us stronger along the way. I am so glad we are on the same team.

I love you Mikey! Happy 35th birthday.

Living It Up Before Baby

Mike and I had the opportunity to go on a date (thanks Shelley for the babysitting) last weekend. I am kind of figuring that may be our last date before the baby arrives

We went out for Sushi and did a bit of shopping...ended up finding a cream rug for the living room and a black curtain rod for our bedroom. (I will have to post the ongoing bedroom makeover pics one of these days)

The main event of the evening was an over the top (in a good way, you know I love over the top) birthday party for a friend. Her husband flew in her favorite singer, Joshua Radin, rented out the art gallery, had it completely made over and hosted 100+ of her friends to a fabulous evening. We had a great time!

Even the chandelier was brought in to set the mood!

There's me sitting in the VIP seats after the show.

Loving all the details!

Wow, check out that belly...only 2 weeks to go!

Father's Day In BanmanLand

The kids and I decided it was only fair that "Daddy" have his breakfast in bed! Of course breakfast in bed brings up connotations of a relaxing peaceful liesurely breakfast...that is when the kids give you the food and then leave...that is not what happens at our house!

For myself, I have requested "breakfast at the table" (def: they make it, I sleep till it is ready and then eat it, nothing spills in my bed:) Mike has not submitted that request so here he is with his 4 kiddos having breakfast in bed! (Mike is much more laid back than me in this kind of area...I am probably missing out on all the fun but I just can't see past the toast crumbs in the bed!!)

Action shot, munching away!

Reading the card Caleb made!

Reading Maddie's card...

Getting a little bit silly..Daddy taught them how to do headstands!

Mike is an awesome dad. I am so thankful for him!!

One Final Birthday Surprise

Last night Mike took me to Cirque du Soleil "for my birthday". It was Saltimbanco and it was fabulous!

We went with Jay and Tam and Ben and Alana. Here we are out for a bite after the show.