Ready to Ride

We finally got some better weather this weekend, it was 50 degrees on Saturday. Jaxson has been waiting for the chance to ride his bike. His tires were flat, and when Sam took the bike apart to replace them, he decided to leave off Jaxson's trailing wheels so he could try without them. He aced it! The first attempt, he was on his way. It took an hour or so for him to build the confidence to turn on his own, but by the end of the day he was riding circles around me. He still needs some practice taking off on his own, he still wants a push, but we were surprised how quickly he picked it up. I am really looking forward to buying a bike for myself and taking family rides soon!

Happy Birthday Jaxson

This year Jaxson wanted a football party. It seemed appropriate since the party was the Saturday before the Super Bowl! Too bad the Cowboys weren't in the Super Bowl, that would have been even better since Sam has convinved Jaxson they are the only team that matters! Sam and I made this football cake, which I thought turned out great. We invited 8 boys from Jaxson's pre-k class, and it was the perfect amount since we were stuck in the house with the cold, wet, winter.



I love this picture... I caught it at just the right time! Sydnee was sticking her fingers in the frosting while Jaxson was opening his presents. When I told her no no, this is the pouty lip I got from her!

The boys played a few games. This was a football ring toss. They thought this was funny! Sam was a good sport and wore the goal post on his head while the boys tried to throw the rings on it. It was actually very challenging. We also played a football catch game to see who could catch the longest pass. And finally, they hit a pinata. Which they all loved!

Jaxson Turns 5

Jaxson turned 5 on Wednesday, February 3rd. He has been waiting for this birthday for a long time. He has been asking me since Halloween how much longer till it got here! When I woke him up Wednesday morning and told him "Happy Birthday," he replied "Am I bigger today?" I think his goal is to be as big as Shaye, so he looks forward to these opportunities to grow! :-)
Since his birthday fell on a school day, I took treats to his class and we did family things in the evening. When I asked him what dinner and desert he wanted, he of course said pizza for dinner, but he surprised me when instead of a cake he wanted banana cream pie for desert. I don't think he had tried it before this day, and turns out... he doesn't like it much! But that's what he asked for. After dinner, he opened his presents from family members. Grandpa and GG gave him a guitar just like daddy's which he has been paying every day! Aunt Colie sent him some more pieces to his car track, and Emmy and Poppa sent him two Buc-EE's shirts and some money to spend. From us, he got outfitted to start playing t-ball and a NERF dart gun he had asked for. Lots of great gifts, and he has enjoyed them all!

Visiting in St.George

In the Fall, I started talking about how I would like to go out to St.George, Utah to visit my cousin Shannon, and other family members there. Sam knew I would probably talk about it and not ever get around to going, so he bought me airline giftcards for Christmas! I went out for 4 1/2 days and had a great time. It was nice to see everyone again. It really makes me miss living out West around family. Thanks to Sam for the ticket, and for taking a few days off work so I could go. Being 7 months pregnant, this was my last chance to travel.

Marci, Shannon, and I at lunch in Las Vegas. We spent the day shopping and visiting before Marci had to go to work and Shannon and I headed to her house in St.George.




There were four of us cousins that were within a year of each other and spent every reunion hanging out and growing close. We were just missing Lisa, who had delivered her fourth baby just a week before.

On Sunday evening, Shannon had all the cousins who live in the area come over for dinner, along with her parents, and sister Aubree with her husband Justin. It was the closest thing to a reunion I've been to in a few years. In this picture, from left to right - Jessi, Marci, Shannon, Aubree, Susan, Tami, and me.

On my last day I was set to leave at noon, so Shannon and I went to the Temple that morning. I love going to Temples I haven't been to and was glad we made the time.

Happy 2010

Happy New Year! I can't believe we are headed into another new year. Time sure flies, and it seems to go fast as the kids get older. For New Years Eve this year we went out a friend's house (Jeff and Lori Hartzfeld.) We ate, played games, visited, and had a great time! It was a fun way to celebrate the coming of a new decade. Here's to hoping this year is the best!

Play Time

When we got back from Christmas vacation in Texas, there was snow and ice all over the ground in Bartlesville and we were stuck inside. Thank goodness the new toys held the kids' attention for a while. They got lots of new toys and loved everything. Here are a few shots of them playing with their Christmas things.

Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas. Me and the kids were in Texas for a week and Sam joined us for 4 days (he had to stay and work a few extra days.) Christmas day we spend with my family. We opened presents and the kids spent the rest of the day playing. Then we had a nice dinner and went to the movies in the evening. I love the holidays! It's always sad when Christmas passes for another year.
Sydnee and dad playing with the blocks cousins Bryden and Brynlee sent.

This was the year for electronics. Santa brought Shaye a stereo for her room. She loves to sing and dance! He also brought Band Hero for the whole family and several wii games.

Sydnee got a talking baby doll and a stroller from Santa. The doll was so cute, and they have had many conversations together!





Sam wanted a guitar. He is now in guitar lessons and really enjoying it. He's just beginning, but he's sure he'll have groupies in no time!

Christmas Eve

Each Christmas Eve we spend the day celebrating with Sam's family. We started at his mom's house this year with breakfast and presents from here. Here are the kids on their first round of gifts.



Poor Sydnee was so exhausted she fell asleep on the floor watching a movie - always with monkey!


Sam, his dad, and Jaxson shooting a 22. For Christmas Jaxson got a NERF style ball gun from Poppa he had a lot of fun shooting.


Sydnee loved this deer. It's one Sam's dad shot on a hunt. She loves animals, and this poor deer was no exception.

These are two of Sydnee's three great grandparents. Sam's grandpa, Harold Springer, and his grandma, Billie Barnett.