Wonderful Weekend!

I truly enjoy playing with my little family. We kept ourselves busy this weekend, with a late night on Friday, and playing at the park together on Sunday. Late night let Hunter and Hayley each have a friend over for pizza, playing, movies and treats until late. (Kids get the fun of a late night, and mom and dad don't have to deal with the not sleeping part.)

Hunter and Josh had a blast defending the universe with Josh's cool Star Wars game. It had some cool Light Saber action going on, they even glowed. Brent and I secretly wanted to have our own battle, but were trying to be mature adults. Hmm.....I wonder?Tremble in your space boots Clone troopers! Here come the Jedi's. Rebel Alliance Rules!These two were taking a well earned respite from saving the universe. Just in time for cookies!What a cool picture. I hope that the color of the light saber show up. Kinda hard to show it in the dark. They were having a blast.

Hayley and her little friend Jacee, were the dang cutest things. I practically followed them all night. If I wasn't close enough, one of them would come get me, especially if they thought they were being super cute and silly.Absolutely darling. They are made for pictures aren't they? Notice, Emmy is in her dolly's stroller. I guess every little girl likes to be driven don't they?
These girls are plum tuckered out. NOT!! Just resting for a minute in Emmy's bed. Silly!What late night would be complete without jammies? Emmy soaked up the extra attention.Just a bit of down time. Crashing to watch a bit of Horton Hears A Who. (Mom's Fave) This silly girl drives her stroller with her elbows. All over she goes like this. Still, no major accidents have occurred. I think she is strolling a hairball. Oh...nope... its a barbie.

Sunday was so beautiful, we could not stay indoors, so off to the park we went. This is Heritage Park in Coral Canyon. We love this park, and love the weather even more.Hunt got this super cool PowerWing scooter for Christmas. He zips all over on it. It makes the sharpest turns I've ever seen, and he really gets going. Mom is still unable to navigate it, she keeps falling off, much to the entertainment of everyone. Hayley's scooter is adjustable, so Emmer's can stand on it. It takes all of us to push, drive, and keep her from falling off, but she loves it.Never to be outdone, Hayley is performing some amazing Scooter Skating. Brent thinks she looks like an Ice skater on a scooter. She was doing figure eights in this position. Just watching her gave me a butt cramp! :)Emmy has some mystical connection to swings. She adores them. She looks darling having some fun with her daddy. What a pair.What can I say? Hunt looks so handsome here. He is growing too quickly for my taste. Slow down buddy! I have pictures of Hunter and Hayley on various animals through the year, and I couldn't resist adding one more. Emmy was slightly worried about sitting on it, but she is tough, and took one for the team. I love this guy! He makes me so happy. It is rare for us to get in the shots, but I must say that Hunter is fairly adept at photography. Way to go.
In closing.... ......there just aren't words enough for this picture.

Happy New Year!

It seems impossible that another year has passed. They are passing much too quickly for me. We had some great end of the year parties with family and friends. My family had our annual Stan's Rockin' New Years Eve Party. (Stan is my brother-in law, and all around great guy!) It is always so fun to get together, play games, eat, and ring in the new year. Each year gets nuttier with the number of kids expanding. You wouldn't believe how many creme puffs Hunter and I put away. I kept getting after him to get out of them, but only 'cuz I was sneaking them in, I'm sure it was very stealthy too.I think this was during one of our Guitar Hero moments. My sister Leslie (on the left) Stan, (middle,sitting) and my nephew Tyler, (sitting, gray sweatshirt). People came and left at various times, so between that, and my camera dying, I was fairly limited in picture capacity.It is rare for my darling sister Celeste to let me get a picture. This is a double bonus with Paul. He had been up for a 12 hour shift, and still had some party in him. These two are the life of the party, and always bring fun new games to teach us. Thanks!
What party would be complete without a little Rockin' on Guitar Hero? I think I was the only one to get Boo'd of the stage because I suck. I was completely stomped on by everyone.
This is one of my cute sisters, Michelle, and her hubby Stan. I am uncertain why I am in the middle...It could be that I was unable to move, due to my creme-puff withdrawl. They are both awesome, and I am so lucky to have such wonderful a family.
My niece Linnea, was being shy because what girl wants to show her muscles with a camera around? I set the camera down on my leg, and she started posing. How could I resist? I am so dang sneaky. Kickin' arms! (Okay, okay, maybe I'd like something on me to be this firm.)Not to be out done by his sister, Jon had to pull out his guns too. Very Nice Jon!
Emmy was completely content to eat orange sticks all night. Brent wasn't quite so happy with me, but was being a great sport. It was one of the few things to perk her up. Poor baby. She sure didn't like traveling this go-around.
Self Explanatory Huh? I don't usually put icky pictures of me on here, but jeez, we both look a little irked. Maybe I'm looking to heaven for patience. My New Year's resolution will be not to be such a Fuddy Dud!
Cute little? Ellie. She is the most easy going girl ever. She kept trying to give Emmy hugs, and was treated to Emmy's mad cat (complete with hissing and posturing) imitation. She was such a good sport, and easily made up for Em's bad manners.But ...Grandma to the rescue. Of course she is happy with her grandma, like always. A little Mickey mouse never hurt anything either. It was a happy ending to the party of the year.
Move over Guitar hero, here comes Rock band. What a hoot. We were able to try the new craze at My Aunt and Uncle's new home and had so much fun to watching everyone play. Here is Brent , with Maddie and Sydney on drums. I couldn't even keep up with the drums. It kept giving me the dizzies.
Hunter is wonderful at any game he tries. He sat down, goofed for a while, and then got in gear. He did incredibly well. Watch out world!It was so good to get home, we all crashed to watch Wall-E. My family is growing up. We were able to watch the whole thing, with Emmy too. These are the moments I love the most. I am truly blessed.

I seem to have favorite pictures in each blog don't I? Well I guess this one is my post favorite. Aubrey, my mom, and Emmy, reading a bedtime book. One thing or another set them off oinking like piggies. They were just cackling, just check Emmy out. It was a wonderful moment with grandma and cousin.

We wish you and your families a Happy New Year.

Christmas Magic

Christmas was wonderful this year. We were invited to spend Christmas Eve with Brent's family at his Grandma Betty's house. We enjoy seeing extended family, visiting, and of course there is the food. There is usually a visit by a very special guest....Emmy wasn't scared of Santa one bit. She sat on his lap jabbering, jumped off, and proceeded to steal a candy cane and run across the room shouting, "Hunter, candy!" She's so tenderhearted and shares with everyone. (Keeps us on our toes too!)I thought this was cute of the kids watching (or not watching) the little program this year. 2 were entertained, and 2 were entertaining themselves. Goofs!Not wanting Santa to miss us, since we put our tree downstairs for the first time, Hayley had several notes posted, starting at the fireplace, to the stairs (where this was) to the tree. In case you cant see it well, it says "Please come this way, thank you. Signed Hayley, Emmy and Hunter. We will be sure to keep this for her book. What a cutie!There is nothing Emmy loves more than Winnie the Pooh. It was the first thing she saw and she has played endlessly with this toy. It also doubles for Pony and little Pet Shop parties. What a mix. I've never seen so many little parts. Both girls will love them.The most exciting find of the day was Emmy's stocking. She had quite the choke-hold on it all morning. We sat to open stockings, Emmy saw skittles, and that was it for her. She kept pulling other "treats" out completely amazed at the never ending goodie bag. It was a lost battle to get her to open presents. It was a good thing that Santa doesn't wrap his presents. Isn't it true that children are just as happy with the simple things? Hunter had a very specific list this year. Brent and I were hard pressed to find some items on his wish list. He is opening his Nerf-Vulcan. Little did we know it has serious fire power. It loads like a machine gun, and shoots the darts super fast. Heads up to any trespasser! Watch out! He also got a super cool scooter from Grandma and Grandpa Schoppmann, and is frequently scooting around the house. On the tile, it sounds like a freight train. Instant Headache. :) It must be instinctive, Emmy can already talk and drive. Two of her favorite things, a phone and a dolly. She is such a girly-girl.Hayley is so easy to please. I think she loved everything she opened. Little Pet Shop, Ponyville, Easy-bake oven (thanks... Santa) and endless art supplies for the labor intense artist.We were lucky again this year to have my mom stay with us. She was such a sport, and the kids loved having her there. She is always happy to help, and truly enjoys my children. Thanks mom!We are always well fed, and this year was no exception. Mitch and Gaona had us over for dinner, and obviously Emmy was very pleased. What a goofy grin.Comfy and Cozy on a cold, snowy Christmas. With all of their energy used up, the kiddies crashed to watch Horton Hears A Who. I loved this moment because I remember watching movies with my cousins, all of us piled in my parents bed. It is fun to watch my children making their own memories.
We hope you had a Christmas as wonderful as ours.

Wish I'd done more...

This was so fun to read through. I can't believe I haven't even cracked half of them. Always time to add I guess. Consider yourself tagged. It's a blast to try to figure what a friend has done. Knock yourself out.

What Have I Done?

The things I've done are in bold. This was kind of fun!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower (favorite w/my husband)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (I wish I had)
7. Been to Disneyland /world
8. Climbed a mountain (can't believe I haven't done this)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (Uhh..not recently?)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (no, but I've chased one)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (probably on accident)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I am blessed)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (I've climbed over a rock. Does that count?)
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (I've eaten plenty)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (On TV :)
77. Broken a bone(does my nose count?)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (gross and stinky!)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day (too frequently)

(thanks Gena!)

Elf'd ourselves!

It doesn't get much funnier than this. Take a peek! The kids have had hours of fun watching it, and I don't seem to get sick of it either. What a hilarious idea. I would like to thank my technical producer..Brent.. for his assistance in the proper way to create an elf. He did a great job.
(and to my friend, who I stole the idea from.. Thanks.)

Slip Slidin' Away

Kids are so awesome. Hunter and Hayley were trying to keep themselves busy, and decided on the tried and true event of sliding down the stairs in a sleeping bag. Luckily our stair landing exits in the middle of a large room, so there is plenty of skidding space. Who hasn't tried this?Hayley is so stinkin cute! She is happy to be in the middle of anything crazy and fun.This train is leaving the station. Notice that Emmy is in the game too. She is willing to try anything, and was a great sport. It is entirely possible that she has more guts that the other two combined. Hunter was so cute to involve her. He'd take her down on his lap, and no, it didn't look any safer. Go Guys!Emmy was just.....uh what is the right word.....Cackling. It's true. She was laughing so hard.Eventually Emmy was obviously being kept behind, she gave up the slippery bags, and used her own blanket. She was noticeably tumbling and she catapulted head over heels. It didn't slow anyone down. Out of the way! She was a cute little 18 pound missile. I tried to do this with them a while back, and dang it hurt! I don't think I could walk correctly for a week. Ah! The things I miss....Little Emmy is an art apprentice to Hayley. Hayley is coloring non-stop, and we seem to be responsible for much of the global foresting problems 'cuz we go through a ton of paper. Emmy is constantly watching her sister, and they keep themselves busy for hours. Frequently as much crayon ends up in her, as on the paper, and thus she can poop rainbows. BLAH!I asked her to give me a pretty smile, and Voila...cringe? Brent and I were just cracking up.She was trying so hard to cover her smile, and she pulls of being a bit Coquettish? Shy? Coy? Hmmm... not sure, but it sure makes my day to be blessed to play with her. I am so lucky to have such wonderful and nutty kids. Booya!

Crazy Costumes!

We were able to go to the Storybook Cavalcade this Saturday with my good friend Ginger. The kids were so excited to see all the costumes, and the adults were greatly entertained because some of the costumes were quite creepy. There were leprechauns, spooky pumpkin men, and disturbing bunnies. And hordes of other creatures. It was hilarious that the only Christmas related person, was Santa.Emmy was really into the animals, especially Tigger and Pooh...though after they passed, both characters were down from us with their costume tops off. Just a little kooky for Emmy to see.Okay.. so if anyone out there can identify any of these characters please let me know. No one had any idea who they were. Maybe from the fifties?You never know when you need a storm trooper around. Even at Christmas time. The boys were definitely excited about the troopers and Darth Vader.Hmmm....Is there any reason to not have a herd of Shetland Ponies around? Don't they just shout holidays? Seriously, they were very cute.What a perfect topper to the Parade. I can't believe there are only 17 days of shopping left. I'd better get busy huh?
Happy Holidays y'all.