Happy Birthday Austin

Happy Birthday Austin! My baby is 12 now! I can't believe he is getting so old. I still get to cherish one more year before he hits the teens. Next week he will be getting the priesthood. I am so proud of him. He is becoming more and more grown up. He's graduating from primary. He's definitely not sad about that!


We went to Disneyland on Austin's birthday. He has learned to spot out where the cameras are on the fast rides. He always does a funny pose when we whiz by. Sorry, tried not to get it so blurry.


Payton has a couple more inches before he can drive the cars by himself. For now, he's stuck with Dad. Why don't these cars go fast!!!


Tom and the boys on California Screamin' just before blast off. That's their favorite rollercoaster. Payton is tall enough to go on it. Now we don't have to stuff his shoes!


Before Disneyland, we had dinner at Chris n Pitts. Austin had a huge chocolate shake. He was busy texting all his friends while we were trying to have a meaningful conversation with him.

Tetherball

We got a tetherball set for christmas. Payton wants to play it every single day. We're all getting injured from playing. Brandon has bruises all up and down his arm and Payton jammed his thumb. This is a rough sport. Everytime I hit the ball, I feel stinging. Yes, I'm wimpy. I guess we could have upgraded to a nicer, cushy ball.
Originally, we put the pole in a cement bucket. After playing a couple games, we realized it wasn't very sturdy. So dad broke the cement and we re-cemented it into the ground. It's not going anywhere now. It will definitely boost our property value! Who wouldn't want a big steel pole in their front yard?

New Years Eve Party

We had our own little family party for new years eve. We had a Wii Resort Sports tournament. We picked seven events to compete. Then we kept scores for who was first, second, third, etc. As you can tell, mom was the loser of the competition. I don't get to practice as much? It was really fun seeing who was the best at which event. Payton smashed us all in fencing. Brandon was great at wakeboarding. And Austin was good at bowling. He developed some silly spin move that kept giving him strikes. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to how to play the game.


Here's the proof as to what the scores were. There's no going back!


We also took a break in the middle of the tournament to rest in the jacuzzi. We needed to relive some stress. There were a couple of hotheads who shall remain nameless. It's just a game, right?

Four Wheeling at El Mirage

Payton loves riding his quad. He always wants to go even if it's freezing cold. This trip was a little chilly. Us californians are wimps. It was about 55 degrees during the day and 25 at night. Payton doesn't care. He just rides whenever he gets a chance.

Austin likes going to El Mirage in Adelanto because there is a dry lake bed. It's super smooth and wide. He likes to race with Dad. He can go top speed on the lake bed. It makes mom nervous!

Christmas

Payton got more hot wheels, race cars, and a motorcycle.

Brandon got a huge lego set, video games, and a psp.


Austin got his one wish...a cell phone. I guess Dad's a softie because I didn't think he should get one. He's had it for over a week now and it's attached to his hip. He texts all day long. I gave him my old phone and I got a new one. How did I survive without a cell phone in my younger years??

First Grade concert

Payton was in a concert at school. His class sang two songs and recited the Night Before Christmas. Payton was clear over on the left side, and I was way over on the left. He was so cute when he had to say his lines!

Santa came to our church christmas party. All the little kids got to sit on Santa's lap. Payton didn't tell him he wanted a motorcycle, though. Dad had already told him Santa definitely wouldn't bring that. Meltdown!

Three Little Monkeys

I love these pictures from our photo shoot. The boys are so handsome!

Family Photo Shoot

Balboa pier

Corona Del Mar


We finally got some professional pictures done for our family! I've been wanting to do this for a long time. We had Chelsea Biggs do it for us. She was great. She was so patient with the kids and helped keep them busy. Ever since we got married, I've wanted to have a family picture at the beach. It's the perfect setting.