THE DAMRON DOC

Cracker Jax...

2011-08-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

We braved the heat and headed to the driving range last weekend. Carter loves Cracker Jax because it automatically Tee's Up your ball for you. It is a win-win because he can go through 110 balls in 15 minutes instead of 40 at a regular range.
It has been awhile since it has been so hot....

His 1st few swings were a crazy combo of a baseball swing and a Ninja Move...

Daddy finally had to step in a re-correct...It was much better after that!

Once Kate realized what was going on she wanted in on the action...

Daddy trying to help out our EVER SO PATIENT KATE! Yeah Right! He favorite saying right now is,
"I can do it MYSELF!"
2 year olds!

The problem is Kate is a Lefty and we only have Righty clubs...she immediately turned the club backwards and was trying to figure it out.

Yup, she kept trying to hit the balls at me since the clubs were backwards to her...

We took her to GolfSmith and tried out some Lefty clubs which she seemed to love. Maybe when it cools down (IF IT EVER DOES @$%#^) We will have to invest in some Leftys!

2 Week ReCap...

2011-08-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well we have survived the first 2 weeks of Kinder. I am not sure who dreads the mornings more, me or Carter! Poor guy has a hard time with the mornings like his mama.
After the first day things went much smoother. He has done such a good job. He has gotten to bring home the "Rainbow Bag" for making such good choices along with the class stuffed animal.

Each day Mrs. Willis hands out a Bug Buck for good behavior. If you had a good day you get a whole buck then depending on your choices you can get a corner snipped or it cut in half or none. We have only had one little incident with getting it cut....It happened in the cafeteria.

Long story short: Carter claims he was shooting his yogurt in the garbage but the VP claims he was throwing food. Needless to say the Bug Buck got snipped.
This is part of the the email I received from his teacher:

Carter spent most of the afternoon negotiating ways to get a whole coupon. (Future lawyer perhaps?) Then, on the way out the door-when he realized I wasn't budging he said,
"I just don't understand this. I never got in trouble in preschool."
I gave him a smile and said,
"Maybe I should call Miss Teddie and check with her to see why not."
He said,
"Well, maybe I did get in trouble...once."

That's my little man...always trying to work an angle. But the next day he received the wrist band that means he had AWESOME behavior!

Never a dull moment with this one....Even though his mama would like some!

911 & The 1st Day of School...

2011-08-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well I knew it was going to be a day a NEVER forgot, my baby going to Kindergarten...but I had know idea just how UNFORGETTABLE it was going to be!
Here is my big man all ready for his 1st day of Kinder...So Stinkin CUTE!

I took him to school in the morning and he was so excited. He was excited about his desk, his teacher and having one of his best friends in his class. It made it much easier to leave him. As soon as we walked in he turned around and said, "See ya mom!" Then off he went. It was me that was not ready to head out.
Carter & Mrs. Willis

Alex & Carter...
It was so nice knowing he had his friend in his class. Just a little piece of mind for me.

After I was finally forced to leave the class once the bell rang I was nervous and scared for him. Will he be nervous, will he have fun, will the kids be nice to him, will HE be nice to the kids, will he listen, will he get lost. It went on and on...and 7 hours is a LONG day for a 5 year old.
I pulled myself together and headed home.
Then at 10:42 I got a call from his school....
"Mrs. Damron, Carter passed out at school and was unresponsive so we called 911 and the ambulance is on the way. Would you like us to hold it until you get here?"
WHAT!!!
I said yes and jumped in the car, since I didn't know whether or not I would have to head to the hospital I called my friend to drop off Kate.
I FLEW to her house...As soon as I turned up the street I saw the motorcycle cop...BUSTED! 65 in a 35 I knew he was not going to let it slide. Yup, he flipped on his lights and stated after me. I was not going to stop though until I got to my friends house...I was in a hurry!
So he had to follow me at least a good mile and a half until I finally stopped, plus I didn't slow down. As soon as I pulled up I jumped out of the car and started pulling out the girls. My friend ran out and I started throwing the half dressed girls to her, she thought the cop was with me and I had to inform her that he was just there to give me a ticket.
As I started explaining what was happening to the cop I of course lost it and he just looked at me like the basket case that I was and told me to go.
So off I FLEW to the school...yup I pull up and there was a fire truck with lights on. I ran into the school and they wound me through the hallways and there was my big man snuggled up on Mrs. Willis lap, surround by 3 firemen, hooked up to a few machines.
They were run a blood pressure cuff, checking oxygen levels, taking blood to check sugar levels, ect.
Long story a little bit shorter: He had been outside playing and when he walked back in he felt "wobbly" as he says and then hit the floor. It took them a minute or so to get him responsive again and then he was slightly slurring his words.
By the time I got there he just looked pale...The firemen said all of his numbers looked good and they could not find anything. They suggested it was a combination of heat, dehydration, and anxiety.
I was then able to take him home to go get checked out by our Pediatrician. As we were leaving the school Kody had made it there from work and took him home while I went to go get the girls.
By the time I go home Carter had perked up, he had drank some water and ate some food and seemed good as new jumping off the walls.
The Pediatrician could not get us in until after school and Carter was begging to go back. It was only 12:30 by this point. So Kody and I decieded that he could go back and Kody would just sit in the schools office or library and work until the day was over.
Once they got back to school the Office Staff was shocked to see him, once they gave him the go ahead he headed into class. Kody also ended up being put to work in Kindergarten: running centers, packing up back packs, stacking chairs, wiping down tables, ect....
After school he headed to the doctors who ran more tests and said he looks great...He has the resting heart rate and blood pressure of an athlete.
BOTTOM LINE:
We barely made it through the 1st day...But needless to say it will be a day we will NEVER forget.
I was so nervous to send him on Tuesday because he had told me the best part of his day was when the firemen came...Ah NO Buddy!
Every time my phone rang on Tuesday I was nervous it was going to be the school. Luckily we made it through the whole week without anything else eventful happening!
IN true Carter fashion it only took him a few hours for the WHOLE staff to know who is.
Here is hoping week 2 will be smooth sailing!

Meet the Teacher..

2011-08-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

We headed off to Meet The Teacher on Thursday and Carter could not be more excited! He was put in Mrs. Willis Class who is FANTASTIC and to make it even better he best friend Alex was also in that class.
Look how cute those 2 are. These 2 have been friends since they were 1 and are a perfect mix. It is pretty funny because they are almost complete opposites of each other but they are so cute together!

Kate thought that she would fit right into Kinder too...She went over and found the kitchen center and was content for the 20 minutes just talking away on the phone. I am not sure where she see's that?!

Such mixed emotions about starting school...it is kinda the beginning of the end. Now he is in for YEARS! I know that he is so excited and so ready but it is just such a big step. I am sad that he is out of my house and watchful eye more then he is in it. He has just had such a little protective bubble surrounded with people who think he is wonderful and great! It is such a double edge sword or watch your kids grow up: so much fun BUT so scary!! You just hope as a parent you have taught them enough!

Chandler Pool

2011-08-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

The summer has come to an end for us...If only this stinkin heat would leave with summer being over. We snuck in one more trip to the kids favorite swim spot...
My little fish, Kate is in her element there!
Carter acts likes he owns the joint...Once again the King of the High Dive...

Here he is climbing the ladder...the 9 year old boys behind him were asking how old Carter was. Then they were teasing their friend because he was too nervous to go off and a 5 year old would. Boys they are so mean!

Showing off his new float/back stroke he learned from grandma ski!

Carter even talked Nana into going down with him too...I missed that picture!

Catch me if you can!

Our summer finished with a few more swim parties and LOTS of play dates and indoor activities. It has been a great summer and it is always so sad to be done. I am not ready for early mornings and packing lunches and homework. I think we all are going to be missing Ms. Teddie and her 9am start time. Although I am sad to see summer gone I am already in count down mode until it starts to cool down. Are we there yet?!

Hours...

2011-08-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I can't even guess how many hours were spent in the pool and hot tub this summer in California...It was the best! A truck full of Popsicle and snacks...

Not to mention the games the kids made up...so fun to watch their imaginations at work. They never got bored because they were coming up with new games:
Tron

There she is again with her "lips"!

Another game: Ninja-go...

Plus COUSINS! Cousins are the best!

The 2 year old swimmers....These two got along much better then Carter & Sammie at this age...Thank goodness!

The Pool of Death...

Then of course the favorite thing was being LAUNCHED into the air as high as possible....
They were crazy!!
Carter

Of course Kate thinks she is 5 and wanted to be launched too...Dad did not hold back based on age!

Even Wes got in on the mix in his sweet floaty outfit...No way was he going down in that thing!

Sammie Lou....

Carter....

Kit Kat....

It was magic hours spent in the pool...so sad to go back to real life!

Swim Lessons Round 2

2011-08-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

My incredible grandma came back to finish up the kids swim lessons after bad weather before. It was much nicer and everything finally clicked. It is amazing how quickly she got my kids swimming!

Anut Rach trying to help Carter dive....His dives were more like a four-legged dive....

Look at that form....sweet!

Mr. Skinny waist....He is lucky to be like his daddy...Tall and thin so he has a hard time finding things that are long enough and skinny enough around the waist!

Cousin Drew being the Swim Example!

Carter is a strong little guy but he is super tense...so trying to relax and float is a little tricky for him....But of course Magic Grandma Ski was able to get him to do it!

Kate turned into a MERMAID....My little Ms. Independent became a swimmer.

No Fear + An Incredible Swim Teacher=A Swimmer!

By the end she was bubbling, kicking, using her arms and taking a few breathes! It was so fun to watch!

I am so grateful for my grandma taking time and doing this....She really has given them a life long gift. I love that it is something they will always remember too: That my Great Grandma Ski taught me how to swim!
Thank you for all the hard work and love! It was so much fun!
Plus for me it is so nice to be watching swim lessons drinking my Diet Coke in the 80 degree weather hanging out with my mom and sisters instead of the 110! Gotta Love Cali!

Earthquakes...

2011-08-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Kody, Carter & I headed to the San Jose MLS Earthquakes game. I have never been to a MLS game and it was a BLAST! It was so much fun and fast pasted. They really are incredible!

I didn't know how Carter would do but he loved it! There were crazy kicks, headbutts, and even a few brawls!

Then to top off the night was fireworks...

Capotola Beach...

2011-08-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend we head to the beach with the kids. My kids love the beach and could spend HOURS there. It really is the best babysitter between the water the sand and cousins. It was a perfect day but it was a little bit crowded! Everyone else seemed to have the same idea to head to the beach too.

Kate was happy with her huge rack and her "lips" aka the stick sunscreen that she thought was lip stick....Such a girl!

Kate putting on her "lips!" She seriously did this for an hour!

Wes taking down some food & drinks...

Carter loved the water and waves....It was cold water so he didn't brave getting all the way in...

There was lots of wave jumping & pretending to sand surf...

Suncreen + Sand=AWESOME SAND MONKEY!

Only a face a mother could love...

Getting a little tired at the end of the day...

This day had quite the ending with Kate missing for 10 minutes, police being called and her being found all the way up at the shops...Long Story!
She was not traumatized and didn't seem to understand why my sister was in such a panic.
It ending up a happy ending...I think more traumatizing for my sister and me!
Kate's first comment to me the next morning when I went and got her from her bed was:
"Mom Brad FOUND me!"

Jelly Belly Factory...

2011-08-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Kody and I took the 5 year olds to The Jelly Belly Factory...it's pretty impressive to see how the jellys are made and just how many! It is CRAZY! You get a sugar high just being in there. SL2 got to come this time now that they don't make the peanut butter kind at this factory!
These 2 are just quite the pair...
This picture cracked me up....I know, I know a little scandalous for cousins:-)

This was Sammie's favorite car...

And this was Carter's.....Nice!

Kody liked going because of all the samples they handed out....Very Sweet!

Mother Natures Farms....

2011-08-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

After the rains stopped we headed out to Berkeley to feed the animals. Always a hit! Yup, I know it is ridiculous but this is the best shot of the 4 we could get! Honestly!

Kate was not so sure about the whole thing at first and it took her a little time to warm up. These goats are ALL business about getting their food and are not shy!

I couldn't stop putting up pictures because the kids faces are classic in them!

Sammie Lou is a cowgirl through and through...she was right at home naming them, petting them, I was afraid she was going to jump right over and ride them!

Carter found a Ram that he thought was AWESOME!

Wes was so stinkin funny! He is a man of few words and hardly ever talks....Little did we know he can speak GOAT fluently! He happy screamed at them the whole time...it was sooo funny!

Here is a picture of one of his conversations with the goats!!

We tried to go on a little hike but only made it a little way because it was too muddy.

Checkin out the chickens and HUGE pigs...

It turned out to be amazing weather...it was 70 degrees that day in California....Phoenix 118!

Swim Lessons Round 1

2011-08-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful wedding week California got some serious rain and cool weather...Of course right when we had planned to have swim lessons with Grandma Ski. She was a TROOPER and tried it for 2 days, before she decided to come back a few weeks later in hopes for better weather.

It was not just cold and rainy...it was pouring! The pool on the other hand was 98 degrees, so it was perfect once they got in!

This is where the kids loved to spend most of their time....Hot Tubbing!

The moms were not nearly as brave as the kids and Grandma Ski....Mama Rach working on some very important stuff on the couch!

Even though it was a only 2 days of lessons and crazy weather it was incredible how much they learned! Grandma Ski truly is an incredibly magic swim teacher.

Wedding Banaza!!!!

2011-08-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it! The youngest Taylor sister is officially married! Not JUST married, but married to a FANTASTIC guy for eternity! It was wonderful & beautiful & EVERYTHING in between!

The cute couple came out of the Temple and everyone was waiting and cheering and of course they did the classic kiss...

The reaction was mixed..Sammie Lou thought is was "a magical kiss" and wanted to catch it on film...

I caught Carter in a little moment of bliss too...a combination of awesome-ness and embarrassment!

Then the boys started to giggle...

Cute Uncle Ryan went over and immediately played with the kids! He's going to be an AWESOME addition to the Uncle Pool.

Cute Aunt Nikki greeted her biggest fans...The little girls all thought Nikki was the newest Disney Princess.

Great Grandma Colette & Kate Colette....

Two cute boys...

My mom had the best idea and had homemade rolls waiting for everyone that had to stick around for pictures...it helped put everyone in a good mood while waiting their turn on the Temple steps.

I am so sad because I got no pictures at the temple...
The weather, Bride & Groom where all Perfect!
Then off to the reception...
I was able to snap a few photos in between..

Kate really thought Nikki was a Princess...it was DARLING!

Plus they got flowers.....I don't think it gets any better in Kate's book!
The girls

The boys....

The BridesMaids..

Carter and Drew were a big fan of the lovely ladies...

Jenny has a crush on Carter....He didn't seem to mind the extra attention.

Kate got her own little Photo Shoot....

The family...Man all of the sudden we are a big group!

My mom and all the grandkids...

This picture is The Beginning of the End for Carter. This is when the boys decided that they needed to take on the ducks.....

Team D*

Poor Little Wes got a concussion in the morning. He fell off the couch onto the hardwood floor and had to go to the ER to get a CAT SCAN and some other tests run. All came back clear...but it was a long night for the little guy.

Team E*

Team F*...Newest Member coming in a few weeks!

The Sisters///

The boys loved that they had the run of the place...all the food, drinks, dessert...you name it!

After they had their fill of food they came up with a game, "Ducks vs Humans!" I am still not sure what it all included, but it involved jumping off the balcony to throw 100+dinner rolls at them.

This "game" went on for hours...it seems a little sketchy but it was keeping the boys entertained...needless to say about 30 minutes before the night was over Carter came climbing over the balcony SOAKING WET! I mean the top of his head to toes....THE DUCKS WON!

Thank goodness for Grandma Ski's swim lessons...

The cake..
If you look really close on the bottom you can see some cuts in the cake...Yup that is right Kate decided she wanted to be the first one to cut the cake...She took a knife and started poking a few holes in it.
Man who brought those kids?!

Then there was DANCING! The Taylor family are dancers...I am talking from my grandpa of 80 down to my 2 year old nephew...It was a dance party for 3 hours! Fun!

My darling mom who did ALL the work, we just got to come and help party! It was truly fantastic. We were all a little sad when it was over since now all the girls are married...hmmm we might just have to hold dance parties!

It really was a great day, so fun to have all the sisters in the temple and see my baby sister so happy! She was on cloud 9! I am so grateful to Ryan for being such a great guy and being willing to put up with all our families craziness. I just feel so blessed to be part of such an incredible family. I always feel so lucky to have 3 sisters that I truly love and are some of my best friends. And has a HUGE bonus have them all married to INCREDIBLE guys. I am so thankful for my mom and all she has done and does for our family! She is my hero!

It was a PERFECT day!

Swim Lessons

2011-08-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

This year we tried swim lessons at a new place and it was great. Both kids swam at the same time so we could knock them out. Carter was so excited to have a "BOY" swim teacher. He was silly & goofy and Carter thought he was the best! Carter nick-named him: Taco Fred!? No idea why his real name was not even Fred.
Kate on the other hand I thought was going to LOVE swim lessons. She is my "Little Mermaid". She can't get enough of the water. But it took almost the whole 1st week to pull it together. Kate did have her BFF Lucy in there to help break the ice. Although in the beginning they just cried together. They got the hang of it by the end though.
The teacher trying to coax her in the water....

Kate telling Lucy something very important, I'm sure. Lucy we are so grateful that you put up with Kit Kat!

This is taken after about 100 bobs in the water...a little water logged.

This picture I just had to laugh. Yes, that kid is really just dumping water on the teachers head..Nice!

I don't think they get paid enough!

Summer TIME...

2011-08-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Officially came in Phoenix, the end of school, the endless heat, & ENDLESS swimming! Luckily my kids are part fish I think. We better way to start summer then meeting friends at an AWESOME pool!
Carter & Wheat Thin

They swam, they jumped, they dove, they splashed, they went down the water slides...Perfect! They even let Ethan's little brother play too!

If only summer would last for 2 months instead of 5 it would be great!

Ahwatukee All Stars...

2011-06-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Carter was so excited to be able to sneak in a little more baseball before the season ended. This year the Pony League held a State All Star Tournament for the little guys. It was 2 weeks of lots of practice and 4 games in four days...They did great and made it to the Semi-Finals. Such a cute little team and they were GOOD! I think Carter has passed up his mama's baseball skills for sure!

Carter is a GREAT hitter...getting on base every time. Didn't strike out or get out once the whole tournament!

All Stars rules were a little different:
*3 strikes and your out
*Pitching Machine Only
*Stay on base or you are out
And they Played a catchers Position...

Carter thought that was AWESOME!
It took 5 minutes to get him in a out of the gear....
Look at his face....BLISS!

He told Kate to try to punch him to see if it would hurt....Fun for both!

He did a great job...he was even giving signals to the pitching machine.

Kate the Number 1 (Forced) Fan! By the end of that weekend when ever we drove by baseball fields she would start screaming, "NO MORE BASEBALL!!" My little drama mama!

The end of game cheer...

My big guy...
It was such a fun thing for all (Except For Kate)
Carter learned a ton and I learned that I get nervous for him when he is up to bat. A little stressful for me. I also learned that Carter has the best cheering squad. Nana & Papa made it to every game and cheered the loudest. Uncle Ty & Mandi made it too. So fun!

These little kids are so good and you forget how young they really are....except for when they pull out these comments...
Carter hit the ball and made it to 1st base...all of the parents were sitting along the 1st baseline and Carter turns to everyone, grabs his cup and yells,

"Hey Mom! I just went POTTY in my cup a little bit! I tried to hold it so I didn't miss my turn to bat. I can make it around the bases!"
All the fans lost it...Ahhh my shy little boy!

Princess Nikki...

2011-06-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

I REALLY can't believe my baby sister is getting married in a few weeks. She is marring a GREAT guy who we are so excited to add to the family! Carter is a huge fan! This past weekend all the sisters were able to get together for Nikki's Bridal Shower and Pre-Bridal Pics. Here are just a few from my little camera.
Melly getting The Princess Prepped!
Nikki & Ryan wanted all their pictures taken in San Francisco so off we went to several different spots...
Waking around the city...

The Prep Team...Hair, Dress, Make-up, CHECK!

Smile...

At the Palace of Fine Arts...So Beautiful.
Our Princess really looked like a Princess!

Team Nikki...It was so much fun to have all the sisters there. Lots of laughing, joking, & teasing!

Sisters are the BEST!
It was FREEZING but Nikki did a great job!

Love You Nikki! We are so excited for you!
"Jacket Off"

Summer Fun...

2011-06-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

It is here...the 100 degrees, it's official! As much as I don't like it my kids seem not to mind. They love having no schedule and play dates galore! These 3 little guys will all be starting Kinder in the Fall at the same school....so fun!
I have to say coming from all sisters I don't really "get" boys. They are all about wrestling, ninja moves, sword fighting and tackling....geez!

Here they are throwing beach balls at each other and laughing their heads off...

Graham Crackers & Milk...

Carter has been so lucky to have such great little friends...No one is allowed to move!

Ducks..

2011-05-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

We were are able to sneak in one more duck trip before it got too hot. It was a hit, the ducks were hungry and the fish were out. Kate and Lucy were so excited when they saw the ducks out on the lawn....They started running towards them....

Then got a little nervous as they got closer and the ducks didn't move....

The girls warmed up quickly to the duck & the ducks seemed to warm up to the girls....

I have learned you can't bring old bread to the ducks because one piece goes to the ducks one piece goes to them..

PRECIOUS!!

Kate is so lucky to have a friend who puts up with her...
We HEART you Lucy!

It was an extra special trip because not only did we see turtles there was also a BABY duck. The baby duck provided DARLING conversation between the 2 girls, I wish I had a tape recorder.
A few comments:
"OHHH that baby duck is SOOO cute!"
"I love that baby duck!"
"Do you think she is swimming with her mommy or daddy!"
"Please can we catch that duck and her home?"
It went on for 10 minutes...I love listening to their little conversations....they crack me up!

I have a feeling the heat is hear to stay....Until Fall Baby Duck!

BackYard Fun!!

2011-05-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

The heat is here...My kids have been spending every minute out back on the tramp with the hose and lovin' it! It's too hot for the mama so I take pics and wave from the window. Carter likes to practice his NBA JAMS spin dunks and is NinjaGo Moves. Sweet!

Kate spends quality time at her water table...washing cars, making "soup", playing with her barbies. Also trying to get out of Carter's way when he squirts/chases her with the water guns.

She has quite the "mop" of hair and still hates to get it done...
hence she always looks like she had wicked bedhead! Nice!

Fathers-n-Sons

2011-05-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Friends. Dirt. Candy. Smores. Playground. Baseball. Games. Bottemless Cooler of Gatorade. DAD!
THE BEST THING!

DBack Night...

2011-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

One of the highlight nights for Carter is PONY DBacks Night where they get to go and parade on the field. Some of his teammates.
Carter was in heaven...Lovin every minute!

Pure Bliss...

Then when kids/fans started giving High-Fives...he thought it was official...he was a Super Star!

Cutest. Thing. Ever!

It's Coming...

2011-05-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's coming...with only a few days of school left summer is almost here! The kids are feeling the itch to not be on a schedule to stay up late and sleep in. But most of all just wear a swim suit ALL day. Our magic friend had a little swim party for the kids...they were in heaven!
Water guns, beach balls, friends...It's the best!

Carter & Alex...only 3 more days of preschool FOREVER! I just can't believe it! I am so glad these boys will be able to be at the same school next year too!

Kate & Lucy having a little girls time...so cute!

House Party...

Got to practice up on the "Playground Games"....another thing to learn before Kindergarten!

Lunch Time

The Kids Crew...

I have very mixed feelings about summer coming...I am excited about not being on a schedule and swimming all day...but not for the 110!
Thank you Vickie for being so incredible and letting us live at your house...You're the Best!

Movie Night...

2011-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our friends hosted a movie in park night for a bunch a families and it was HEAVEN! It was perfect weather, perfect company, and perfect snacks! Carter asked if we could do it again the next night!

Waiting for the popcorn to pop...can you tell what Carter and his buddies were excited about!

Carter & Ryder

There was even a little romance in the air...Lucy & Dillion. Are they not the cutest!

Some of the kids...they were awesome. I don't think you can get a better combo of watching a movie outside with your friends and having every kind of snack just a few feet away!

Like I said HEAVEN!

Such a fun night!

Last Game...

2011-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up another great baseball season! We were lucky and even had great weather! Carter has turned into quite the little ball player! He loves it...his favorite positions were 1st base, 3rd base and pitcher.

Kody spent time in the field too...helping to "focus" Carter.
Carter went the whole season without hitting off the T and hit quite a few homeruns!

I love the focus...

I can't believe how much bigger, faster and stronger he has gotten since last spring. It is sad that by age 5 Carter has already passed up his mom in baseball skills.

Carter was a lucky boy and always had the best cheering section. Grandma made it out from California for a few games and Nana and Papa were incredible and made it to almost every game. Such a lucky boy to be so loved!
Kit Kat is just there for the snack and treats. I think the poor girl has many more seasons of being a cheerleader.

Since it was the last game they had their little party with trophies and treats. They brought balls for all the kids to sign...Carter took it very seriously.

Bad pic...but her is Carter with his 2 coaches...such a great season!

Since Carter made The Allstars we are in a for a few more weeks of baseball. Cross your fingers for nice weather! Way to go little man....You are an awesome little player!

Friends 4 Life...

2011-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

I had this cute, crazy bunch over to play today....These 3 have been buddies since they started walking and are now all about to start Kindergarten. So Sad...They are so big!

April 2011 5 Years Old

May 2009 ~2 Years Old

June 2009~ Age 2

June 2010~ Age 4April 2009~ Age 3
Not quite sure why I was having such issues putting in the correct order...but there you go!
Such fun little friends. It is sad since Julia will be going to a different school next year. They will miss her. Last night we took Carter and Alex to "The Kindergarten Experience" at their soon to be school. I just can't believe my baby is going to school.
The saying of: The years go by so fast and some days go by really slow.
Sums it up for our house hold.
So fun to have such good friends for so many years... I am so thankful for all of their moms for "handling" Carter all these years. He was/is quite the handful.

The Easter Pictures

2011-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ahh Easter Pictures. Seems simple enough. Get new clothes on and snap a few cute pictures of the kids smiling. Yeah right! This is the best I got after 500 shots, lots of snapping, telling the kids to hold still, look at the camera and sweating. Just okay. But we will take it!

The kids would not hold still so both of their solo shots are of them on the run, hence not being centered. We will take what we can get.

Here are the REAL EASTER MORNING PICTURES.....
This one sums it all up:
Kate throwing a fit & Carter wanting to just get them over with!

Then the ULTIMATE MELT DOWN BEGINS....

Just look at the size of that mouth!
The girl can cry!

People keep asking when we are going to have another one....
Our little Kit Kat is 3 kids in one. Hence we will be waiting, LONGER!
Maybe just a 2 kid family for us....The Jury is Still out!
Hope your Easter was not as LOUD as ours.

Good Morning Easter

2011-04-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!
Kate actually got the morning started for our team because she had to go potty. As soon as she came out of her door she saw the Jelly Bean path the Easter Bunny left and said:
"Oh No Carter made a MESS!"
Can you say bed head...she has total Mop Top in the morning!
Pretty much Kate could not shove the candy in fast enough, she could not even focus for a picture. And all Carter cared about was finding the eggs.

Carter found all his eggs and then sorted them by style of ball then opened them.
Kate continued to double fist candy into her mouth.

The Easter Bunny put some dollars in the eggs...Carter was PUMPED!

A successful Easter....that is until we had to take the Dreaded Sunday Easter Picture!!

Car Washing...

2011-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Carter loves to do anything with his dad! Even chores are much better with dad then mom...A favorite chore is washing the car. Carter likes to be in complete control of the hose, which means are neighbors hear a lot of this:
"Carter don't spray Kate in the face!"
"Carter just spray the car not the house!"
"Carter you have to watch were you are spraying!"
"CARTER DO NOT SPRAY YOUR SISTER!"
A good time is had by all, except for Kate!

I guess that is not really true...Kate is a true water baby and is pretty tough. Dramatic but tough!

Once in awhile she gets mad and wants her turn with the hose....that doesn't normally go over well.

She loves the bubbles. Kate likes to put them all over her face and say,
"Ho, Ho, Ho, look at me I am Santa!"

Go Dodgers!

2011-04-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Spring is here...Which means BASEBALL SEASON! This year Carter is a Dodger. He had mixed feelings about it, but has warmed up to the idea. I don't think it can get much cuter then a 5 year old in his baseball uniform!
Before the season opener the Pony League has its Opening Ceremonies with all the teams.
I love that he is not too old or embarrassed to turn and wave and smile at me.

Marching out onto the field...
He is growing up, this year his coach did not make him hold his hand!

The Dodger Team...feeling a little restless after all the talking!

It is a pretty impressive league...31 teams this spring.

Finally GAME TIME!

He wanted to be just like the players and have his batting gloves in his back pocket.

Running from 2nd to 3rd!

Love that guy!

Then there is Little Miss Kate...Another season, another round of cheering...

At least during baseball season she can roam....

A girl and her thoughts....Probably thinking about lipstick, pretties, shoes, dance class and how she can take out Carter after the game. She is something else!

Let's Go Dodgers!

Cal-i-forn-i-a

2011-04-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

The kids and I headed off to California for Spring Break...It was awesome!
My kids always CRY when we have to leave! They are in heaven there.
This year we were there for St Patty's Day!
(I only took 3 pics the whole week...what was I thinking!)
Yes all the boys got home made 3 leaf clovers....yes done with Sharpie...we celebrated for about a week long until it finally came off!

Kate and her green pancakes and green milk! Yummy!

Highlights of the Trip:
*All 4 sisters were able to spend a few nights together staying up too late
*Baby sister announced a wedding this summer
*We were able to go to Palo Alto and have Family Night with Great Grandparents
*Brad had his 29th birthday again....He got just what he wanted all Rachel's sisters home
*MANY cousin sleep overs...WAHOO!!!
*Making and setting a Leapercon trap with Aunt Melly...Didn't catch him but he did leave some money
*Chuck-e-Cheeses Kate FAV
*Girls night outs: dinners, movies, toes, shopping
*Spending time with Great Grandma Ski
*Cousins Palooza...Carter wanted to spend every waking moment with the boys
(Thanks Rach for turning your schedule upside down)
*Rain...we love the rain since we never it it...it did not stop the boys from always seeming to strip down to their skivs and jump on the tramp for hours
*Park time
*Playing with GRANDMA! My kids LOVE their grandma...she is the best!
Thanks mom for putting up with the mess and destruction we bring!
We love you!

Preschool Field Trip...

2011-04-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Off to the Train Park with the preschoolers...Fun was had by all! Well all the kids :-)

Look at that cute bunch....patiently waiting for their turn.

Waiting for the train...can you tell they are excited?!
Notice the cute girls smiling for the camera and holding hands...then the boys. REALLY?!

Carter & Alex...these 2 are quite the pair! These two have been best friends since they were 1 1/2! So fun to have a friend like that...can't believe they both head off to Kindergarten next year!

They all picked the closed in caboos at the end...half way through we could hear a few tears.

Carter & Julia...We love Julia she helps keep Carter grounded! She is also one of Carter's peeps.

The Big Man!

I always thought I would be so ready to send Carter off to Kindergarten, but as it is getting closer I am getting sad. He has become so much easier to take places and have around I will be sad to lose my big little man to school. Stop getting so big so fast!
I love you buddy!

Round 5 in the BOOKS!

2011-04-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that at the age of 5 Carter has already completed his 5th season of basketball! One of the perks of living in Phoenix...they had year round sports! So big man finished up another great season....The Heat #3...with Dad as the coach!
Can you tell the games were all played at 8 am...they all still have some serious morning face!
Love it!

The cheering section! Carter is the luckiest boy because he had Nana & Papa at almost EVERY game! They are truly his #1 fans!

Then there is Kit Kat that would cry when we would pull up to the the gym..."NO MORE BASKETBALL!" Oh little Missy it is just starting!

Carter putting up a mean block!

Nice shoot buddy!

Warming up....Perfect shot!

Stealing....he loved to still but was not so happy when it happened to him! Weird!

Ahhhh....The Trophy

THE HEAT!

Carter had a great season! He was the only one to score in the first 4 games of the season. He scored at least 12 points every game and had a season high of 30 points in one! As an extra bonus I think this is the first season he was not ejected from the game at some point!
Oh little man is growing up! Wink!

Updated DBacks Fan Day!

2011-04-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of Carter's favorite days....He feels like such a big man being able to go down to the field and it. He was extra lucky this year because he was able to hit of Stephen Drew one of his favorite players. He was able to hit 2 homers!

Then he was able to play catch with the DBACKS catcher...

In the Dug-Out...

The have tons of bounce houses and blow-ups...The floating ball!

Of course a highlight is a tour of the locker room. Carter say an empty locker and said, "Dad I think this would be a good spot for mine!" Completely serious of course.

Cousin Addi and Connor came for a little bit too...checking out the World Series Trophy

At the end he was able to practice his pitching...he has quite the wind up..

Nice throw buddy!!
(Thank you Kody for putting up the earlier post....I have been completely slacking!)

Play Ball!

2011-03-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Diamondbacks hold an annual fan day at the park. Carter and Kody got to get in early and Carter was pumped to be able to hit a few pitches off of one of his favorite players, Stephen Drew, shortstop for the D-backs! After hitting a few home runs over a fence they had set up Stephen told Carter that if he starred at one more home run he was going to have to beam him. Carter thought it was awesome.

Little man warming up in the bullpen. Looking forward to another baseball season.

Drafty?!

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Does it feel a little drafty in here to anyone else?

Messy Art Class...

2011-02-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

That is "Messy Art" REALLY the title for the Art class Kate is taking...for good reason. It has turned in to Kate's favorite 45 minutes of the week and my least favorite! We both leave covered head to toe in paint, gak, cornstarch, you name it!
This week they were working on making Valentines...

As the class went on Kate decided it would be more fun to just turn herself into a walking Valentine! Sweet!

Pink Lipstick Anyone?!

They bring in a bucket of warm water for the kids to wash off their hand and arms, that is Kate's favorite part. She just likes to play in the water and "protect" it from anyone else using it! She is pretty fierce over the bucket. I went to go grab her a paper towel from the table and when I turned around she had her face in the bucket blowing bubbles as if it was her bath tub! Are you KIDDING me! I guess she is going to have one tough immune system! As took her away from the bucket she said, "Mom I just want to swim!"
Oh my little Kit Kat!

Thanks Grandma!!

2011-02-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you Grandma for my Pretty Pretty Princess Tutu for dance class! I LoVe it! I like to wear it all the time and spin around! I even let my mom do my hair when I have it on so I can look like a ballerina!
I think that this hanger is a wond and is part of the outfit!

Here are the many faces of ME.....
If only my mom could get one of me looking at the camera smiling.....

Not a chance!

(This last one is my ANGRY spin move!)
Thank you, thank you Grandma I miss and love you and can't wait for you to come see me in action!

No Words...

2011-02-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

There really are NO words for this....

I guess I just need to enjoy the fact that they are getting along for a few minutes.
(Lots of fighting at our house lately...Mostly Kate starts it by walking up to Carter for no reason and smacking him. After that is quickly turns bad)

Look at that smooched nose.....
May the Force be With You!

Dance Class

2011-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

It truly is amazing how girls just come GIRLY! Kate can not get enough of pretties, skirts, dancing, shoes, princess....it is like nothing Kody has ever seen before! He is in complete AWE of Little Miss Kit Kat!
She is something though....A True PIECE of WORK!

Kate and her Bestie Lucy have take dance/tubmling/movement class every Tuesday and THEY are definitely the BELLE'S of the BALL!

They spend quite a bit of time looking at themselves and spinning in the mirrors....
Kate a giving Lucy a little aggressive hug!

Showing off some moves....

It really is something to see....Girls are the Best!
Shhh don't tell!
Wink!

Stars Wars Battle

2011-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my little Carter....I went to check on him the other night after he was asleep and found this little ditty by his head. He created quite the battle between Obi Won and Darth Vader.
Doesn't really look like a fair match!
I was laughing at the order and the OCD-ness of it all though. Even the gun are held at the same angle.
Such a funny little man~So intense, competitive & aggressive BUT yet has quite a bit of OCD and order in his life.

Love that kid!

BlackRock Ranch

2011-02-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

After Christmas we headed up to the Ranch....It is a magical place for kids.
Motorcycle Rides
Hikes
Mule Rides
Guns
Sardines in the Dark
Bonefires
Dodge Ball inside
Really a kids heaven!

The boy on a hike down to the lake....

Carter & Cole...Carter is lucky to have AWESOME cousins. They really are such great role models and examples for him. It is so fun to watch their little friendships grow. Carter thinks Cole & Drew are the best people EVER!

Rock skipping

Hiking under the bridge...

I forgot to mention another cool factor: Riding in the bed of a truck!

I LoVe LoVe LoVe this picture...Grandma and Kit Kat doing a little light reading from People!

Carter's highlight....GUNS!

Last time he was a little nervous....This time Not So Much! He could not get enough!

It was a great way to finish our California Trip....Now we are on count down until we get to go back!

Christmas Day...Finally!

2011-01-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

Nothing better/nasty then the Christmas Morning picture. It was the worst as a kid and it's still bad as an adult. But it is kind of a right of passage to Christmas morning....
This year we split Christmas in 2 parts....Santa came to the Eds House and then all the rest of the gifts were at Grandmas.
The race into the family room....

SANTA ACTUALLY CAME!!!

And brought just what he wanted....Jengo Fett Legos!

Aunt Nikki was a good girl this year too...

The destruction after the presents....

Kate was in heaven with her new baby princess's!

A new lego box to hold all his Gear!

Great Grandma Ski and Sammie Lou...

Carter spent HOURS that day playing with his new legos!

Santa brought Team Ed a new tramp too....

My kids also learned a great lesson on Christmas morning. As we were getting ready to load up and head to grandmas to finish opening the rest of the presents, Brad noticed his 80 year old neighbors getting ready to climb on their roof. They thought that at 8 am on Christmas morning it would be a good idea to clean their gutters. Brad being the incredible neighbor that he is could not let that happen. So off when the boys in the sweet matching PJ's to clean gutters Christmas morning in the freezing cold.

About an hour later we were ready to go to grandma's for more Christmas fun. It was a great lesson in patients and service for the kids!

At last GRANDMA'S HOUSE!

Melly and Porter were smart and pre-labeled their seats for Christmas morning!

Kids on WILD!

Once the presents started I didn't take any more pictures...

Great Grandma & Grandpa Taylor came over that afternoon for dinner & fun! It was a WONDERFUL Christmas full of fun, family, & too much food! Thank you mom for all the planning and organizing....You're the best!
Carter is already asking how many days until next Christmas!

Christmas Eve Extravaganza...

2011-01-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

I remember Christmas Eve Day being the longest day of the year as a little kid.....Well it needs to be in order to get everything packed in. First up, head across the Bay for a Christmas Eve Lunch with Great Grandparents, Cousins, & More...
Of course it would not be a proper Christmas Eve without the Nativity. Carter got the lead role of Joseph...there were tears at first, but he came around after a little "talking to" if you will.
Cute Great Grandma & Grandpa Taylor are amazing story tellers...

The one year olds LITERALLY FIGHTING over Grandma!

Sammie Lou was cast as Mary....She was PUMPED!

Just look at the excitement once Baby Jesus was born!

Most of the crew....the ones that did not run too fast.

The 10 and under table...

After more games, a talent show, some football and rocket launching it was time to head back home....There are always 2 houses that go ALL out with Christmas Lights...

I wish I could have completely captured it...It is INCREDIBLE!

There is not a square inch that is not covered with something....

Then off to House #2...No picture of this one....It has an incredible dancing light show that goes to music that is through a radio station that is about 15 mins long....
The boys had front row seats on top of the car.

The crazy boys....

Then it was home to the Eds....And Mrs. Claus came and brought some PJ's....Wahoo!

Ahhh the night that just keeps going....They don't look tired to me!

A classic shot...Carter with his crazy face and Kit Kat paying close attention.

Once the Jammies are on the night would just not be complete without a little Wrestle Mania with Uncle Porter.

Dog Pile on Carter!

Dog Pile on Porter...

The ladies minus Kit Kat

Finally time for Hot Chocolate and getting out food for Santa...

Then it was time for bed...Even after a long day it took Carter A LONG time to finally fall asleep! Ahhh Christmas Eve is the BEST!

A Day in THE CITY!

2011-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

We packed up and head to San Fransisco for the day with the kids....Cute Aunt Melly & Porter! They're the best....my kids are OBSESSED with them!
Hmmm.....I wonder why look at Carter being attacked by Porter, his favorite thing and Kate holding tight to Melly's hand! Love it!

Carter chasing the birds by the ferry docks....He thought is was awesome, but then got a little nervous when they all took off at once!

We headed down to the Ferry building to get some yummy tacos at the Farmers Market...he was having a hard time waiting!

Finally....TACO'S!

Bring an Arizona Baby he doesn't get to see the ocean very much...he was fascinated by the huge Ferries that would come and dock.

Cute Rach and Brad....

The kids decided to put on a little street performance....Goofballs....Who knows!

Carter kept going back to the huge ferry, "Take a picture mom!"

Most of the family!

The Fierce~some Threesome!

Kate not so sure about the cold weather....

The MAN cousins!

Then there is Lou-Lou....Strikin a pose in the middle of the city! Work it!

After lunch we hike over to Yurabuena Gardens....Carter and Drew having a very serious conversion. I'm sure about Star Wars or something!

When we finally made it to the park were Kate went NUTZ! This girl has no fear! These slide are FAST & HUGE! Kate climbed right up and came right down. She is flying...notice the hair!

Giggles all the way down....

Here they are at the top....a little perspective of how tall they are!

Melly had on a long sweater that made her EVEN faster....it got a little crazy....she would actually SHOOT out of the slide!

Little Wes was an animal too....slow and steady he would climb up to the top slide by himself and then come flying out! Love it!

Cousin TRAIN...

Lots of wipe-outs at the bottom!

Kate was not so sure about the POWER SPEED SLIDE with Melly!

I love these because of her hair...shows how fast she is really going....

It was so much fun with a few games of Freeze Tag to top it off at the end.....Love it!

Favorite Spot!

2011-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

All of the sudden the boys disappeared...found them playing on the computer! It was so funny, both Carter & Drew would just watch and cheer for Cole, they were so content not playing!

FINALLY THERE!!!!

2011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

After what seemed like FOREVER for Carter we made it to California for Christmas.
No joke I heard him out back screaming at airplanes as they passed over: "Please, Please take me to California!" Needless to say we hit the ground running as soon as we got there, with a 2 week itinerary of what was happening everyday!
1st on the list: COOKIES!
Meet THE Cousins!
Carter thinks that Cole and Drew are the BEST! It is so great to see him idolizes them, plus the best part about it is they are GREAT examples! Nothing better then cousins!

Carter was more into making frosting colors and eating it then actually decorating the cookies!

Cute & Melly and Sammie Lou...

Some of the crew...Carter was too focused to look

Lou was in charge of making them SPARKLE....That required an endless about of sprinkles!

Some of the final products....

It was loud, messy, & tiring....half way through Uncle Porter decided he need a nap!

Polar Express 2010

2010-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

This year we headed up to the NorthPole with some friends and had a MAGICAL time...(Besides the crazy fog and no snow!)
As a little side note...Kennedy had a little "thing" if you will, for Carter a few months back, and now seems to be completely over him: but now Carter is all about Kennedy and was making sure he could sit by her on the train!
BOYS! They start young!

The Polar Express!

Waiting to board the train....

Trying to get a picture of the 2 year olds...Good Luck!

The boys were much better listeners.

One of the cooks...taking our tickets....

Finally on the TRAIN! Let the cookies, hot chocolate, singing, and stories begin!

This year Carter was all about following along with the story...so cute!
He is just turning into a Big Man!

Kate decided that Nat & Rex would be a great replacement family. She sat with Rex forever...Lucy was nice enough to share her daddy and Rex was nice enough to put up with The Kat!

Looking at the NORTH POLE! We made it!

Then we heard that Santa came on board at the North Pole....Looking for him!

Oh they spotted him....Kate was so excited clapping & screaming
(since that is pretty much her only volume level)
"A give Santa a Hug! A give Santa a Hug!"

But when Santa came she panicked and settled for a High-Five! Carter giving Santa very specific instructions on what he wanted!

This is my FAVORITE picture....Santa told him "Yes" that he would work on that for Christmas! Look how excited he is....Ahhhh the pure MAGIC of Christmas!

And of course no trip is complete to the North Pole without a new shiny Christmas Bell!

It is always a little sad when the train pulls back into the station....Carter said,
"Hey mom, can we go again tonight to the North Pole?"
When explained he had to wait until he was 6 there were almost tears!

I love Christmas Time & how Magical it is for little kids!
It was a great trip...ready to book for 2011!

Dear Santa...

2010-12-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

Carter's Christmas Letter for 2010 is officially sent off to the North Pole....

This year he is asking for a Star Wars Lego Guy~Jengo Fett. A collectors item...hmmmm?

Temple Lights...

2010-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

It has been a family tradition to go and see the temple lights for years, and every year I am still AMAZED at how beautiful the lights and grounds are!
Kate loved it screaming: "Oh PRETTIES!" at every turn!
I laugh every time I see the wise men...When Carter was a little over 3 we were trying to take a picture in about the same spot when he turned around, jumped the rope and TOOK OFF for the camels! Luckily he tripped on a divot in the grass, or it was going to be a brutal explanation to the grounds keeper about how our son knocked over the camels.

Look how far he has come in 2 year! He thought that was an AWESOME story!

Carter's favorite lights this year were the waterfalls...or as he called it: The Blue Jell-O!

Only in Phoenix do you stop by Bahama Bucks after because it is not too cold for a Bahama Rama Mama!

Holiday Spirit

2010-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Kate the BLUE nosed Princess!
Kate seems to really be getting in the Christmas Spirit!
This is how she looked after a little playtime with chalk!

Kit Kat's PlayDate!

2010-12-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Kate's little BBF Lucy came over to play yesterday and they were ADORABLE!
Girls play dates are WAY more fun then Boy play dates.
The boys are always pretending to shoot things and jump on things and tear apart things.
Girls giggle and play dress-ups and dance! LOVE IT!

I have never see 2 little girls that LOVE to dance to much....Lucy is a good sport because Kate can be a little "intense" when she dances!

They were so cute though....they giggled, and played princess, and jumped and they TALKED! It is so funny to listen to them and their little voices and vocabulary, they talk non stop to each other now....So Fun!

They were sitting and doing exactly the same thing...Too Cute!

This was about a year ago...on one of their 1st play dates...

I guess some things have still not changed:
Kate's hair CONSTANTLY in her face because she pulls at it &
Lucy having to put up with KRAZY KATE!

We love you Lucy, thank you for being such a good friend!

Damron Christmas...

2010-12-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

Carter & Papa

On Sunday we had Christmas with the Damrons....Carter was so excited. It was so painful for him to wait to open presents until AFTER dinner. I can remember that feeling! Just waiting and wanting the grown-ups to eat & talk faster. It is so fun to watch the excitement! I love it!

Before he presents Nana always reads the story of Jesus...

Then gifts were torn into...Kate's highlights were a little Barbie 4x4. Look out!
Ok seriously look at that face....That is a SERIOUS mouth!

Then I told her to say cheese...it seemed a very aggressive "cheese"!

The other highlight was a box of dress-ups...Needless to say the combo was PRICELESS!

Kids and Christmas are the best! Everything is so magical!

Tis The Season...

2010-12-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season of too many fun activities, not enough time, and staying up WAY to late! But I think that is part of the magic! I have been so bad a taking pic of our fun December we have had so her are just a few. The other night we decorated some of the BEST Gingerbread Cookies every with a few families! Fun was had by all!
Look at the concentration of those boys!

I love this pic....Here is Carter trying to focus on his cookie and he has two little ladies telling him what he should be doing and what would look better.
Welcome to the rest of your life buddy!

Check out that MasterPiece! Awesome!

Great food! Great Friends! Doesn't get much better!

Stitches

2010-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

It was only a matter of time...I am shocked we made it 5 years with incident.
Shower + Jumping=Slipping and slamming chin & nose on the ledge=1 trip +4 Hours + Double Layer of Stitches=LOTS of crying!
It was pretty nasty looking you could see the Jaw Bone...
He was so crazy about getting the shots and stitches they almost had to go the hospital to get sedated...
The Burrito Wrap seemed to work...

Nice...Man Scar!

Kate went crazy herself....she had not gotten in the shower yet Carter went down. She I think was nervous and scared and it took her almost a whole hour to calm down. She kept crying.
"A Carter, A Bonk, A Ouchy!"
Finally a little milk and "Rella" did the trick.
Yes, she has an Ariel Nightgown over her Jammies....Yes, she still takes off her Jammies and yes, she is still safety pinned in them!

Carter even asked for some princess stickers for Kate when he was leaving Urgent Care! He went through and picked out a few of her favorites....
So cute to see how much the 2 of them really do LOVE each other.

Round 3...Let it Begin!

2010-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

It is official! Miss Teddie's Famous Gingerbread Houses are the 1st real sign of the Christmas Season! They are incredible! This will be Carter's 3rd house he has made. He has definitely gotten faster and better.
The Pre-House before all the treats go on!

Let the candy begin...half way through Carter looks at me, "Mom my tummy is killing me!" Hmmm I wonder if it was the 50 pieces of candy he ate. One for the house, One for him!

His little fake smile...Pretty impressive house!
December 2010 ~Age 5

December 2009 ~Age 4

December 2008~Age 3

This year when he brought it home Kate's head almost EXPLODED! She thought that was the best thing she had ever seen! A house covered with candy!
She could not leave it alone...
Notice the full cheeks and fingers covered in frosting.Busted! We had to move it up high so she could not climb to get it! We will see how long it lasts. Normally Carter will eat a few pieces and be done with it...
I think Kate has BIG plans for that house!

These Gingerbread Houses are truly AMAZING! Thank you Miss Teddie for all your hard work and love that you put into these houses! I think Carter will be VERY disappointed next year when they don't get to make one in Kindergarten!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

2010-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

The morning we were getting ready to head home from Payson Carter came flying out of the bathroom, pants still around his ankles, screaming,
"Mom, mom IT'S SNOWING!"
There is something truly magical about snow! Carter got dressed as fast as he could and started running down the wooded stairs, I hear him start to saying,
"Daddy, Daddy It's....." BOOM!
Down he rolled 3 stairs....just too exited! He jumps up, "SNOWING!" Outside he went! The true Phoenix boy lasted about 3 minutes!

This is the 1st Kate can remember seeing snow & she LOVED it! Maybe she will be our little snow skier.
She could not be bothered with looking at the camera...she had to figure out what this crunchy white stuff was.

Carter showing Kate how to stomp on the snow and leave footprints....

Once again trying to get a picture of the 2 kids....The hug turned more into a headlock!

I wish it would of snowed a few more days while we were up there, but I am glad the kids got a little taste. Here is to more snow when we go to the Polar Express!

Christmas Cards Gone BAD!

2010-11-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

Yep...You are looking at the BEST OF Christmas card pictures. Every year I wonder why I do this...by the time we are done I am sweating, the kids are crying, and Kody is looking at me like I have completely lost it....ALL TO GET just and OK picture. So here is a small preview of what I really should be sending this year!

I think the is the best pic...the cute backsides of the kids. You can't tell they have been crying and pulling each others hair.
The whole time Kate kept yelling at Papa at the TOP of her lungs:
"PAPA DANCE! PAPA DANCE!"
Not sure what it was really all about, but Papa would NOT dance! So by the end of the pictures Kody & I were yelling: "PAPA DANCE!" Papa would not buckle though. So this year we are blaming our picture not turning out because The Papa would not dance!

Thankful...

2010-11-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Kate is TRULY thankful for Thanksgiving and the FOOD! Her favorite this year...fruit salad! As you can see she LOVED every bit of Thanksgiving dinner!
Carter & Addi

The Damron Crew

While the parents cleaned the kids watched a movie...of course they had to watch it on the mini TV because FOOTBALL could not be turned off. I think the boys watched 45 games over the weekend.

It started off cute...Carter quickly was drawn back to watching the football game and Kate quickly turned feisty and started pulling hair and trying to close the DVD player. At least I got a picture of the peaceful 3 minutes!

Big Man relaxing! He thinks he is the man of the cabin!

Thankful Lists:
Kate: MILK, Princess, Baby Dolls, Ponies, ARIEL, Food, Shoes, Mommy
Carter: Star Wars, sports, Top Ramen, Wii, friends, cousins, Daddy
Kody: Basketball Season, family, snacks, hair cuts
Bec: Nap Time, SISTERS, family, Healthy Kids, Hard Working Hubby

An Almost Perfect Race....

2010-11-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago I took a well needed sisters trip to California without kids....I always seem to come home more tired and need a vacation from my vacation. Staying up until 3 am laughing is always much looked forward to with my sisters. I am so grateful for them and their teasing and sense of humors. We are all SO different but could not get along better! Sisters really are the BEST! It all comes from having and being raised by an INCREDIBLE MAMA!

Michelle: Come on ladies it will be fun, lets run a race in San Francisco. It's only 10K.
Nicole: Yes! I'm in, I just ran 7 miles this morning.
Rachel: Really? Can't we just get together and hang out?
Denise: I'll only do it if someone will walk with me.
Rebecca: Nope - no fun. I have been working my tail off out here in Phoenix - no way am I coming on a trip to wake up early and run.

Michelle and Nikki talked us all into it. Airplane tickets were bought, babysitters arranged, just one small item overlooked - signing us up for the race. According to 3 of us - AWESOME!! We had a great weekend of shopping, eating and movies. Then on race day, the young ones woke us all up and convinced us of taking them to the City so they could "sneak in." As we pull up we hear the starting gun go off and the announcer yell "They're off!" Out of the car hop Michelle and Nicole and run through the starting point 3 minutes behind the pack. Us oldies walked it far behind them. The weather was GREAT - I've never seen a nicer day by the bay. We finished it off with a walk across the Golden Gate Bride. Fun Weekend.

Thank you Mama Rach for the Post! Look who is turning BROWN! Love you!

Star Wars MANIA!!

2010-11-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

For the past few months Carter has been on a SUPER STAR WARS kick. When he is into something, he is INTO something. No half way with this boy. We have started to collect Star Wars gear from costumes to Legos to games to movies. I came around the corner to find this....

Big Man playing Star Wars Lego on the computer and the Clones helping him out!
Can you say OCD!

Kit Kat is 2!

2010-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yes! My little, big Kit Kat is 2! ONLY 2! She already feels like she is 4 and wants to be 8! I can't believe she is 2 already though...where does it go!
Stats:
Weight: 30 lbs
Height: 36"
Thumb Sucker & Hair Twirler, Crib Climber & Jammie Taker-Offer, Sassy, Sweet, Rough, Tough, Opinionated, Loving, Funny, Determined, Shoe Obsesser, Jabber Talker, Singer, Mommy Loving, Tantrum Thrower, Princess Lover, AWESOME!

Kate is OBSESSED with Princesses right now, especially Ariel....Hence the shirt. She opened this book early and carried it around ALL day. She could not even let go for the picture!
Showing off that she matches the Ariel Book....

Showing off her SWEET lips!

Kody was gone for Kate's birthday so I just had a few of her favorite people over for a little dinner & party!

Natalie made the CUTEST cake ever for Kate! Isn't she amazing! Kate thought it was AWESOME!

Nat also made darling cupcakes for the kids....even Carter was VERY impressed!

Kate clapping and singing her own birthday song to herself....

I was a little sad to let her tear into this amazing cake....even Kate was not sure she wanted to ruin "Rella".

1st thing, see how Rella is in the cake...

Then of course get all the frosting off her....

Then straight to business....lick off all the frosting!

Kate decided she wanted Rella back on top of her cake....

Then it was time to get serious about eating the cake!

Then of course what is a party without a few presents....lots of princess stuff! Her favorite!
(Notice Carter helping unwrap in his SWEET Jenga Fett Costume~Star Wars~Yup he pretty much lives, sleeps, eats in that thing!)

Ohhh....the princess pollys were a HIT she had carried them around ALL week.

The 2nd present Kate opened was some Ariel shoes...and once she saw those she put them on and off she went. She was done opening presents....it took us a few days to open the rest, it was great!
Thank you to my wonderful friends who came and helped celebrate Crazy Kate's birthday!

Basketball Season...

2010-11-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

I think this is Carter's 4th season of Basketball! This time we went through the City for a little more competition. The age group is 5 & 6 year olds, so he made the cut off by 1 week! He is the only preschooler on his team, the rest of the kids are Kindergartners and 1st graders.
Oh my Big Little Man!

Kate is completely over going to the games, it is early and long and she can't get out of her stroller. Thank goodness Nana & Papa and Aunt Mandi come prepared with TREATS! Nothing like a sucker at 8:15 in the morning!

Warming up....

The ref lining up the kids and telling them who they are guarding and which directions they are going.

After scoring the race down to play DEFENSE! Look at that smile! Love it!

Ahmmm, playing a little aggressive defense, I think that is a foul!

Kody was able to coach again this season, so fun! Team cheer....Go Jr. Suns!

One of the best parts is that he gets to play with one of his Best Buddies Caden!
Adorable!

Does not get much better in Carter's book!

Totally Awesome 80's

2010-11-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure I have the best friends in the whole world! A few weekends ago my friends threw me a SURPRISE 30th birthday party....80's Style! It was INCREDIBLE! From the food to the games to the COSTUMES! Everyone went all out....It was AWESOME!
This is just the dessert spread!
They had yummy, yummy food from Arribas...

Totally rad 80's CD's as parting gifts....

And then there were the COSTUMES.....
When I walked in I didn't even recognize some people with their sweet wigs and BIG hair....
Ahh the 80's had some awesome looks...
The Greenes...
Bret Micheals and his 9 month prego girlfriend

The Hansons
The Karate Kid and his Prom Date

The Hamiltons...
Ted, from Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure

The Merrills....
The Rockers

The Ito's...
The Preppies...

The Hess's...
More Preppies...

Marianne and her SWEET hair....
She said the is her Classic Utah 80's Outfit!

I wished I had more pics of all the couples, I am missing quite a few....Ryan made a sweet looking MC Hammer!
Hopefully I will keep getting more pics. They were AWESOME though!

They even came up with an 80's Jeopardy Game....
with amazing throw-back commercials and everything!

Of course the amazing birthday cake.....Like there was not enough dessert!

I was so surprised! I can't believe all my friends are such good secret keepers! I am SO grateful for all of their hard work, time, and preparation that when into this amazing party!
I am SO blessed to have such amazing friends!
I love you all! You're the BEST!
Who's birthday is next, because this time I want in on the planning and the surprise!

(Not sure what is going on with the pics....Since I took them from blogs and emails they transferred weird)

October 31

2010-11-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

All I can say is we got LOTS of use out of Carter's costume this year. Our friends have a party on Halloween every year filled with games, food & friends!
Carter & Alex!
Pretty stinkin CUTE!

Kate did not want to wear her costume...she was too busy cleaning up everyone elses plate and drink...Notice it's Emi's cup!

The 2 year olds managed to kick all the big kids off the tramp....Love the mid jump pic...notice the pony tail...

Dylan, Lucy & Kate

Lots of games, one of them was guess how many candy corns.....

And the winner with a guess of 310.....Yup the Big Man!

Getting ready to hit the streets for some trick-or-treating....

Weird, or Sassy Frass would not get her costume on...so no Belle for Kate. She went to one door swiped a candy and just started eating....

and eating.....

Carter was a little nervous to go to some of the doors....Oh my big, strong, man!

The kids ran & ran & ran from door to door....
Carter said, "Mom, trunk or treating was AWESOME this is SO much more work!"

The kids went far enough and were tired enough the dads had to jog back and get the cars...

I guess this is a sign of a FUN FILLED WEEKEND! Fun for the Mama!

It was a great weekend that went non-stop, Carter fell asleep while Kody was ready him books.
It was a 1st! A sign of TOO much fun.

Trunk-Or-Treat

2010-11-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Trunk-or-treat was a hit! Carter was so excited and scored some SERIOUS candy!
Carter as Captain Rex & Caden as a Backugon Dragon
Cute Madison & Kate...she did not last in the stroller for long!

Kate hunted Lucy down....I think Kate loves Lucy a little "TOO" much!
Seriously after about 30 pics this is the best....

Ricks & Damron Crew

We were getting ready to head out and this Star Wars guy came by...all of the sudden Carter was scrabbling for his mask and gun and said, "Mom quick get your camera I got to have a picture with that guy!" We tracked him down a few trunks down and got it! Carter wanted to see the picture immediately, he smiled and said, "Sweet mom thanks!"

After the candy was gone and the sugar had kicked in it was time to DANCE!
Kit Kat and Lucy would not be pulled off the dance floor.

I think Lucy was the last one to leave, she did not want to go until the music was shut down!
So cute!

A good time was had by all!

1st & Last...

2010-11-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

This was the 1st year we have gotten around to carve a pumpkin with the kids. We have always had good intentions, but October just disappears. But this was the year!
First draw a face, Carter wanted the basic...perfect!

The start the cutting and pulling off of the lid....
Carter was immediately not thrilled about it....

Then he could not believe that we had to clean the pumpkin out....
No way was he sticking his hand in there....
He could hardly stand the smell!

How did Carter feel about pumpkin carving....

Little Miss on the other hand was all over it! Shocking!

Helping daddy with the scoop....

Finally the finished product! I was stuck finishing it....Needless to say, it may be a few more years before we try again.

Happy Halloween!