Merry Christmas!

          We had lots of love for us this Christmas. We had lots of celebrations, parties, and dinners. On Christmas eve eve we went to Jeff and Vicki's. The kids swam till their fingers and toes wrinkled up in the hot tub. Jeff made a delicious Prime rib and we had pies for dessert. It was so fun chatting and hanging out.

           Christmas Eve we had our tradition at my mom and dads with breakfast for dinner.  Madi and Vernon surprised us and went and got snow from Mt. Charleston. It was so fun being able to play in the snow and have a snowball fight on Christmas eve in Vegas! We definitely came in wet and lots of snow in the face. Good thing we had our Christmas eve Jammies! This year I made Emma and my night gowns and loved matching with the kids! Jakes matching pants I bought and were totally ripped and ruined, so he matched us in colors! We watched the Christmas story and read I believe in Christmas. I love carrying on traditions I did my whole childhood and sharing them with our kids. 

Christmas Day our kids slept in!! What?! Jake woke us all up. I love seeing their excitement. Benjamin and Noah got new bikes, Emma got a camera and Navy got a "real" stroller for her babies. Navy loved unwrapping gifts and seeing all the presents this year. Emma and Noah couldn't wait to open and play all their new games. I sure love these kids and am grateful for our Savior that made it so we can enjoy these days together. Family is truly the most important gift we have and each of my older three really understood that this year.

We headed over to DeeDees for her breakfast scones. That yummy scone sauce! She had costumes for all the kids and they all put on the Nativity scene. After we tried doing white elephant with the kids but it ended up being a mad dash and grab. They had lots of fun opening presents with their cousins. Then the adults did white elephant. It was fun playing that game this year instead of trading names. Everyone worked so hard to make day great and it was great seeing everyone.

              Next we headed to my mom and dads to do our gift exchange. We do our sister gift exchange and its so fun seeing us girls and what we picked for eachother. Mom and Dad spoiled the kids and us! This year I did personalized calenders for our parents and I love how they all turned out! I love seeing all the memories we made this year and cant wait to make more in 2019!

Double Digits for our Benjamin!

TEN YEARS OLD! What a great 10 years they have been too. Benjamin is smart and loves to read. This year he is killing it and reading a book in a day on weekly basis plus even more books. He has read 11 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in the first semester this year. Benjamin has the sweetest smile and is so kind. He loves his family and is always is thinking of them. He likes to go go go, he rarely wants to sit down just is on to the next thing. His favorite color is still green, he likes to play cards and board games. He wants to be so many things when he grows up haha, Dr, fire fighter, police man... we can't wait to see all you accomplish! 
For his birthday this year we went to Dave n' Busters. We had so much fun running around playing games. I love that it is so much fun for the whole family. Benjamin won at the claw machine on the first time! He had that birthday luck.
On Saturday, his actual big day, I took the older three to see Mary Poppins at the movie and they all loved it. Aunt Kylee and Charlotte came and picked him up and took him birthday shopping. He picked the board game Jumanji and played it with grandpa, madi, vernon, and charlotte. That night we went to my parents and at his request had pigs in a blanket for dinner and donuts for his cake. Benjamin loved being with family and playing games and xbox all day. I love seeing him smile and thanks to all the people that helped make turning 10 extra special for him.

Panaca weekend

We had a fun filled weekend at Jake's family house in Panaca,NV. We went up with his brother Jeff. The kids loved having cousins to play with the whole time. We played games and watched movies. Warming up with hot cocoa all weekend from the cold. Melissa made sugar cookies so we decorated cookies. Navy just wanted to eat the frosting, only about 10% of the frosting would make it on to her cookies. All the kids loved making their designs. We also decorated gingerbread houses. It was Emma, Hailey, and Umi against Noah, Jacob, and Benjamin with my help. They loved packing on as many candy pieces as they could. We went to cathedral gorge and the kids rock climbed and explored as us moms had anxiety with the kids everywhere, but they had sooo much fun. The holiday season gets so busy and stressful trying to do everything, see everyone and make our own memories with our little family and this was the perfect place to make memories and enjoy the simple things. Thanks for a fun weekend away.

Ward Christmas breakfast

We are super spoiled with how great of ward we have. Everyone is so kind and loving. I love getting together and seeing everyone. This year we had breakfast for our party. They went all out and had pancake bars, breakfast casseroles, a donut bar, a cereal bar, a fruit stand, and milk stand. They decorated the gym with giant Christmas lights made out of ballons, with presents, blow up decor, a whole set up for Santa and the nativity on the stage. After breakfast all the kids got dressed and performed the nativity story of Christ’ birth. Benjamin was a narrator, Emma was the innkeeper that turned them away towards the stable, Noah was a dog/stable animal, and Navy was an angel. The whole play all Navy wanted to do was see baby Jesus and kept telling everyone she wanted to hold baby Jesus. (It was a little baby girl) She was so excited when she finally got to the manger.  The kids all did so good with their parts. The spirit was so strong as we watched the kids and joined in singing songs in between scenes. Afterwards Santa came and the kids were super excited. Noah was so worried he didn’t know what to tell Santa he wanted so he ended up with saying bubblegum and balloons. Navy was a little hesitant at first but once she warmed up she just kept taking to him and couldn’t get enough. We had a great morning! Thanks everyone for the effort.

Speedway lights

The speedway here puts up thousands and more lights every holiday. We love going and seeing all the different scenes put up. We drank hot chocolate and listened to Christmas music while we drove through. Grandma Deedee was so great to get the pass and got to come with us for the night. We loved seeing the nativity and the grinch, my favorite is going through all the tunnels filled with lights.  It was a great night to start our holiday activities for the season!

Drive in night!

We love the drive in over here! We went and saw the Wreck it Ralph 2 and The Grinch. Wreck it Ralph was such a cute movie, definitely one of our favorites now! The weather was fine as we bundled in our blankets until the second movie when the Grinch starts stealing Christmas and the wind picked up and we all started freezing!!!!!! The kids had so much fun playing together while we watched the movies and had hot cocoa, pizza and popcorn! Thanks for a fun movie night!

Benjamin got his Nevada Citizenship award

Benjamin has worked so hard to memorize all his Nevada facts; counties, cities, songs, poems, ect. He had to do a project and chose to do a puzzle of all the counties with facts. The school did a awards assembly where the students received an award. Benjamin tried out for a solo piece and each class had a small group of students chosen to sing a part of the song. He was so excited for getting a part. Benjamin is getting so big and such a smart kid. We love you bud! Great job!

Thanksgiving week

 We had the best time in Idaho. It makes my heart so happy being in Idaho it always feels like home. Jake and the kids love it there and love my family just as much as I do and that makes me love them even more! I am so grateful to my grandparents for taking Jake in as one of their own and loving us and our kids so much.

We were all squished in grandma and grandpas house, but wouldn't have any other way. The kids had so much fun all playing together. We got to see some of my cousins that were in town and we had so much fun catching up. We went to a movie, the park and our favorite restaurants. We went out to see Grandma Schraft for a few hours, she was sick so we didn't get to see her except for that :( We went black Friday shopping and I got a new phone and did some Christmas shopping!
We celebrated mom and dads 52 birthdays and Kylee turned 27 and Jordan turned 3! So we had a busy birthday week along with thanksgiving.

 Kylee got a puzzle for her birthday so everyone chipped in all week to get that done. A lot of the family went on our own turkey trot 5k down to the falls. We colored 
thankful for placemats, I loved seeing what my kids were thankful for. Emma put all of our family and the things she likes, Noah put Jesus and our family. Then asked when Jesus was going to come pick up his note. Benjamin hurried and put his family so he could continue playing. I had the best time we played new card games all week. I loved playing with all my family from my kids, to cousins, to sisters, to parents and grandparents! I worked really hard all year and put together a legacy video of my grandpa and finished it this week. We all sat down and watched grandpa's life story and learned new things and laughed at memories. We had a delicious thanksgiving dinner and all stuffed our faces before we went shopping and played more games. Thank you grandma and grandpa for letting us come in and crash. We love you so and our whole family so much!

A few weeks ago we celebrated Thanksgiving with Jake's family at DeeDee and Fadi's house. She cooked a yummy dinner that we all just ate and ate. We went across the street to the park and the kids rode bikes and did cartwheels and handstands, ran around and played football. We had new great company and it was so fun chatting. It was so fun being able to have all of Jake's siblings there and kids spend the day with cousins.

Cruise time aka mommy vacation!

Kylee set up a cruise for us girls months ago and the time finally came! I am so grateful she put this together for us. My grandma Jardine, mom, Kylee and Jordan, Taliah, Charlotte, and I all went to Florida, we were just missing Madi while she stayed home and helped with my kids and cooked that little boy in her tummy.

We took the red eye out of Vegas and we were all soooooooo tired when we landed. Everyone crashed, but Kylee and Grandma. We boarded the cruise wearing matching shirts and all day it was so easy to find each other in our yellow. We got ice cream right away because they had the best ice milk (not ice cream). The weather on the cruise was great we were worried about thunderstorms but it didn't rain till we docked back in Florida at the end of our cruise.
On the ship we ate lots and had lots of ice cream and hot cocoa at night. They had amazing burgers and sandwiches on the ship and not to forget the amazing pizza we had every night after dinner when we watched the movies out on the deck on the big screen. For dinner we had pretty fancy food compared to what we all are used to. I had steak or prime rib every night for dinner. We all tried the chilled strawberry soup and it was really yummy! The desserts were amazing every night! We had dance parties a few nights at dinner and we sang and danced along having the best time. We watched karaoke, comedy, dance/singing and game shows. The game show was giant versions of Hasbro games and thought it was pretty funny. I beat everyone at mini golf on top of the ship, we also played volleyball. Grandma killed it on the dance floor on the deck where we also all laughed so hard at the hairy chest contest. I loved laying out and reading my book while some of us swam.

The first port was princess cays. We took another boat to get to the island. The water was a beautiful blue and the sand was the perfect white making for a perfect place to lay out. I laid out the whole time and did a little bit of snorkeling. I got my hair braided by the nicest lady. We went out in the ocean in a paddle boat and that absolutely kicked our buts, that was so dang hard we didn't know if we would make it back. The girls swam with sting rays and that was the highlight of their trip.
The next port was Freeport. We got right off the ship to the island. We landed on the industrial side of the island and took a cab to the shopping district. It was crazy as we squished in the van and drove on the left side of the road through the island. It is so fun seeing all the buildings in bright colors and colonial styles. Shopping was crazy all the ladies wanted you to shop with them and would yell at you to come over and yell at each other. We found some really cute souvenirs for the kids at home. We danced with a guy singing and playing instruments in the middle of the shopping square. Everyone loved comparing deals as we bargained with the stores. On the way home we were even more squished in the taxi van and had no air conditioning I think all of us were about to pass out! We did some more shopping before we got back on the ship.

When we docked back in Florida we had some time before we went to the airport. We went and had breakfast after getting the rental car. We drove to the NASA space center. We didn't have time to go in all day so we took pictures and went to the gift shop. On the way there we saw alligators in the waters on the side of the road and the lady at the shop said they have a huge one that lays out on the bridge to get to the parking lot all the time and that they have black panthers around too! Well we all were getting really into trying to find alligators so we went and did a tour on the river with a guide. We got on the boat and just cruised down the river. We went a few miles there and back and he said there was probably 20,000 alligators just in the section we went on! Poor grandma lost her cute hat to those alligators on the ride too. We saw alligators everywhere and it sure freaked me out. They don't feed them human food because that's when they get more dangerous he said. They eat mainly birds and fish. They were around cows too and will eat the baby calves. There are also a ton of snakes there too. eek eek eek! There are alligators in every water source in Florida that isn't contained. Just made it more clear in my mind Florida is not the place for me! After the boat ride we got back and each held an alligator. He was so heavy, all muscle and not slimy but a weird smooth skin. I felt pretty brave even though his mouth was taped shut.

After we headed to the airport and back to Vegas. We took off at sundown and literally chased the sun. We had the perfect sunset view for the first two hours of our flight. It was a beautiful ending to a great trip.

Drive in Movie night!

We love the drive in over here!!! With Halloween in the air we headed over to watch scary movies. Benjamin, Emma, Noah and I loaded up with blankets and treats and met Kylee, Taliah, Charlotte, and Jordan. We watched Goosebumps 2 and A House with a Clock in its Walls. Both are kid scary movies. Kylee and I laughed at how scary some of the parts actually were. I love sister time! The kids loved both movies. Emma and Benjamin stayed awake for both and noah slept through the second. Noah cuddled up with Taliah and they fell right asleep. The weather was perfect to watch the movies. We had a great night out while Jake and Navy had daddy daughter time and watched moana at home and ate candy.

Trunk or Treat

We had our ward trunk or treat last night and the kids had so much fun. We had dinner and then they went around trick or treating. Noah kept going back to people that still had candy asking for more, this kid knew how to work the system! Navy was in heaven once she got her candy. She would just chill wherever and eat her little candy pieces. Emma and Benjamin ran around with their friends all night. They had a dance party, games and more treats. Noah's favorite was the cake walk and he was lucky with those numbers. We sure love our ward and all the people in it. I was the Queen of death and Jake and Benjamin were zombies. I had three other zombies that decided last minute to just be a volleyball player that has made it without turning into a zombie... hahaha oh Emma, and then a nemo and a supergirl. They all still looked so cute!

Zerkle Halloween Party

We had Madi and Vernon's Halloween party this last weekend. They had lots of snacks and food. We all got to hang out and chat while kids all played and ran around. We had last minute costumes, I don't know why my kids always want to change their minds before we go! So we went as characters from Nightmare before Christmas. Navy, Noah and I were Lock, Shock, and Barrel. Benjamin was Jack. Emma was Sally with her real stitches also helping hold her face together. Hahahaha the kids love getting make up done each Halloween and its fun to help them think of ideas. There was a mermaid wig there and Navy just loved having long, pretty hair and so did Grandpa! It was a perfect night to sit around the fire and enjoy treats and homemade rootbeer! So yummy! We missed Jake this year he was up in Utah with his brothers, cousins, and uncles at the family cabin, having a great time.

Emma's beach day!

Emma had her first activity day camp at our church building. They had the whole building decorated in beach themes, surf boards, tiki hut, island vibes, trees, balloons, anchors, etc. She had the best time. They went from room to room doing different classes and at each class got a different charm to go on a bracelet they were given. Thank you to all the leaders that made her day so special!

Real stitches for halloweeen :/

Emma was at volleyball tonight and all the kids noticed her chin was bleeding and the blood was everywhere. I got the call from coach and was with my mom so she went to go check. After we got pictures we saw she needed stitches and so I went and grabbed her and took her to our old Bishops house, because, of course it happens after our quick care is closed. Emma was so tough and she said the worst part was the alcohol pad to clean it... she said the lidocaine shots were totally fine and then she didn’t feel the stitches either. Such a crazy night and her having no idea what happened and no one seeing her fall. Just glad she is ok and we stitched her all up and it will help her heal better. I sure love your pretty face Emma!!

Noah is now 5! and can be completely independant if you ask him :/

I can't believe how the time has gone. Noah is my buddy he was by my side every day I was so sick with Navy and then has been my little helper ever since. We have cuddle time and play every day and he loves we get a little mommy and Noah time every day while Navy naps. He is the sweetest kid with the kindest heart. He is so smart and knows his letters and numbers and is starting to read. He absolutely loves school and was disappointed when he didn't start "real" school the day that he turned 5. He is killing it in pre school though and is having so much fun there. He is making lots of friends at church and at school. His favorite color is different every time you ask. He loves his blankies. He just learned how to ride a bike a month or so ago and has been riding so good and crazy! You would think he has been riding for years!! Noah loves playing games with Emma and Benjamin, they all get so creative and think of games to play constantly. He can be rough and tough with Benjamin and then sweet and quiet playing with Emma. He loves being Navy's big brother and that she is getting old enough to play with him too. Every night we hear Noah just laughing away with Benjamin or Emma or both and I love hearing those sweet voices. Now that he is 5 he thinks he can do whatever he wants. Anytime I catch him doing something he shouldn't be he says, " its ok mom, I'm 5 now"...….. so cute, but he needs to slow it down! hahaha.

For his birthday he decided on a dinosaur party because we love Jurassic Park movies over here. We decorated the house and he was stoked! Sunday we had family over for root beer floats and he loved seeing all of them and that they were here just for him! We appreciate all the family that took the time to make his day special. Noah was so excited to see my grandparents, his great grandparents, wish him happy birthday and open those cards. He loved all his gifts and the people that took the time to make his day even more special!

We started his birthday with a movie. We went and saw Smallfoot with his aunts and cousins. It was so cute and Noah loved the popcorn and snacks he got with the funny movie. Noah asked that for his birthday he could have his friends over to play. So Monday we had a friend party. There were around 16 kids running around the back yard. The weather was just good enough that we got to play outside. I drew dinosaurs on the walls and the kids threw water balloons at them. We played some games on the grass and had all the kids laughing. I did face paint of mostly dinosaurs on all the kids and they looked so cute.



 Noah had Jurrasic World cupcakes that were so yummy. We made frozen dinosaur eggs for the kids to take home along with raptor claws(ring pops) that were so dang adorable. Noah was one happy kid for two days straight. I love seeing him in his element with friends and loved ones! Noah you are the best! Happy birthday! I love you!

Somerset Halloween Carnival

It's that time of year again, this was our fourth year at our school's carnival and it was packed! I think it gets busier and busier every year because it is so fun! We go from start to finish every year. Playing games, trick or treating, haunted hallways, and lots of candy! The favorite games this year was the soda game (of course) Jake and the kids won 15+ sodas! The other game the kids loved was a guessing game and they got a king or regular sized candy bar every time! Benjamin was a basketball player, Emma was a volleyball player, Noah was the hulk, and Navy was a witch. They had so much fun dressing up and having face paint. We ended the night with new books, lots of soda and tons of candy! Perfect way to start a great October!

Dig pink night

Shadow ridge had a breast cancer awareness game. We all went to support and watch Kylee coach her team. It was so fun with all of us wearing pink. Kylee even colored Noah and Navy's hair pink and they looked so handsome! We all had such a fun night at the game. Benjamin and Emma loved watching the big girls play and were taking notes for themselves.

Go Mustangs!

Navy Ann turned two

Two years have gone by and she is still the cutest little girl ever! Her favorite color is yellow and she says it so dang cute. Navy loves babies and little tiny toys. She plays so sweet with them and its so cute as she talks and has her own little conversations. She just talks away and loves to boss around her older siblings and they just laugh and love on her. Navy is so good and just likes to do her own thing. She is so smart, sometimes like creepy smart, haha it's so fun to watch her grow and learn. She loves holding hands with anyone and giving hugs. Navy is quite the little singer too. She will just belt it out with any music that plays and dance away. The way that she shakes her little hips is so dang cute. She gives us smiles all day and we love her so much! Happy birthday Navy!