She's 1

...Happy Birthday, dear Meghan.....She did not like her allergen free dark chocolate cake. The rest of us enjoyed it, though. We love you Meggie.

HAPPY EASTER

Flat Stanley

Collin's cousin, Tanner and his 2nd grade class, sent Flat Stanley (see cut out below) to hang out with us for a couple of weeks here in Gilbert, Arizona. Flat Stanley is a story about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board and because of his new size, he has many wonderful adventures. One adventure he goes on is being mailed to California to visit a friend. This is a great way for 2nd graders to learn about new and distant places.

We didn't have too many exciting adventures while Flat was here but he did....

...help Collin with some homework......jump on the trampoline in our backyard...

...get a ride on Collin's bike down our street

In addition, here are a few interesting facts about Arizona and Gilbert:

About Arizona:

Camels were once used to transport goods across Arizona

Over one million metric tons of lettuce are produced in Arizona every year.

Arizona is home to the world's largest solar telescope, the world's largest gorge (aka the Grand Canyon), and a higher copper production than any other state.

Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

About Gilbert:

At the turn of the twentieth century, it was determined that a rail line between Phoenix and Florence was necessary. The land used to accomplish that objective was owned by a man named William "Bobby" Gilbert. Gilbert was an agricultural community and remained a farming town for many years. Gilbert incorporated on July 6, 1920. It was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920's. Gilbert has transitioned from an agricultural town to a young, family oriented affluent city. Gilbert, Arizona was recognized as the fastest growing city in America between 1990 and 2005 with a growth rate of nearly 500%.

Gilbert is located in the southeast part of the Greater Phoenix area. Gilbert, Arizona covers about 76 square miles, and the elevation of Gilbert is about 1,273 feet.

A photo at the World Famous Grand Canyon in Arizona (the world's largest gorge).

Tanner, thanks for sending Flat Stanley for a visit!

The kiddos

Collin's first day of school. Don't you love how I forgot to take a picture until everyone was buckled in. I went and grabbed the camera and figured an in-the-car shot would be just fine.

Meghan's blessing day. August 1st. She had a very nice blessing by her daddy and then we had Aguilars and Sumpters over for dinner (sorry no pictures of dinner).

I took this picture today. Meghan's practically all grown up...using her exersaucer, is that how you spell it?! : ) btw..she's about 3 1/2 months now. Time is flyin' for sure.


Julia...happy as a clam after making just-add-milk muffins and licking the bowl.

Another happy clam (Catherine) eating a chocolate See's sucker and watching one of her favorite kid shows, as we call them...zoom in to see all the chocolate : )

Meghan

I haven't posted since our sweet little Meghan was born. It's hard to believe she's now almost 2 months old. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of her. Her stats at birth: Born May 21st, 2010, 11:57 am, 7 lbs. 3 oz, 20.5 inches. We have a plaque with the following saying hanging in the "baby" room. It pretty much sums up how we feel: Babies make days shorter, nights longer, home happier and love stronger! We all love our new little addition. 2 days old

1 month old

almost 2 months

Weekend in Austin

(Shannon, Stefani, Karen, Mom, Suzie, Marsha, Kristen, Janet)

I spent the weekend in Austin with my sisters and mom without the kids. How wonderful! It was awesome that we could make it from 5 different states to all be together. Although we did see some sights and eat some good food....I think the highlight was just talking, talking, talking. (Thanks to Michael for watching the kids at home and to Janet and Steve for hosting the all female party.)

It's another girl

We had the ultrasound yesterday and much to Collin's dismay, we are having another girl. I told him that he will be a very good big brother to 3 sisters. He even cried...poor guy. On the other hand Julia is quite excited and Catherine has no idea. Michael and I are excited as well. Here is a very brief video clip of our little darlin'. Isn't she cute? ( ;