Creating Memories

June 07, 2011 Last day of school

2011-08-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

Aerin took a trip to NY with her Mom to visit her sister and family; so G'ma Mary got to help watch the kids for the week. The first day was Tori & Gavin's last day of school. So, Maddy & I went and had BBQ lunch with them.

Soooo, happy it is the last day!

Maddy & Gavin eating lunch

Tori & her friend eating lunch

Gavin sitting with his class after he ate.

May 28, 2011 Yes, Mom!

2011-08-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is MOM shooting Blayne's gun!

I really had a good time shooting with the kids.

My first time shooting a gun! :)

May 27, 2011 Victoria's 9th

2011-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Cass busy making the cake

Sean busy NOT making the cake!

Crazy Gavin

Sleeping princess

Miss Emily & Miss Tori

Tori helping to decorate the cupcakes

Tori & Cass

Even Papa was helping

The finished piano cake! Wonderful!

Beautiful gifts

2011-08-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

A vase given to us by Chad & Anna when we were in Fresno. Anna made it!

My Mothers' Day flowers from Blayne, Aerin, and the kiddos!

My May Day gift from my wonderful visiting teacher, Jodi!

I am so grateful she shares her talents with me!

May 18, 2011 Bug ride

2011-08-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

The kids came by one beautiful sunny day while they were out riding in the bug! The kids LOVE riding in Blayne's bug.

May 6-9, 2011 Christian & Allie's wedding/reception

2011-08-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Doug, Sean, & I drove down to Fresno for our nephews' sealing in the Fresno Temple and reception. We had an awesome trip! The weather was great and we loved getting some sunshine as we had been having rain here in Oregon forever! It was so fun to be with the family down there and seeing friends too. Our other nephew, Doug and his wife, Monica and their two kids also drove down from Klamath Falls. It was a very fast whirlwind of things going on; but so glad we made the effort to be there.

Sean & Uncle Scott wrestling (it's a guy thing!)

Sean & Christian wrestling

Doug & Monica

The kids performing for us

Sean & Paige wrestling (ok, so maybe not just a guy thing!)

It was also Doug's birthday

Kara & Allie discussing wedding flowers

Kara was in charge of the beautiful flowers

Little man Etha

The groom & bride

April 28, 2011 Gavin is excited!

2011-08-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

Gavin got to sit on Papa's new bike! OHHHHH, BOY, was he excited! He thinks it is pretty cool!

April 04, 2011 DQ lunch

2011-08-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

We met Blayne for lunch in Gresham on Maddy's birthday and she got to pick where we ate. She chose DQ! AND she had to have a blizzard! It is her birthday after all! :)

April 03, 2011 Celebrating Maddy's 4th

2011-08-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

We all got together to celebrate our little Maddy's FOURTH birthday. Is it possible she is that old already? She is such a princess and tomboy at the same time! We had a party at Blayne & Aerin's where Truman & Shannon & family came and so did Kelly, Damon & girls.

May 01, 2011 There they go!

2011-08-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Blayne & Aerin out on a ride! Is this the one that Aerin burnt her leg on the pipes?

April 22, 2011 Doug's new ride

2011-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Doug got a new ride! We have been having fun taking some short rides around town. He and the boys have been having alot of fun with it also. It is fun to see them enjoying themselves so much and having something in common to do together.

04/01/2011 Wild dressing

2011-08-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is our Tori dressing in her wild clothes! Isn't she cute!

March 16, 2011 School Event

2011-08-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Tori & Gavin had a school event that I was able to attend. It was really fun and they

had worked hard on the things they presented.

March 07, 2011 Knife wound

2011-08-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, that would be me! I was trying to hurry and get an avocado seed out and stabbed
myself with the knife. DUMB! SCARY! Blood was flowing everywhere! Doug grabbed some towels and I was trying to hold on and not faint. He ran me up to

the fire station. Of course, by then, it had slowed down; so they wrapped it up and sent us onto the hospital ER. They ended up putting in a couple of staples and sent us home. It was very swollen and painful for a few weeks. It was my Mom's birthday and I had made a cake to take out. Poor Blayne & Aerin had gone down to get the cake to take to my Moms' for the birthday party and cleaned up all the blood. THANKS, guys! Brenton & Melissa very kindly sent me an avocado knife for Mothers' Day. :) Yea, yea, I get the hint! I should be old enough to know better..... :) I was just so grateful that it wasn't worse and no long term effects from the cut. It healed very nicely. Very, very blessed!!!

Gavin's Owl

2011-08-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

I had picked up some crafts at Michaels' one day and so Gavin made an owl. He did a great job!

Remembering....

2011-02-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday night, our phone rang after 9pm. Doug answered and a guy said his name was Sam and he was the dental student who helped Doug give a blessing to Blayne when he was 13 days old and up at Doernbecker Hospital. WHAT? We were so excited to hear from him! Doug put him on speaker phone and Sam's wife was listening in on his end also. He just wanted to know how Blayne was doing. I called Blayne on my cell phone and he got to listen & speak also. We were all in tears as Sam related their memories of that time and some things afterwards. We were truly humbled to hear his version and was so happy that he got in touch with us. It makes us appreciate our many blessings and the people who have touched our lives! Most of all, we are so thankful for Blayne and his time with us. We didn't know back then when he was so sick how long he would live or if he would live; but we were blessed with a peacefulness that we knew the Lord was in charge and everything would be ok. And it has been!!! Sam's call brought back many tender mercies of that time and since then. Thanks, Sam, for calling and helping us to remember those precious moments as young parents. Thanks for your helping "hands" and your worthiness; being at the right time and the right place! Thanks for keeping us in your prayers & thoughts all these years!
We have had a good, but busy weekend. Sean called Friday night and talked with Doug. Good to hear from him! Doug has had a lot of homework to finish. Worked yesterday and then attended our Stake Conference last night at church. It was sooo good! Love the counsel from our inspired leaders! Made taco soup for dinner. Blayne & Aerin went to see Jake, Ashley & their family for the weekend; so we went over and took care of their dog for them. Glad they returned home safely! We got to talk with Brenton and family last night. Kingston is really trying to talk a lot now and poor Chayse is down sick with a cold. We really miss them; but glad they are getting settled into their new home.
Mom Mary :)

09 Oct 2010 A day with Papa

2011-02-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Papa Doug holding Chayse & playing with Kingston

Kingston likes to snuggle with Papa

Where else? Our favorite breakfast place! Longboarders!

Chayse just slept while we enjoyed our breakfast

After breakfast, we took a walk along the boardwalk

Kingston was quite curious about this statue

That evening, we went down to the wharf to walk around. It was
just gorgeous! What a SUNSET! Definitely one to remember!

We also got some ice-cream. Yummy!

Oct 7-8, 2010

2011-02-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

Chayse discovering his hands

Kingston discovers Chayse' ear! :)

"Hold STILL, brother!"

Does he not look like his fathers' son!

Brenton refurbished a desk to fit their needs for their computer.
Great job, Brenton!

He plays with those blocks forever!

Another thing Kingston does is take down the towels off the
stove every chance he gets and then he will climb up
on the drawer.

OCt 3,5,6, 2010 CA

2011-02-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

He was so happy to have a little Wii remote for himself.
He crawled around with it all day and wore his hat too!

Justin & Michelle Hillier came over to watch General
Conference in the AM and have breakfast. Justin &
Kingston have a special bond.

Michelle getting some practice holding Chayse as she was due with
Levi just a couple of weeks later.

Giving brother kisses

Kingston was having a lot of fun traveling up & down
the aisle at Toys "R" Us

This baby hawk flew into their window one day and knocked himself out.
Brenton went and got a broom handle and the bird finally picked his
head up and looked around. He sat there for awhile and then finally flew
away. It was the strangest thing! Brenton got kinda creeped out when the
bird was staring at him! :)

Brenton's friend' Chris stopped by one day and he & Brenton
were throwing Kingston in the air. He absolutely LOVED it!
He would not stop laughing....it was very cute, even though
Melissa & I were just holding our breaths!

Oct 1-2,2010 CA Halloween decor & Air show

2011-02-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Brenton's pumpkin masterpiece

What is there about a sleeping baby????

Brenton really enjoys decorating for the holidays & does a great job!

Kingston started out quite scared of the spiders on the door; so
each day we would go visit them and "squish-squish" them. I think
by the time that Halloween came around he could actually touch them.

We went to see the air show and it was wonderful! It was really fun!

Look, he is awake! :)

Mary's Birthday Sept 2010

2011-02-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Our favorite place to eat breakfast! LOVE their CA omelets!

Playtime at a park

Kingston thought he was so cute when he crawled up in the front seat!

Beautiful flowers Doug sent to me! Thanks Doug!!!

This kid loves to have socks on his hands. He will wear them forever!

My lovely birthday cake....yummy!!!!!

Sept 25-27, 2010 CA

2011-02-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

Chayse looking pretty cool in his denims! Melissa made the tie on his shirt.

Chayse' first beach trip. We met up with some of Brenton & Melissa's
friends from church @ Carlsbad beach. We had a wonderful time! The
weather was just beautiful and warm! Pure heaven!!!!

Sweet baby Chayse ready for bed.

Kingston hanging with Chayse on the couch.

Daddy & his boys

Kingston also LOVES the beach! He had so much fun running around
and playing with the other kids!

Sept 23-24, 2010 CA

2011-02-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

Baby Chayse

Looks ready for a day in the sun!

Melissa trying to protect Chayse from Kingston loving on him too much!

Soooooo sleeeeepy

He loves his Daddy!

Kingston was rolling around the floor being sooooo goofy!

Brenton found a cool bike on Craigslist!

Helping Daddy work on his bike!

Can I drink all this water myself?

Brenton & Kingston having so much fun on his board

19 Sept 2010

2011-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Ready for church!

Baby Chayse

The Family with sleeping babies!

Letters that Melissa made for his room and Brenton put up

Baby blanket that Aerin & Nana Mary made for Chayse

Time at the pool Sept 2010

2011-02-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Kingston LOVED being in the pool!

He was laughing so hard!

Chayse slept through the whole thing! He was just enjoying the sunshine!

2011-02-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

Brenton & Chayse hanging out

Kingston playing with his doggie from Oma Diane in Japan

Baby Chayse & Momma Melissa

Kingston playing at Playland at the mall

At the park

Chayse had gotten his finger caught in Melissa's necklace with the "C"

Kingston was just playing away ignoring that Chayse was beside him crying!

My two Timberwolves....

2011-02-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

So the apparel finally arrived and the Yates are now decked out in Victoria's Timberwolves shirts and sweatshirts. It took them 5 months to get them but the kids are so excited they are finally here!!

Good job Victoria on getting your idea chosen for the school mascot!!

Sept 13, 2010 More hospital pics

2011-02-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

Kingston loved playing with the bed controls!

In his "Big Brother" shirt

He also loves pushing things around like his stroller!

While Melissa & Chayse' were at a class, Brenton tried to catch some zzzzz's!

Kingston didn't know what to make of Chayse getting his diaper changed.

Sept 13, 2010 Meeting Chayse

2011-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Kingston thinks meeting Chayse is pretty funny!

Nana Mary holding new Chayse!

The new family! Kingston was more interested in Chayse' hat!

Melissa was in labor off and on all weekend and we all went to church on Sunday. She was having some pretty good contractions all through church and during the afternoon. Finally about 7pm; they left for the hospital. Nana stayed home with Kingston and they called after getting to the hospital to say that they were keeping her. I got a call later in the night (or early AM to say that Chayse was born!) How was I suppose to go back to sleep after that? So fun! Later that morning, I brought Kingston to the hospital to see his folks and to meet his new brother. What a blessing all these sweet little ones coming into our family!!!!

Sept 11, 2010 CA Mission

2011-02-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

Papa & Kingston chillin'

Kingston playing in the blankets. He was really enjoying himself!

Melissa, Brenton, & Kingston @ the fountain outside the mission.

San Luis Reyes mission in Oceanside CA

Ahhhh, saying good-bye to Papa @ San Diego airport! Sooo hard for him to leave!

Sept 10, 2010 Sunny Beach

2011-02-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

Kingston playing in the sand

Yummmm, SAND!

Papa & a very sandy Kingston

Washing up before getting in the car

It was a glorious day at the beach and trying to get Melissa into labor;
we enjoyed a very leisurely walk along the shore. Very peaceful and beautiful!

Sept 09, 2010 San Diego Sights

2011-02-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

While we were in Oceanside; we took a tour of the San Diego harbor and went to Old Town and visited the Mormon Battalion site. What a beautiful day! We were hoping to put Melissa into labor before Doug had to return to OR; but it didn't work!

Papa Doug & Kingston hamming it up

Melissa & Brenton

Playing with Kingston on board the cruise boat

Kingston was soooo funny! He sits nicely on Chayse'! :)

Melissa & Brenton were getting quite a kick out of another couple on board the cruise!

Papa has a nack for putting Kingston to sleep!

Back safely from the cruise. Kingston still sleeping! What a beautiful day!

Panning for "gold" at the Mormon Battalion

Sept 8, 2010 CA

2011-02-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Papa Doug & Kingston

What? I'm just talking with him!

Kinston hanging with Shobo & Hurley

Kingston loves those dogs & they love him!

September 6, 2010 Kingston

2011-02-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Kingston with his remote controls!

He loves playing with them & will carry them around all day.

Elder Alan Yates' homecoming June 2010

2011-02-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone anxiously awaiting Elder Yates @ PDX airport!

Elder Yates' & his Mom, Dorinda

Elder Yates' and Dad, Brian

Elder Yates' greeting his niece, Jayden and new nephew, Tucker.

Nyckie, Chris, and family friend, Adam D

Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T14:20:00.001-08:00

We had a great and relaxing Thanksgiving at the Yates house this year. We had Blayne's Mom and Dad and some friends from our ward. It was fun, I was able to set my table all nice and formal and then have the traditional "kid's table". After lunch the kids watched the new Ramona and Beezus movie, which is great if you haven't seen it.

So with November behind we are ready for winter and Christmas. Blayne is so excited, the mountain is due for an epic season this year. There have been a few days where they have gotten up to 36" of snow. The kids are all decked out with new boots for their snowboards. We went up opening weekend as a family and enjoyed the beautiful snow. Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit.

The kids are thriving in the new charter school we have them in. They are still working on all the signage and mascot pictures for Victoria's chosen Timberwolves. We are excited to get t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Here's hoping everyone has a great holiday season and please enjoy preparing for a great Christmas!!!

The votes are in!

2010-10-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the school year each class was asked to come up with a mascot and school colors they would suggest for their new school. So Victoria's teacher extended the task to each student as a persuasive argument writing assignment. After helping Victoria with several suggestions she chose the TIMBERWOLVES. She proceeded to get online and research what she could about TIMBERWOLVES in our area. Sure enough they are here. Her class went on to choose one idea to put in to be voted on by the entire school. Her class chose her TIMBERWOLVES. Very excited, she has been waiting for 3 weeks for the voting to be done and tallied.

Victoria and Gavin's school voted last week on the school mascot nominees. This morning they had an assembly and announced that Victoria's idea won. They are officially the Oregon Trail Primary Academy TIMBERWOLVES!!! Victoria was so excited, slightly embarrassed but excited. To top it off they also announced that she was elected Student of the Month.

I am so proud of her. She is doing so well even though attending a new school was not her choice. WOOHOO! Good job Victoria!!!

Where did summer go???

2010-09-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

A real smile from son #1 !

Mom & Sean top of Yosemite park

Sean & Dad

Don't fall off Sean!

Sean& Doug at Hotel in Yosemite

Sean worked on this hotel last year

G'pa Doug & K

On cruise around San Diego G'pa & K

Funny little man, K!

These two were laughing at inside joke!

Panning for gold @ Mormon Battalion

K thought this was so fun!

Papa Doug & K on beach

Meeting "C"

"K" LOVES water!

Aerin napping in the hammock!

I love this pic of M bugging G!

Blayne, G &aM in the hammock

V hangin' in the hammock

Aerin

Smores/campfire!

M & G'ma Mary

Blayne with his winning trophy for
his VW bug!

G, Blayne, and my friends, Heidi & E & VM kitty!

The end of September already? I'm sure summer just started and now it is time for that cooler fall weather. I am in sunny southern CA right now visiting with Brenton & Melissa, Kingston, and new baby Chayse! Ahhh, those sweet little precious newborns! Mmmm, that newborn smell. Cuddling a newborn. Watching Kingston learn to walk. K giving C kisses! Kisses n hugs from K! Walks with K. Walks on the beach!!!!! B, K & I went for a walk on the beach yesterday morning. The tide was really in; so not much sand to walk on. It was fun to watch the surfers and we got to see some dolphins. We got wet several times. K loved it! On our way down to CA; Doug & I stopped to see Sean and went up to Yosemite. WOW! It is beautiful up there! Gorgeous views! It was fun to see where S has been working this summer. We went down & toured the hotel that he worked on last year. Pics just don't capture the beauty of God's creation there! We stayed at his new place and met some of his roommates & friends. Stopped by to visit Doug's sister and her family. While Doug was in CA with us; we went to San Diego one day and did a boat cruise that was awesome and also visited the Mormon Battalion. Went to the beach a couple of times and enjoyed some nice walks! Papa Doug left on Saturday and baby C was born a couple of days later. K and I did fine while Mom & Dad were at the hospital. Doug spent most of the summer with work & school. We did manage to go camping a couple of days with Blayne & Aerin and the kiddos. It was very relaxing and fun! Enjoyed the campfires and just being outside. It was fun to share a tent with V! My friend, Heidi and her daughter E stopped by to visit one Sunday in August. We had a great time down memory lane! Doug is back home busy working on our master bath remodel that we started the end of May. He is taking a short break from school and will start back up here shortly. September also brought V going into 3rd grade and G starting kindergarten. They are growing up so fast! Poor M doesn't know what to do while her siblings are at school! I will attempt to add some pics of the rest of summer and beginning of fall!

Me & blogger are trying to get to know each other; but I think I need a one-on-one tutorial! :)

Love 'n hugs, Mary :)

Walking & time at the park

2010-07-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

While B, A, & T went to CA for the family reunion; D & I got to watch G & M. We really had fun and it was a nice warm weekend! D also studied and G hung out playing games. M and I did errands and laundry. It was a busy weekend; but loved the time together and glad the rest of the family returned home safely.

More Fourth of July

2010-07-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a nice day with Blayne and family for his birthday and celebrating the fourth with family 'n friends! The weather was cool; but at least it wasn't raining. Great BBQ and music from the neighbors. The guys enjoyed their fireworks and wars! :)

June trip to CA

2010-07-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

It was really fun to have most of the family together for Tori's baptism. We missed Melissa and almost here, baby Chayse! The night that Sean flew in; Doug, Blayne, and Brenton went to pick him up and they stopped by our house on the way home. All the guys were in the kitchen just talking and laughing. It brought back some good memories of when they were younger! I will always remember those minutes in the kitchen! :) Thanks, guys! It warmed Mom's heart! On Saturday, we took the kids to the park and hung out. It was fun to have all the kids sitting in church together also. Tori's baptism and her G'mothers' talks went well; even though we dislike talking! The time went all too fast. Monday morning saw Sean leaving and I flew back with Brenton & Kingston. We had alot of fun times and memorable experiences! Brenton & I have a piece of beach that we really enjoy walking on and seeing the changes in the houses along the way. Aerin & I got Melissa a large cupcake pan and she made a trial cake while I was there. It turned out great and was very yummy! Great job, Melissa! Kingston was really fun to watch and play with. Melissa worked one Saturday and Brenton had gone camping & snake hunting with the boys from church. He enjoyed his night out and I loved watching Kingston for the day. We took lots of walks and enjoyed seeing all the beautiful flowers, shrubs, etc in southern CA. It was hard to come home; but I also missed my family in OR. Thanks for all the memories Brenton, Melissa, & Kingston! Wish we all lived much closer together! I will always remember those minutes in the kitchen! :) Thanks, guys! It warmed Mom's heart! I have a ton of pics I keep forgetting to post; so will try to post them and get them on here in a straight manner. Ha - ha! If I did it more often; then it wouldn't be so hard to remember how to do it. :) Thanks for your help Blayne & Aerin!

Victoria's Baptism

2010-06-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

So the time finally arrived, we baptised Victoria June 6, 2010. We have been planning it for months, family coming into town from every direction. Victoria was so excited. Aimee made her a cute skirt and a bow to match her shirt. G'ma Mary and G'ma Julie both gave the talks. Everyone was there to celebrate with her, with the exception of Aunt Sandi and Aunt Melissa. They couldn't make it but Uncle Jeff, Riley, Owen, Uncle Brenton and Kingston came bringing both of them in spirit.

As a favor to me I asked all of my siblings and in-laws and both sets of Grandparents and Great Grandpa Joe to all put their testimonies down on paper directed to Victoria. I made Victoria a book so that at any given time she can look back at it and see the testimonies of the people who love her most. I appreciate everyones cooperation, they are all beautiful testimonies and will be a great support and remembrance for Victoria to look upon for years to come.

It was a busy but a great day. I am very appreciative of all the help I had. Help planning, setting up, cleaning up. We are truly blessed to have two wonderfully supportive families.

I couldn't have asked for a better day. My beautiful young lady has grown so fast. I am thankful we have a worthy priesthood holder in our home, that Blayne was able to baptise her and also confirm her. I am also blessed to have such a great husband who blesses our family every day with the worthy life he leads. I couldn't ask for a better husband, children, and family. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support. I love you guys! Love Aerin!!

Victoria turns EIGHT!!!

2010-06-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Our big girl turned 8 yesterday. Not only did we have a party but we are planning her baptism too. She is quite excited as are we. Victoria has grown up so fast and is definitely ready to be baptized. I am impressed at the responsible, smart, beautiful young lady she has become. We had her take all of the missionary discussions in preparation for her baptism, I was impresses with her knowledge of the gospel and how prepared she is.

Victoria is a very loved girl. Not only did she have her Grandparents there and her immediate family. She had Aimee and Emily, Truman, Shannon, and Lexi, and also Tony and Chelsea. G'ma and G'pa Fletcher and Mom and Dad bought her scriptures, Shan and Tru bought her a matching hymnal and G'ma and G'pa Yates bought her a church bag to put it all in. For her scriptures my Mom made her a custom corduroy case and I embroidered her name on. It turned out great.She had a fun day and are looking forward to a wonderful baptismal day.

Out trip to California to see Sean, Brenton, Melissa, and Kingston, and Family!

2010-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

**********WARNING, THIS IS A LONG POST**********

So Tuesday morning I called Blayne at work and asked him to try and get the next 3 days off, he asks,"WHY?", I say "because I want to go to California tonight!" WHAT!?!?! Completely out of my norm, I usually pack five days ahead for things like this, to top it off Blayne didn't know for sure he had the time off until 3:30pm. So yes, we packed,got out the sleeping bags, took the studs off the Subaru, and left for Cali.(with the help of my in-laws who, brought up dinner. Dad helped with car, and Mom helped pack Me and the kids.) So I wanted to be out by 7:00 but of course being a last minute trip we left about 8:30pm.

Heading to Fresno to spend a few days with Sean. Sean had to work but Aunt Sharon (Blayne's Aunt) lives in Fresno and Brenton and Melissa drove up from San Diego for Wednesday and Thursday.

We got there at 9:15 or so, went by Sean's house, dropped all of our stuff then headed over to have breakfast at Aunt Sharon's and meet Brenton and Melissa there.

Then after everyone had gotten there. We had eaten breakfast. Someone mentions the Zoo, let's go to the zoo. So we did, we all packed up and went to the Fresno Zoo. The kids had fun seeing the animals that weren't in our zoo. Animals like the Kangaroos and flamingos. They even had a spot where you paid to go in and "pet" the stingrays. Did my kids enjoy this, No, but did their Dad make them do it anyway, Yes!
We had our family, Brenton's family, Uncle Scott and Aunt Sharon with grand son Payton, and cousin Kara with her two little ones Grace and Ethan.

After driving through the night, then having a full day we were spent. We went back to Sean's and I think the kids weren't out in matter of 2 minutes.
The next morning, Brenton and Melissa met up with us then we were meeting Sean for lunch before they headed home.
While we were killing time before lunch Blayne's was playing with Kingston, or should I say Kingston was playing with Blayne's hat.

We met Sean at a place called Dog House Grille, his favorite place. I gotta tell ya, I had the best tri-tip sandwich EVER! Gavin played with Kingston a bit before them taking off after lunch.

We had dinner at BJ's pizza, can I tell you how tired I got of eating out. But when your staying with a single brother who lives with 3 other single guys, there isn't a whole lot of home cooking going on. (I love you Sean!)

We wanted to take the kids to the beach, after deciding every beach was about the same distance away we decided to go to Pismo Beach. We got up early, met at Aunt Sharon's with Payton, Kara and her husband Carlos with Grace and Ethan and then headed out! The beach was warm and beautiful. A tad windy, not anything like the Oregon Coast. The kids played in the water, ran from the waves, Victoria found several whole sand dollars. Blayne found a huge sand crab and tried to get the kids to hold it. Maddalyn freaked out, Gavin held it but then started laughing because it was tickling his hand. After a few hours and a little shopping we headed home to meet up with Sean after he got off work and went to In and Out for dinner.

On our way out to the beach Carlos took us by the James Dean Memorial. It was interesting, I didn't know he died in a motorcycle accident.

Saturday, knowing we were leaving early the next morning, was very laid back. I sent the boys to the Bagel shop to get breakfast, they were gone forever, apparently the entire city was at Fresno Bagel. So we ended up eating a late breakfast. We went to the mall, got Blayne's iPhone warrantied out, went to a few other stores. Then we went out to Rally's, an only in Fresno joint. They had good fries, Sean loves them for thier BBQ wings. I missed getting a picture of Blayne and Sean with BBQ sauce all over thier faces. We went to say our good-bye's at Aunt Sharon's. The kids and I took showers. We were killing time, Sean room-mate was having a get together. We still went home farely early. Got up at 4:30am, left by 5:00am and we got home about 6:00pm. It made for a long couple of days but we had a lot of fun. I asked the kids what thier favorite part was and they all said the beach, Victoria threw in Kngston too!

The Oreos and The Turbans

2010-03-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

Maddy vs. The Oreo Cookie!
I think the jury is still out, as the Mom....look at that dirty face, of course she lost!!

The turban head girls!
My wonderful Mother in-law bought Victoria and I these out of the shower hair wraps instead of using a towel. Maddy has now decided she needs to use one. I do have to admit, she looks pretty dang cute in it. These our pictures we sent Blayne to tell him goodnight when he was at work late one night.

Take note of Victoria's shirt, "Don't make my Daddy shoot you!" She is definitely her Daddy's girl!!

Blayne's shopping trip with Tori and Gavin!

2010-03-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

Blayne took Gavin and Victoria shopping on Saturday and came home with a new trampoline. They love it! Unfortunately Maddalyn fell asleep before they were done so she missed out on jumping on it.
Blayne and I being the naughty parents we are, when she woke up at midnight we took her out and showed it to her finished. We got on it with her, she wouldn't jump at first. Blayne laid there with her showing her the stars and she still wasn't interested. So I grabbed her and started jumping. She wasn't quite happy until I jumped then landed on my butt, then she started cracking up! "Again Mommy, Again!" It was kind of like when you wake your kids up Christmas morning because they aren't old enough to understand that's what you do.

Love of February

2010-02-26T22:44:00.000-08:00

Thought I would add a note and post a few pics from our visit to
Mt. Hood with the family. It was great to have Sean come visit
from CA. So, as Aerin posted earlier - we took a day to go play in the
snow. It has been awhile since we had a family snow day. We had so
much FUN! It was a great day! Maddy was so funny as she kept plopping
down in the snow and sliding around. Gavin & Tori did great on their
snowboards with Blayne & Sean's helpful guidance. I did the picture
taking, cheering and just enjoyed being out in the beautiful mountains
with my family.
This month we were saddened to learn of several friends and family
who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers have been with them!
I am so thankful for our eternal blessings! Time with family and friends
doing simple things and just making time to be together are memories
to cherish! I am thankful for friends and family who have been such great
examples of faith when trials are before them!
Now, we will see if I can post some pics from the snow adventure, (if I can
remember how to do it!!!!!)
Love 'n hugs, Mary :)

Some Cute Pics!

2010-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

We have taken a few trips to the parks and also a trip to Prineville to visit Uncle Jake and Aunt Ashley's. Blayne is still helping Uncle Jake build Aunt Ashley's house.
Sunday morning on our way we stopped in Government Camp to have breakfast at The Huckleberry Inn, it was fabulous. As cold as it was we walked through town and hit up a few ski shops. the kids had fun. Gavin loved his breakfast, he managed to finish it all. So here are just a few fun pictures.

Family Fun in the Snow!

2010-02-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

Blayne and Sean trying to make the most of Sean's trip to Oregon tried to make up to Mt. Hood as many times as possible. I think they did pretty well. Thursday Victoria played hookie from school and we took the kids up to use their snowboards that Uncle Sean bought them for Christmas. Sean wasn't here for Christmas so this is their first chance to take them up, and take them up with Sean.

Gavin did great and was boarding all by himself by the end of the afternoon. Victoria also took a short run without Sean holding on to her. I am definitely proud of the effort they put in and since they both had a positive experience I think it will be that much easier to get them both up again.

Blayne and Sean went up boarding by themselves on Friday and Gavin asked if he could go. Blayne told him maybe next time, he was quite disappointed. He was sure he could go and keep up with them. I definitely think he is a natural, but maybe not quite ready to go with the big boys.

While the boys were boarding the rest of us went back and forth sledding. G'ma and G'pa, Maddy and I took turns sledding. Maddy didn't even need a sled, she was perfectly fine with wallowing all over in the snow. I think she may be part penguin. Hmmm, what does that make me? It must come from Blayne! :)

Our Christmas adventures to Oregon!

2010-01-21T00:52:00.001-08:00

Ahhh...I finally get a chance to update our family blog. As many of you may know...Brenton, Kingston and I attempted to drive to Oregon from Southern California for the Holiday season. However, our car broke down on us 3 miles from our house. I know...it could be worse. We are actually very grateful that it happened that close to home and not over the pass. On a positive note, our parents came together and bought us airline tickets so we could fly home...and yes the same day!!! We are very, very thankful for that! Once home in Oregon...we managed to stay extremely busy while trying to spend quality time with both sides of the family and squeeze in some time to visit old college and family friends. We some how managed to do it all and might I add it was very stressful at times. But we did it and Kingston FINALLY got to meet his great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends! See pics below for a brief highlight of our trip!

Kingston playing with a shoebox while opening presents!

Brenton wearing his apron Aerin made for him! We all know he is the cook in the family!

Mommy helping Kingston with his stocking! Thanks Santa!

Daddy loving on his baby boy!

What is this thing? Kingston investigating what Santa brought him!

The cousins!

Kingston sleeping while Maddy and Gavin are playing at the park. Tori was in school.

Maddy and Gavin with Uncle Brenton!

What a handsome young man! Gavin playing with Maddy and Uncle Brenton!

Maddy with Uncle Brenton! Look at that smile!

I had to report back to work on December 28th, so Brenton's parents drove us back down to Oceanside on December 26th with a slight detour through Fresno to see Uncle Sean. We had a nice visit with him and I think Kingston was happy we stopped. He was about done with the carseat thing by then. We ended up staying the night at Sean's place and took off for Oceanside on the 27th. We had a very nice drive down and Kingston did very well.

Once home, our life pretty much went right back into the full swing of things. I headed straight back to work on the 28th and have been working lots and staying busy every since. I am still working nights as a Labor & Delivery Nurse for the US Navy and loving every minute of it. Brenton is still staying at home with Kingston and taking classes online.

We want to thank everyone for having us in their homes over the holidays and for making our trip home so fun and enjoyable! We definately made a lot of memories! We love and miss you all!

xoxoxo

Brenton, Melissa & Kingston

Snow Sledding!

2010-01-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

Definitely a reason why we love Oregon! The kids had so much fun we definitely will be doing it again sooner than later. We went to the Hood River parking lot of Mt. Hood Meadows. It ended up being a great place, the boys kind of made us a our own sledding trail on the side. Half way into our trip they made a ramp which spiced up the kids experience. Victoria, being the mild temper girl she is, didn't want to sled. I bribed her that she could have a sleep over with Emily (McNamee) if they would sled down the hill together. They did, but only once. Of course Blayne wouldn't have that so a little later he ran, grabbed Tori, jumped on the sled, and down the hill they went with Victoria screaming the entire way. Not like Maddy, who kept saying, "again Daddy, again!" I can't remember the last time I saw my kids have so much fun together, not to mention having Curt and Aimee with their kids and Truman, Shannon, and Lexi. Of course last year we had enough of our own snow we didn't have to go anywhere. Blayne took my kids sledding last year with Uncle Jacob and Emily, and Tony but I stayed back with Maddy and Ashley with Abram. It is great to have all of my kids at an age where nobody gets left out and they are all big enough to go and join in the fun.

Happy 2010 New Year!

2010-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2010! It has been a hectic last few weeks! It was so fun to be almost all together for Christmas! We really missed Sean! Doug and I stayed Christmas Eve night at Blayne & Aerin's. Brenton, Melissa, & Kingston came over also. We woke up Christmas morning to happy and excited children and adults! After opening stockings, Brenton making breakfast burritos, we finally settled down to opening presents. It was so special to see the kids opening gifts and the adults also. Everyone had a great time! We were able to Skype with Sean after opening gifts. Maddy kept trying to feed him through the computer and he was very cooperative in opening his mouth everytime she would send the spoon in his direction. Gavin had a great time shooting his Nerf gun at Sean via the computer also. Doug, Blayne & Aerin went to see a movie in the late afternoon. Brenton & Melissa took Tori & Gavin to see the new Chipmunk movie, too. Maddy, Kingston, and I went out to visit G'ma Pauline and the family. We enjoyed Brenton's birthday dinner that evening and then went home to pack for our trip south the next day. Saturday, Aerin, Doug & I cleaned while Blayne & Brenton loaded the car. Doug & I drove over to Melissa's parents to pick the kids up and we headed south to CA. The day was beautiful and we had a great time going down. We arrived in Fresno at Sean's about 12:30am and spent the nght at his place. The next morning, we got up, went out for breakfast and headed south to Oceanside. Kingston was tired of being in the car by the time we got home! We had a great week visiting with the kids and celebrating Brenton's 27th birthday. Thursday, we drove back up to Fresno and spent the evening with Sean, and Doug's sisters' family (Scott & Sharon). We had a great time and then spent the night over at Sean's again. Friday was breakfast and on the road again. The roads were pretty clear and the drive was going well; so Doug & I decided to just drive on home last night. We are recovering today! :) We are so blessed to have such an awesome family and to get to spend time with them! I, of course, shed a few tears everytime we had to say good-bye; but hope to visit again soon. I love that we live close to our other kids and g'kids to see them and enjoy them often! We pray that 2010 will be a successful year for all and that we will always be able to appreciate all of our many blessings of the gospel, family, friends, neighbors, etc! Oh, Kingston had two front bottom teeth come in during the Christmas season!.............Mom

Brenton and Melissa

Blayne and Maddalyn

Gavin with his new snowboarding goggles from G'ma and G'pa

Uncle Blayne holding Kingston while Gavin dotes on him.

Victoria and Grandpa

Uncle Blayne and Aunt Aerin with Kingston

Maddalyn with her new baby doll from G'ma and G'pa

Annual Family Christmas Picture
(less Sean) 2009

Christmas Pictures, UGH!

2009-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

I thought Thanksgiving was bad trying to get a good picture of my kids, well Christmas was worse. Maddalyn has decided she never needs to smile, EVER! So what you see is what you get.

ALTHOUGH, since the arrival of her new cousin Kingston, the smiles haven't left her face! She can not love that little boy enough! Those two sweet little spirits are communicating on a different level than me. He loves to watch her, she is so busy, he also loves to pull her hair. She is so sweet, she kindly backs away and smiles while retrieving her hair from his chubby little hands. Being the first time she has met him, she can't get enough of him.

With the Christmas visit just beginning, I am sure there will be plenty more pictures and memories to come. Until then.........AERIN

Trying something new

2009-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is our attempt to keep our family informed of one another, our growth and happenings. Living near and far, we are trying to not miss out on anything!