Sunny California

We made it to San Diego in one peace! The girls did pretty darn good for being in the car that long and happy to get out of the car. We were all happy to fall asleep listening to the ocean and the excitement of going to the beach the next day!

We all had a great day at the beach! We went early in the morning and even though it was so cold the kids jumped right into the water and were laughing and having a blast. Ryan wasn't a huge fan of the cold water, it was a struggle to just get his feet wet. Elizabeth and I on the other hand went pretty far out into the water and got soaked and loved it. Once the kids were turning blue/purplish we had to pry them from the water for some lunch and to warm up. After lunch we went back for some more fun, which it was a lot warmer by then. Elizabeth and I collected so many cool seashells for her and Scarlett. We even found a bunch of sand dollars which were Elizabeth's favorite.

The kids were tuckered out after the long day at the beach

Happy 16th Birthday Mystery

Mystery was sweet enough to share her party with Elizabeth since we were going to be out of town on her actual birthday. It was fun having all the family together to celebrate both wonderful girls we are lucky enough to have in our family.

Guess Whoooo is turning Five?

I can't hardly believe how quickly five years have past us by! It just amazes me how the years have past. I feel so grateful to have our little monkey girl brighten our lives a little more each day with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.


Elizabeth is very into owls, and so of course when I asked her what can of party, she said owl party.
It was very interesting to have 13 little 5 year old children running around playing musical chairs, pin the owl on the tree and especially the pinata. I will remember to never do a pinata with little kids...it was a little scary when the candy went flying and kids came running but there was still swinging action from the stick going on, lol. They all seemed to have a lot of fun though.


Elizabeth was spoiled with all sorts of gifts. It was fun to see all the smiles and giggles while she opened presents.


I was able to round my mom into helping me sew owl wing caps. They turned out super cute! Then I also made some owl masks that I think the kids really liked.


We of course couldn't go without a family photo!

Love of Books

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."
— Jacqueline Kennedy

Make a Wish Scarlett

I can't believe that my baby is already a year old! How did that happen?
All I know is that this past year Scarlett has brought more Happiness, Laughter, Good Health, Contentment, Smiles, Hope, Creativity, Kindness, Dreams, Blessings, Peace, Giggling, Sleepless nights, Hugs & Kisses, Fear, Sharing, Studying new ideas, Change, Beliefs, Sunshine, Giving, Promises, Harmony, Thankfulness, Strength, Light, Honesty, Cherishing moments, Joy, Laundry piles, Respect, Faith, Mistakes, Family, Fulfillment, Gratitude, Beauty, Heart, Prayer, Memories and Love into our lives!
Happy 1st Birthday our Darling Sunshine!



We celebrated with family and a few friends. Thank you all for your love and kindness




Scarlett was not shy about having some cake. She got right in there and was happy as could be.

Happy 1st Birthday Scarlett Read

Can my little Scarlett be a year old already?! Oh how this past year has gone by so quickly! I can't tell you how much happiness she has brought to our lives. She is our little sunshine!
Here is a little about our Scarlett.
Hated tummy time, so was crawling at 5 months.
Wasted no time and started walking at 10 months old.
Anything and everything that she can get her hands on goes in her mouth.
Loves being chased.
Does NOT like anything taken away from her.
Loves music. Before she started dancing you could see she liked music in her eyes.
Giggles and Giggles when you tickle her tummy.
Doesn't like hairbands or hats.
Completely attached to Blankets.
Always wants to be held.
Does fishy lips all the time.
Loves Loves Loves her big sister Elizabeth.
Likes bright colored toys.
Gets into any drawer,basket,cabinet and pulls everything out that she can.
Pulls out kitchen towels from the drawer and then sits in the drawer.
Loves her binky.
Gets into Elizabeth Jewelry all the time.
As soon as the dishwasher opens, she comes over to climb into it.
Very light sleeper.
Begs for food with her mouth open like a baby bird waiting to get fed.
Points with her finger to everything.
Fascinated with people mouths.
Loves being outside.
Thinks peek-a-boo is super funny.
Always jabbing about something like we are suppose to understand.
Loves laying on mommy & daddy's chest (I think she likes to hear our heartbeat).
Is always giving Elizabeth hugs & kisses.
Seriously has the sweetest little laugh.
Scarlett we love you so much and you have brought so much more fulfillment into our lives this past year.
Happy Birthday, we love you!

We celebrated with a fun play date with some of my favorite people, not to mention they are like super awesome! Hoku, Nilsa and Rachael spent the afternoon and totally spoiled Scarlett with some fun gifts. Thank you girls for celebrating Scarlett's birthday with us! We love you all!



Later we went to Papa and GrandMerry's for some birthday hugs and kisses.



Then after playing at the Turners, we came home and had a little fun playing before the birthday girl went to bed. Love you Scarlett!

Police Station Fieldtrip

Elizabeth's preschool took a tour of the police station for their February field trip. Elizabeth and her cousin Gabe had googly eyes for officer Derrick. All the boys in the group decided when they grow up are going to be policemen. Elizabeth told me she thought it was too dangerous, so that she is just going to be a dancer.

Little Scarlett Sunshine

This darling little girl has brought so much Joy into my heart and our home.
I couldn't imagine our lives without her beautiful smile and that twinkle in her eyes.

Happy Valentine's Day

You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.
Dr. Seuss

LOVE reminds me that nothing else matters

I remember when I was pregnant with Elizabeth, Ryan and I would constantly talk to her and tell her how much we loved her. Although I didn't realize how much I truly loved her till the moment I laid eyes on her. I felt like my heart skipped a beat and I lost my breath, she was just so beautiful.
I love the month of February cause we get spent time doing so many cute valentine activities at home, and preschool as well. She made this awesome valentines necklace that she happily shared with Scarlett and I.

I Like To Look For Rainbows Whenever There Is Rain

I love the primary song When I Am Baptized. My favorite part is the chorus. I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
Going to a baptisms always reminds me the promises I made when I was so young, and how as I have gotten older I still have the same guide to direct me throughout my life. I feel very blessed to have the Holy Ghost and the Gospel in my life.
I'm so proud of my niece Isabella for making the decision to get baptized. We are so proud of you Bella!

Happy Birthday Jonathan & Faith

I remember when I was younger thinking how neat it was that we had so many twins throughout our family. I always thought it would be so great to have a twin, and I remember my Aunt Kathy telling me that only some cool kids get one, but that I was special because I was adopted.
Then when I was a little older and found out we were getting twins, a boy and a girl, plus their baby sister, I thought our family must have been super cool, lol. Even though I was young, I still remember the very moment when Jonathan and Faith were taken out of the car, and set on the front lawn. I fell in love with them right there and then, and I knew I never wanted them to part from us. They both had such tender smiles, and beautiful eyes. They were just learning how to walk and still a little wobbly so I chased them just in case they fell on there cute little bottoms. I never wanted them to grown up, but I learned to deal with it, lol. Some of my fondest memories were laying on the front room floor and Faith and I would trade off scratching each others back while just talking about everything, sometimes nothing at all. I would spend hours reading Dick & Jane books with Jonathan, and his eyes would just light up when we read, it really was worth all the time in the world.
I just can't believe they are 17! How did so much time escape from my sight?
I am so proud to have them as my younger siblings, and I hope you both had a Happy Birthday! We really enjoyed celebrating with you!

Remember how cool you guys are, and how you are never alone because you always have each other!