Summer is Here!

Me and my parter in crime! Pretty snow!

Grand Canyon

My "Postcard Shot"

Us in the clouds-literally!

Thought Quinn would like this shot....

Me and my crew! Last day of school.

Don't let her look fool you-she loves it!

Mikaila and her teacher

Quinn & his teacher

As of this past Friday, our kids our officially out of school. Friday was a tad hectic, because we went to their school to see them get awards and just "hang out". Friday was the day we were heading up north for our 10 year anniversary. Months prior, we really wanted to fly somewhere back east and really make it a big deal and go all out. Then when expenses become reality, we decided to keep within budget and go up north for the weekend. How lame does that sound for such a milestone aniversary?! You know what, it was such an amazing weekend that you could not put a price tag on it. Experiencing the Grand Canyon for the first time together for both us, was truly breathtaking! Due to the rain earlier, there were alot of clouds in the canyon and were literally passing by us-never experienced anything like it in my life! We hiked for a while, and it was the perfect weather, once the sun came out. We drove to another side of the canyon and of course got out and took it all in! Joel decided to go down further, and out to where he saw other people on some rocks...did he heed my warning not to-nahhh!

Fortunately, I still had a husband to celebrate the rest of our aniv. with!

Sunday, we headed out after breakfast up to snowbowl and took the ski lift up there. Not to go skiing obviously, but for a beautiful view up the mountain. Snow had fallen just two days prior and was still on the ground in some spots, and as we made it to the top we could see our breath! Forty degrees and so beautiful, and peaceful up there.

Our trip certainly would not have been possible without the wonderful help of my parents and Joel's mom doing it all by herself!! Amazing! The kids of course helped out, especially Ashleigh.

Thank you for giving such a special weekend! We loved it! :)

Mother's Day 2009

Quinn & Myself Camden "Beethoven" Russell

The "older" grandkids

ALL the grandkids-you can see the twins are trying to be escape artists!

Casey before his haircut...
Camden in his bubble "baff"

Quinn on Mothers Day

My Mom

My sister and sister in law.

I'm not even sure what time it was Sunday morning, but I heard a knock at our bedroom door..... Being that this happens on a daily basis, I had forgotten that it was Mother's Day, and I bellowed out, "What do you want?" or something to that effect. Poor Mikaila, she was sitting outside our door with Mommy's breakfast waiting on a pink tray. Both Quinn and Mikaila wanted to do something for me. They thought maybe waffles and syrup and then they knew I was trying to be a little more careful about what I ate. Soooo, the thoughtful children that they are, had my Total cereal, with a hint of brown sugar (like I always have it), a banana, and some vanilla yogurt. I could tell they were really trying to think what I would want to eat, not just what they wanted to throw together for me! Joel was downstairs, busy cleaning like a madman since early that morning.-Thank you.

Mikaila had made me some very nice things at school, Quinn had asked me a few weeks prior if I liked poetry...I thought for a minute and then told him yes, I do! So, I received the BEST poetry a mom could get, a lot of meaningful words, not just your typical little rhymes. I think I was about to cry! Ashleigh was sweet and offered to give me both a pedicure and facial later that evening. We got to the pedicure, and then it was getting kind of late and they all had school the next day.

Thank you for my nice card, Mom.

Earlier that day, we had spent it at my sister and brother in laws house. Some chicken, and all the yummy sides that people had brought.

We had gotten my mom a pack of seeds to plant from each member of the Russell family-hopefully they will grow and she can think of each one of us, when they do. Not the most extravagent gift in the world, but I hope they will become healthy plants that will be of some use someday. :)

Joel's Mom was very sweet and gave me a gift bag filled with just the most perfect gifts that I could use-loved every last thing in it!

I would be stretching the truth if I said it was the most relaxing day I've ever had, because it really wasn't. HOWEVER, the very most important people whom I love very much, made me feel very special that day and I felt honored to be their Mom!

Activities coming to an end.

Joel on Sunday. Quinn at his last gamereceived a medal 5/2/09

Mikaila at Peter Piper with her very good friend Bailly 5/2/09

Ashleigh and her good friend Samantha. 5/2/09

The twins excitied at a playdough paper...it's the little things in life!

My Dad, Myself, & Quinn at my niece's softball game (two weeks ago).

Uncle Tim and Quinn at Kate's game

Case helping Daddy with Mikaila's bike.

Camden feeding playdough to the monkey.

Camden on Daddy at the kids' school.

Casey the day we had friends over for dinner.

Camden waiting to eat...