MEMORIES in the making....

Granny Glorias Gingerbread

2012-01-27T14:34:00.001-08:00

Grandma Gloria's Gingerbread cookies are these 3's favorite Cookie! Kennedy has been asking to make them for weeks now. So we got the recipe and finally made them yesterday. The girls like helping and I like that Justin made them:)

Mama's the big 28

2012-01-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to ME!

I had a really good birthday this year. Being away from everyone was hard, but getting text and calls and messages all day was AWESOME! It made me feel sooo loved, so THANK YOU everyone! Justin made an extra effort this year to make me feel special. He sent me this edible arrangement (mmm sooo good) and gave me some really thoughtful gifts. He came home early and we went to dinner. He got me a cute delicious cake as well!

I love spending my birthday with my family. When I became a mom i realized that my birthday should also be a day that my mom is recognized as well. She went through a lot to get me here and I appreciate it:) Love you mom!

The girls ate probably a third of it right then!

My friend Whitney that lives in Parker brought these YUMMY cupcakes over on my Birthday. It was so sweet of her.

My cake & Ice Cream...yes I got as much ice cream as I did cake:) I LOVE it

My new running shoes are AWESOME! Thanks babe....

MISS & LOVE YOU ALL

28 will be GREAT!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY MAMMA

2012-01-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Mandy is the most amazing person that I have ever met in my life!! Things I love about her are; she is so caring, thoughtful, funny, the best friend in any relationship that she has, she is drop dead sexy!!!, an amazing mother to our three beautiful girls, and most importantly she is my partner for eternity and she will go on any challenge or adventure with me!! even if that is dragging her away from friends and family and starting our own adventure:) I love you the most no battle Mandy Happy Birthday you are so old!!!

The man in our lives....

2012-01-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do a little Boast Post about this guy right here!

We sure do love this man! He works REALLY hard and never complains. I know that i can be a pain, and there can be allot of drama around here but he is great about it!

Being the only man around 4 other women cant be easy! He is such a great Dad. He will let the girls jump on him, wrestle, paint his toe nails, and play dress up. He is my best friend and I wouldn't want to be on this adventure with anyone else.

He has been a part of my life longer than he hasn't, and I can't picture life without him!

WE LOVE YOU BABE!

Thank you for all you do and for loving us!

Home SWEET Home

2012-01-20T15:18:00.001-08:00

Here is our home in Colorado!

Familyroom

Backyard...complete with HOT TUB!

These are some pictures i have taken inside the house. Its not all decorated, my pictures weren't hung quite yet, things were a mess, and oaklee was asleep so her room is not pictured. Such is life! I wanted our families to be able to see where we have run off to!

We are loving all the space that we have.

Front room

From front door

Payton & Kennedy's room

Kitchen

Looking from Dining room through Kitchen to Family room

Entry looking upstairs

Master Bedroom and entry to bathroom.. no more hitting my leg on my bed:)

Master bedroom

View from one end of the basement.....

To the other end.

There are more pictures to come. I also forgot to post the guest bed/bath. Anyone who wants to come visit Colorado you have a place to stay!!

Our first Visitors

2012-01-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

The girls LOVE the play set in the backyard. Sadly the owner may be taking it away in the next few months... so we are enjoying it now!

The guys looking at their handy work. This light was hanging REALLY low and everyone would hit their head on it. I guess you should put your table under it, but we have yet to buy a new one that fits all 5 of us.

Building towers with Grandma Gloria. This was something Kennedy wanted to do every day!

Cleaning rocks in the backyard with Aunt Shelli. We loved having them here!

And Jax :)

The begining of a new chapter!

2012-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Well, we have officially been in Colorado for 2 weeks now. It is beautiful here. I wanted to jot down the story of how this journey came about. About a year ago Justin started thinking about posting for new positions within the bank. It was an interesting process. Each time we would talk about a different posting i would get nervous. He had a few interviews and we decided that it wasn't the right time. So we put off the whole idea for a while. Then early December when we were in Disneyland Justin got a call from a friend who works out in Colorado. He told him about a job opening and that they were really interested in him and wanted him to apply. I knew as soon as he told me this job was THE ONE. So we got home he had an interview, then another and come Monday was offered the job! It was kinda crazy timing being it was December 20Th and they needed him to start January 9Th.
So we decided that we would enjoy our last Christmas with family and friends and then let the craziness begin. Christmas was Sunday. Monday Justin and I came to Colorado with a mission, to find a place to live! We decided to rent while we are here, we don't know how long we will be here. We saw over 10 houses in one day! We drove all over the surrounding cities and thought we had chosen THE house. So Wednesday we started our drive home. As we were driving we thought about one house that we really liked, but was a little more than we wanted to spend. Justin sent the owner an email and just asked if he was firm on his price. He sent back and email right away and was so sweet. He said that after we left he had another showing and told his wife he really hoped that we would be interested in renting their house. We too had a great feeling about the house. It was literally 5 minutes from Just ins work, across the street from the school, and up the street from the ward house. I LOVED THAT! He said he would drop the rent $200 a month and we could move in on the 6Th... PERFECT! Oh and i was able to have Jax at this house, another plus!
So we feel like this was all meant to be. We got home got the paper work done and started packing. Packed all weekend, had a great New Years Eve with family:) then back to packing. Gloria was so amazing and kept the girls all day so we could get this all done. THANK YOU GRANDMA! We got the trucks Wednesday and loaded them up. A HUGE THANK YOU to Justin's brothers Troy and Jason and their families!!! They were such a help. Then Thursday we cleaned. Another HUGE THANK YOU to my mom and 2 sisters! They cleaned ALL DAY with me.
Friday morning at 5 am we left on our drive to Parker Colorado. It was a nice drive, taking 11 hours! Troy was brave and rode with me and the girls while Gloria rode with Justin. I had a fun time talking with Troy, memories ill have forever. We arrived at about 4:45 and started to unload. We got basically everything unloaded but the bed frames. Saturday morning we did the rest.
Someone was definitely watching over us. Friday night Utah got a storm after we left, and Saturday after we were done unloading we got a storm in Colorado! It was so nice to have Gloria here for a week. We got A LOT done! and i enjoyed the company. Jason and Shelli came and brought a few things that we couldn't fit and that was so kind of them to do!! We enjoyed the visit!
This was a crazy fast, draining, emotional process. We tried to say goodbye to everyone but missed a few. We will miss our families more than words can express. I am so grateful for technology though! I'm excited to be on this adventure, I'm sure we will grow and learn allot!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Very relaxing! Just being with family and enjoying the last Christmas in Utah and our first home.

The girls must have been extra good this year considering the loot they got! They asked Santa for Lite Sprites and he came through!

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is full of fun traditions we started as a little family. We start at Build a Bear and the girls each get to make a stuffed animal. Payton made Hello Kitty, Kennedy Smurfette, Oaklee a polar bear. Then we head over to the Olive Garden for dinner..MMM good:). Then we go to Temple Square and see the lights. It was FREEZING!

We then come home and open a gift (jammies) and watch a Christmas movie. The girls set out cookies for Santa and head to bed. Justin and I then wrap the gifts while watching Home Alone. I Love Christmas time and spending it with my little family!

Winter Dance Recital 2011

2012-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Kennedy in her Dance costume
Payton in her Jazz dance outfit

Payton in her Tap dance outfit

Payton & Kourtney

I LOVED dancing with Kennedy in the Mommy & Me class. It's memories ill never forget!

Payton Kenzie & Kennedy after their recital!

Gingerbread house...

2012-01-18T16:19:00.001-08:00

We usually do our gingerbread house on Christmas Eve, but then it gets chucked a few days later. So we did it the day we got our tree this year.

It was fun... I think they ate more than decorated tho!

I ADORE THESE 3!!!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2012-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to get a real tree! The girls picked it out and decorated it all by them self... it was a bit of a challenge since i am a control freak! But it was so fun too. They got new pink ornaments and went to town. The bottom few feet were always empty thanks to Little Miss Oaklee:)

Happiest Place On Earth

2012-01-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

DISNEYLAND December 2011

This was an AWESOME trip! We had 2 of Justin's brothers and their families with us this time and WE LOVED having cousins with us. The girls had so much fun going on rides with their cousins and aunts & uncles. We knew that we wouldn't get another trip like this for a while so we were so glad they all came!

BEWARE: picture overload!

Justin was a brave boy and took the girls on the Carousel :)

Kennedy was tall enough for the Matterhorn this time :)

Kennedy on her first Roller Coaster

What a fun time! We love all these people so much. These kids mean the world to me and i had a blast with all of them!!! Riding with my neices and nephews is a blast, i love that they like to have me around:)

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-18T14:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We are so grateful for all of our families and friends. You mean the world to us!!!

BOO!

2012-01-18T14:25:00.001-08:00

This year Halloween was so much fun!

Oaklee was Tigger and I LOVED it.

We went and watched Payton and her cousins walk in their parade in the morning.

My girlies ready to go Trick Or Treating... notice the weather it was AWESOME!
Our little Lady "Buggy"

Payton the Pirate Princess

The LOOT

After we did a candy once over Payton had to separate them... she is definitely my daughter:)

I remember when i was younger doing this with my sisters and exchanging candy and my Dad buying some of the candy bars he wanted!

Halloween at dance

2012-01-18T14:22:00.001-08:00

At the girls dance classes they get to dress up and wear their costumes for the day.

This is Payton and her BFF Kourtney!
Kennedy

The parachute ride with her cute dance buddies:)

3 little PUMPKINS

2012-01-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our 3 little PUMPKINS!

We went to this cute pumpkin patch near our house and the girls loved it. They got to push their own wheelbarrows and everything!
so big!

SO HOT!

the best i could get:)

Miss Kennedy and her punkin

Payton

Oaks just happy to watch and eat!

This was the first time she actually grabbed and pulled out the seeds herself!

Our finished punkins!

Cornbellys

2012-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

In October we took the girls to Cornbellys and it was a lot of fun. The weather was perfect and it wasn't busy at all. The girls loved all the slides and Princess part.
Miss Oaklee. She looks so little.

We love cornbellys! Its always a fun time:)

Vegas GETAWAY!

2012-01-18T13:22:00.001-08:00

Here we are headed out to VEGAS, just the 2 of us. Back in October we decided that we needed a little time away. We left the kiddos with Grandma and left for a few days.
Arriving at the Luxor...about midnight.

Shopping on the strip

Lounging at the pool

Heading out to dinner and a few shows....SO FUN!

Arriving in Cali, the beach was MUCH colder than we thought it would be!

Lunch on the pier

My love

Then a stop at Disneyland!

OHHH so excited!

Our last night on vaca at Disneyland. It was SO NICE to get away with my best friend. Things get pretty crazy around our house and taking some time for just the 2 of us is not always easy. But I am so glad we did!!

Grandpa's funeral

2011-09-21T20:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday in Wyoming at the Lyman cemetary.

My mom and her siblings singing to my Grandma.

My Grandma and her sister.

Grandpa had full military honors.

Giving Grandma her flag in memory of Grandpa.

Grandpa's beautiful casket.

The day of my Grandpa's funeral was a bitter sweet day for me. I LOVE my Grandpa. He was a wonderful man! I will miss him very much. His funeral actually landed on Oaklee's 1st birthday. So it was a day of celebrating Life all around. My Grandpa struggled there at the end of his life, but i got a few last moments with him that i will cherish forever. He was still able to open his eyes and answer you when i said goodbye. We had a sweet conversation and i am so grateful for that.

The day of the burial was Saturday up in Wyoming. It was about a 2 hour drive and i took the girls and my sister. It rained, poured the whole way there. As soon as we got maybe 15 minutes out it opened up to blue skies over Lyman. Grandpa was definitely helping us out! It was a beautiful ceremony. I will never forget it.

Dance X 2!

2011-09-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

Tiny Dancer Kennedy

Payton ready for Jazz

WE officially have begun dance around here! For both girlies this year...that's right our tiny tot Kennedy is in the Mommy & Me dance class. I can't believe she is already old enough to take this class. She LOVES it. She listens so well, which i was worried about, and follows whatever her teacher says to do.

Payton is taking Tap and Jazz this year without Ballet. She seems to really enjoy both so far.

we have a KINDERGARTENER

2011-09-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

Payton officially started Kindergarten on Sept. 7th. What a grown up 5 year old we have. She absolutely LOVES school. Her teacher is Mrs. Rizer and she is great. It is so nice to be back in routine and structure...this girl thrives on it!

Hello Kitty all around

Man she is so darn pretty!!

Ready to head in for her 1st day!

Found her seat and a treat!

making her shoebox library

After School treat of her choice.... ice cream!

Oaklee's 1st cone all to herself:)

cheesy buggy!

SOOO Big!

2011-09-06T13:23:00.001-07:00

Little miss KENNEDY is a BIG GIRL now!

She gets to wear "unnerwears" as she calls them. She went and picked out some Rapunzel unders and we decided to give it a go. The first week was REALLY hard. I didn't think she was even understanding what we were doing AT ALL! But the last week has been GREAT. She has been telling us she has to go and we haven't had an accident is almost a week! Now by telling us she says " I pooping!!" so I'm sure people love to hear that, but it translates to "run take me to the bathroom!"

Either way we got here and now we officially have only 1 in diapers! What will we do with all the extra money you ask.... GO TO DISNEYLAND of course:)!!

LOVE YOU KENNEDY!!

we LOVE cousins

2011-08-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

FUN FUN FUN!!

We have had a blast going to Herriman Beach with our cousins! The girls love it and I love to get to hang out with my Sister in law :)

Miss Oaklee loves it too

Each time they would dig these castles or little pools... hours of FUN!

Christian TJ Morgan Payton

Kenzie & Kennedy

Kennedy has to hold on to this "handle" she will NOT let it go.

Swimming to the Buoy

Sweet silly babe!

Sadly summer is coming to an end and school is about to start so our lake adventures will be over, but we have had SO MUCH FUN this summer with you guys!

REUNION 2011

2011-08-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

Payton & Kennedy at the softball game

Our 2nd Annual Westenskow Family Reunion was last weekend and it turned out great! It was our families turn to host it and it was a YEAR of Planning:) Glad everyone had fun, to bad the storm had to come and end things!

Judy's Family

Gay's Family

Lee's Family

Our family that attended

Red Team

The blue team unfortunately we "LOST"

Dad, Aunt Judy, Grandma Westenskow, Aunt Gay, Uncle Lee

3 legged races

The water fight that "wasn't" supposed to happen :)

Casey and Dad playing Horse shoes and Corn hole

This is a rainbow i saw on my horrific drive home. There was a huge "flash flood" rainstorm last Saturday that i got to drive home in the jeep with no windows or doors!! Not fun!

OAKLEE

2011-08-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

Blowing Kisses

Peek A BOO

Yay.. CLaps

MOST OF ALL SMILES!!!

Oaklee is my ray of SUNSHINE! She is such a sweet go with the flow baby! Time is just flying by and in a few short weeks my baby girl will be 1!!! That seems impossible, but she is definitely growing fast! She LOVES food, talking/babbling, her sisters and high pitch screaming! She still has no teeth... not a surprise, but can eat/gum almost anything you give her. She plays and follows her sisters all over and just wants to be where they are and do what they are doing.

I wish I could slow down her growing, but i see what fun things are ahead and I'm excited!

FaRm, FrIeNdS & FUN

2011-08-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

My Friend Kati and I decided to take advantage or the $2 Tuesdays @ Thanksgiving Point and this time we headed to the Petting Zoo. Other than being SO VERY CROWDED and BLAZING HOT it was a lot of fun!

Miles & Oaklee had the best seat in the house,.. good thing my broken stroller worked safely!

Look Chickens!

Payton, Drew, Kade, Kennedy

MOOOO cows!

Sweet Oaklee just hanging out like always!

So DANG Cute i must say:)

Kati and her boys

Me & My girls...

Besties

Kennedy makes the BEST pig sound and was talking to this pig it was funny:)

Boating FUN!

2011-08-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Miss Oaklee chilling on the boat.

Boating!! Our favorite summer past time!!

Ahhh what beautiful weather it was and perfectly calm water! It was so fun taking the Dixon's with us boating. Have i mentioned i will miss them:(

Anyways, it was great we all got to wake board even Payton and Kade! It is so fun just being together and doing what we love. THANKS for coming with us!

Mommy & Kennedy

This is what Oaklee did the whole time awake or asleep..such a sweet happy babe!

Drew & Payton

who me??

Oaklee & Kennedy BOTH asleep on the boat SO AWESOME!!

Payton showing us her tricks :)

Thumbs up... she is definitely our adventurous one!

Learning how to hold on and steer.

Andy

Justin

Mandy

Kati

Yes the water looks gross, but it was AWESOME!!

Payton's BLING

2011-08-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

getting prepped for her EARRINGS!

BEFORE....

AFTER! Her face never even changed!!

She LOVES them!

Payton got her ears pierced this last weekend. She told me she wanted to do them before school started so she picked the 16Th. But Saturday morning i said want to just do it today so off we went first thing. She never even winced she said " ah that hurt a little i guess"!!! She is so brave. I think i was more nervous than her! They are adorable on her :)

Big GIRL Bed

2011-08-15T09:59:00.001-07:00

Little Miss Kennedy has graduated from her crib. On a whim this weekend we decided to try her out in the bunk beds and see how she did. She did GREAT! she talked to Payton for a while longer than normal, but that was it. She called for me to come get her in the morning and never once got out!! YAY!! Their room was SO cramped with a crib and bunks!

Still I can't believe She is out of her crib! I thought i would keep her in there forever! She is growing up so fast i can't stand it! Although potty training is next and that i am excited for!

SHE LOVES IT!!

My 2 big sisters... So DANG Cute!

Rawson SWIM Party

2011-08-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every year the Rawsons have this swim party and rent out the pool just for us. It is always a lot of fun and this year was no exception! Payton has mastered the diving board and swam the whole 2 1/2 hours. We Love being with family and my girls love the water... WIN WIN!!

FUN TIMES!

There was this cute little kitchen that the little girls loved to play with.

Swimming with cousins is the BEST!

Daddy, Grandma Gloria & Payton

Mom & Oaklee

Payton

Alex

Christian

All Grown UP

2011-08-02T17:31:00.001-07:00

Back when i worked at Washington Mutual (now Chase) and I was the Assistant Manager these were my girls! Melissa (left with daughter Hadley) was my High School Intern, Robyn (center with daughter Mckayla & baby Mason) was my PFR, and Rachel who i worked with the longest (right with baby Everrett) was my Teller. I can't believe how grown up they all are. I LOVED working with all these girls wnd when I had Payton and quit it was bitter sweet for me. But keeping in touch and watching them grow in to wonderful wives, mothers and WOMEN is awesome. Thank you Robyn for taking us all swimming it was really fun!

Kennedy & Mckayla

Payton & Mckayla

Love all these girls!!!!

Grandmas house

2011-08-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Grandma Twyla's house.

Justin's grandma is selling her house. She is now in an assisted living and its time to sell her home. This is the home that Justin's Dad grew up in. We went down to pick up some things from the house and i got a picture of Grandpa Wes with some of the grand kids in front of it.

Payton, Kenzie & Kennedy eating popsicles out back.

Morgan, Christian, Kenzie, Payton, Kennedy, Oaklee and Grandpa Wes.

SpRiNkLeRs

2011-08-02T16:43:00.001-07:00

It was sooo hot the other day so we turned on the sprinklers and the girls didn't even change their clothes before jumping in! WE LOVE SUMMER!!

Payton's BIRTHDAY & Goofys Kitchen

2011-07-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Friday the 15th PAYTON TURNED 5!!! Wow time has flown by! This trip was for her and she wanted to go to Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. Anyone who know her knows Sleeping Beauty is her FAVORITE princess...and she just happened to be at dinner!

They sang to her and brought her a Treasure Cake. She was in heaven!

WE LOVE YOU PAYTON!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!!!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!

2011-07-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

On our way to DISNEYLAND!!!!

So EXCITED to see MICKEY

Okalee is an awesome traveler

Small World a favorite

Ariel is kennedys favorite and she has a new ride...IT WAS A HIT!!

ARIEL

Goofy's new ride...Payton is now 46 inches so she could do the bigger rides

Toy story

Oaklee is a trooper

Tea Cups...I get the pleasure to spin and spin:)

LOVE MY FAMILY!

Kennedy LOVED to drive...we ran out of gas and she told everyone for days!

Pixie Hollow

A favorite too

So cute!

Notice the face paints... they loved it

LOVE

"jazzy"

Mulan

Kennedy should be a princess:)

Pooh Bear... Kennedy and I rode his ride over and over while Payton went on Splash Mountain. They eventually just let us stay on for a few turns:)

"eeyo"

"tigger hops"

BUZZ lightyear another favorite of Kennedys..she would ask to take a picture each time!

Sweetie

Goofy mommys favorite

Payton LOVES this ride and keeps her hands up the whole time!

I get nervous and hold on to her:)

We LOVE DISNEYLAND and when Payton asked to go for her Birthday we said SURE! I love watching the Magic come to life in my girls eyes! They are in such fun ages and stages that these are MEMORIES Justin and I will have forever!

Liberty Park

2011-07-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Oaklee and the grass... good grief!

Drew & Payton

Kade & Kennedy

Sweet sis

eating grass and her crackers...ahhh!

My good friend Kati and I have had so much fun taking our kids places this summer, and Liberty park is on that list! The kids love it! My girls get along with her boys so great and Payton will tell people "this is Drew and Kade they are like my brothers"!! We will MISS THEM SO MUCH when they move this fall!!!

4th of july camping & fun!!

2011-07-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm pancakes! A favorite when camping! We took the girls over the 4th and went on our first Anderson 5 adventure! In ALL of our camping adventures over the years we have never gone alone. Crazy, yes i know. So it was a GREAT experience... over all. It started out rough with our spot that we went up and reserved on Tuesday being taken. So we had to find another place to stay and actually it turned out to be sweet!

Breakfast morning 1

Fairy house

making their "field journals" :)

Oaklee's oasis... toys on a blanket

a little dress up during dinner...so my girls:)

campfire ALONE yes:)

Pirates morning 2

ARGH!

After camping we got home to have the 4th fun with carnivals, fireworks, BBQ-ing. It was a lot of fun! I love holidays with my family. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!

throwing poppers...a pitcher in the making?? :)

lil sis doing it too

Oaklee LOVES the grass...go figure!

Shouldn't this be the other way around?

homemade ice cream cookies made by daddy

Sooo good

A little taste...

wanting more...

and this is what happened when she didn't get anymore!

Anderson sandwhich (oaklee is in bed)

Sparklers

Kennedy was terrified!

She ran down the street

Kennedy happy with her non-lit sparkler:) silly girl

My GIRLS

2011-07-08T15:08:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago I took the girls to get their pictures taken and i was LESS THAN IMPRESSED! my girls of course are cute but the whole experience was horrible! These are the good ones so I thought I would share.

These are taken from a picture I was in with the girls that i didn't like but loved their faces:)

Happy Birthday AMERICA!

2011-07-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

4th of JULY is one of our favorite holidays! The carnivals, fireworks, Family & FUN!! Justin has 3 brothers in the NAVY and we SO APPRECIATE all that our service men do for us. We are grateful that we have the freedoms we do!

SO here are my CUTIES on this 4th of JULY!!!

HIKING....our new favorite activity!

2011-06-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

The destination of our 2nd hike of the summer!

It was really pretty...and really fast. Kennedy was NOT a fan.

In front of the waterfall...can't really tell but we made it :)

Mommy and Oakers

following "Payton the explorer"

Kennedy had the best seat of all.

Payton is such a big girl! She loves the hikes and wearing her "water bag"!

Family shot

Our first hike... Bridal Veil falls

my loves!

On our way...right??

Bitter Beer face:)

family shot

We have found a new family fun night thing to do!!! HIKE! Its great exercise and the girls love being outside! YAY for SUMMER!!!

our DADDY is the BEST!

2011-06-27T12:45:00.001-07:00

So yes Fathers Day was a week or so ago, BUT we didn't quite have the normal fathers day around here. Instead of a day all about DAD it was a day taking care of 3 sick little girls!! So anyhow I just wanted to write a little something about our daddy. We ( the girls) think that we pretty much hit the jackpot with our daddy! He is one of the only men out there, that I know of, that will let his 2 and 4 year old paint his toenails BRIGHT PINK! He will play barbies, Polly pockets, braid hair, and on occasion feed them cookies for breakfast!

Justin works REALLY hard and doesn't ever complain. We don't get alot of time together, but when we do his girls wont let him out of their sight! I am grateful that he is the Daddy to my sweet little babes!

LOVE YOU BABE!!

Oakers is 9 months!!

2011-06-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

Oaklee is 9 months old!! I love this stage. She is learning so many new things and has such a sweet little personality! She loves to sit on the grass, which neither of my other girls did. Its funny to watch her play with it. We have had a long week of sickness spreading through out my girls and finally it is over. She wouldn't eat drink nada. Sooooo glad we are back to normal, for now! LOVE YOU OAKERS!!!

Silly SISTERS!

SWIM DATE

2011-06-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

My friend Kati invited us over to swim at her pool and the girls had a great time. Finally the weather is nice and her pool was heated so it was great! My girls love playing with her boys and we love to get together so its always a win win!!

70 years of wedded bliss!!

2011-06-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Last week was my Grandparents 70Th Wedding Anniversary!! They are such amazing people and what an example they have set for their family! I'm sure they have had their struggles...come on its been 70 years! but they have stuck by each other and loved each other through it all!! I LOVE these 2 and they mean the world to me.

The beautiful cake my sister made for them.

Our Family

Kennedy-bug being silly

who needs toys??? give them plastic cups:)

P-diddy cheesing it up!

FUN with COUSINS

2011-06-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE SUMMER!!!!! And we also love having our cousins come play! We had Morgan & Makenzie over last week and the girls had a lot of fun swimming, jumping, and we even painted some nails:) Bring on the fun times and the good weather!!!!

Camping!!

2011-05-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

CAMPING YAY!!!

WE went camping with 2 of Justin's brothers this past weekend and it was GREAT! WE have missed camping sooo much! The weather (rain) held off mostly until our last night so we got to fall asleep to the sound of the rain I love that...only because we have a motorhome. Not so fun in a tent! The girls LOVE playing all day with their cousins and we LOVE just chilling and hanging out with family!!

Oaklee fell over right before we left and got this lovely cut...not a camping trip without some kind of BOO BOO!

Cousins!

2011-05-30T15:10:00.001-07:00

Kennedy, Oaklee, Payton

Jusitns brother was in town for a few days so we got all the kids together and took some photos. ANDERSON COUSINS

Preschool GRADUATION...what???

2011-05-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

Payton is officially ready for Kindergarten! Whether Mom and Dad are ready for her to go that is another question!! It was so surreal watching her sing and dance and tell what she wanted to be when she grew up...A MOM:)!!!

This is my BABY and she is going to Kindergarten. It seems like she was just Oaklee's age and it was just her and me all day. Playing learning just loving being a mom. Now here we are she can read, write her name, and is SO VERY EXCITED to go to school in the fall.

Payton

Payton & Paislee

Payton & Tiffany

This is Miss Amanda Payton's teacher. She ws absolutely amazing with her! She was great with the kids and Payton just LOVED her!!

Our big girl :)

Dinner was at the Olive Garden afterwards. Her choice and her FAVORITE! These are her plates lined up with all her favorite things on them!

WE LOVE YOU PAYTON!!!!

Oaklee 8 Months

2011-05-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

Here is our sweet Oakie girl at 8 months! She is such a good baby and we LOVE all the things she is learning. She loves food and hates to drink. She loves any finger foods i will give her. She rolls everywhere and gets stuck under everything. She wants to crawl so badly and once she gets a little stronger in the arms will be on the move! She says mama dada baba and no :) not necessarily towards anything in particular but can form the words.

Glamour girl!

2011-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Payton is almost 5 years old and has never had a "haircut". I have trimmed it myself but that's it. It was some what of a struggle to get her to agree to this. So when I told her she could come with me to my hair appointment watch and then have Jodie do hers she was totally excited!

Payton wants Rapunzel hair.... so i also had to tell her that to get long beautiful healthy hair she needs to get it cut now and then. I love this kid and she looks so grown up i cant stand it!!

Getting her hair washed (massaged:) )

Before it all!

First chop off the back

Getting her layers

Dinosaurs at the ZOO!

2011-05-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

We took the girls back to the Zoo to see the Dinosaurs they had all over. It was fun for them to find the different ones and learn about them. Payton wasn't too sure at first but after a few she was touching them and taking pictures by them. We love the Zoo but it was nice to have a change of scenery :)

Zoo

2011-05-11T10:18:00.002-07:00

We took the girls to the Zoo a few weeks ago on one of the warmer days and it was fun! The wind kicked up a bit which made our trip kinda short, but we just love going and letting the girls roam and see the animals!

Mothers Day

2011-05-11T10:03:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

I had a wonderful Mothers day this year....like every year! But for some reason this year was different for me. Being a mom to 3 crazy little girls is SO much fun, but with that has come some crazy days for mom! Its a lot of juggling with back and forth from preschool, nap times, bottles, 2 in diapers, cleaning, meals, house renovations, and a husband that is working his tail off and with that comes a lot of doing it alone. I LOVE my life and absolutely wouldn't change it... but some days i think man I am not cut out for this!

So this brings me to the HIGH APPRECIATION of my mom and my mother in law! I wonder how they did it with 6( then 9) and 5 kids! Being a mom is the hardest, but most rewarding job that you will ever have. My girls are the light of my life and I am SO LUCKY to have them in my life. I hope that one day they will forgive me for being so crazy, type A, neurotic, perfectionist, and know I do it all out of LOVE!

So Happy Mothers Day to every mother out there. It is crazy that there is only one day in the year to devote to our mothers, but I hope that it was a GREAT one for all of you!!!

Kennedy's Party

2011-05-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

Our big BIRTHDAY GIRL!

WE had a little party for Kennedy's birthday a couple weeks ago and it was really small but fun! She loves the park so i decided it was ok weather lets just go there and let her play. We had pizza, cake, a pinata, and friends! Thank you everyone who came!!

Before the party they are so dang cute!

Racing

Chasing Christian she loves her Cheechee!

Little Monkey

Getting the hang of this present thing

Her favorite princess Ariel or LOLO as she calls her

She chose this pony for her party

Not sure what to do

Daddy Mommy & their big 2 year old!!

Kennedy and her Buzz Lightyear...she LOVES him!!

Kennedy turns 2!

2011-04-30T13:19:00.001-07:00

Our big KENNEDY girl!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

The day we brought Kennedy home. I love this picture!

This is Kennedy at 1 week old. This shows how TINY she really was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUGGY BABE!! I really can't believe miss sassy is 2 years old! She is so full of personality and we absolutely adore her. She was a tiny 5lbs when she was born and even smaller when we brought her home, but she was a miracle and has done things her own way ever since! She thinks she is as big as Payton and tries to do everything her big sis does. They are best friends and love to play together. She LOVES her binkie and her blankie. She calls cupcakes "messys", and loves food! Her favorite thing right now is to go to the park and swing. Her oakie is her security and every time a stranger talks to her she says " this is my oakie". We love you kennedy!!!

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

Easter morning was really fun this year. Both Payton and Kennedy were excited to find eggs and their baskets. Kennedy kept running around " I find Egg"! all day. It was really cute. They had over 80 eggs to find between the 2 of them. So they took their time and it lasted a while. They also got a few things from mom and dad for summer time...if it EVER decides to come!

Easter is a fun holiday, but we also took time to teach Payton what it was really about and I think it was good. She knows that Christmas is when we celebrate Christs birth, so we wanted her to understand (at her level) that this is when we celebrate Christs resurrection. It was neat to see her get it and try to understand. I love my family and knowing we will be together for ETERNITY is a great feeling!!

Easter Fun!

2011-04-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

We had a good Easter week this year...minus kennedy not feeling to great. It was a busy week for us with kennedy's birthday on friday. We had a few egg hunts at grandparents houses and died some eggs at home. The girls had a good time and we decided that on friday we would go to lunch with daddy, but celebrate next week sometime for kennedys birthday.

The girls thought dying eggs was great and we bought an extra kit to do it later in the year just for fun:)

Spring Recital 2011

2011-04-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Payton's ballet outfit....When I grow up!

Payton's tap outfit.... Peanut Butter

Kennedy clapping for a performance...she loves it!

So serious :)

Our family

Great Grandma, Grandma & Grandpa Taylor

Grandma Gloria & Grandpa Wes

Payton and Kenzie

Payton at her cousin Makenzie's recital

On April 18th Payton had her Spring dance Recital. She is taking tap and ballet and LOVES it! She loves that she is allowed to wear make up and gets flowers and most of all performing up there in front of everyone! She is so cute up there and she didn't look to the teacher once. I am so proud of her! Kennedy LOVED watching all the dancers perform and kept asking to "dance in my dressy?" she will love it next year!

St George...Anniversary Weekend!

2011-04-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

FUN in the sand at Snow Canyon

Little Bo Peep :)

Oaklee's cute little piggies painted for the 1st time

Messy Monkey

Kennedy and Miles...he is 8 months but looks so big next to Kennedy!

Our inventive way of pushing all 3 in the stroller

Oaklee asleep in the carseat

Splash park in St. George

BRAVE! the water was so cold... good thing it was 80 degrees!

HAPPY 7th ANNIVERSARY BABE!

She spent a lot of time in this thing either sleeping or just hanging out happy!

Payton so CUTE!

Sisters have so much fun together!

Justin and Oaklee...her shirt says make room for the little sister!

Ice cream after the park....ya think she liked it???

YUMMMM

HE WENT TO JARED!!! :)

Justin got me this BEAUTIFUL ring for our anniversary. Its a pink Saphire surrounded by baby diamonds! I LOVE IT!!.....

Well Justin is the best! He planned a trip down to St. George for our anniversary weekend. It was perfect timing. I was in some need of SUN!!! We have been refinishing our kitchen for the past month and I needed a BREAK! It was fun to just play relax swim. FUN! Our friends were on their way to Cali so they played with us on Friday. It was great to have company especialy for the girls!

7 years has seemed to fly by looking back. I LOVE where we are in life and our family! Im not sure where i pictured us at 7 years but this is exactly how i would want it!!!

2011-04-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Back on April 1st was Justins 27th Birthday! Justin had to work so that night he and I went to dinner and then we had a fun day celebrating on Saturday with the girls. We went to Park City and did some shopping. Im pretty sure the girls got a lot on HIS birthday! Then we went to Trafalga and played mini-golf, bowling, rides you name it!

We absolutely LOVE JUSTIN. He is such an amazing father and husband. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He loves his girls so much BUT we LOVE him even MORE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!!

Dentist visit for Payton

2011-03-30T13:19:00.001-07:00

Payton had her first Dentist appointment today! Yes she is almost 5 years old and this is her first visit, BUT she had ZERO cavities!!! She did SO good. I was really proud of her. I could tell a few times that she was getting nervous and looked at me, but she was a champ! She got to watch Tangled and that was AWESOME for her. They have such a cute place there and because it was her first visit she got her very own Spinbrush. She is excited about that! Yay good job babe!

crackers and cuteness

2011-03-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

Finishing her first cracker

LOVING it :)

Thanks Mom

These are all backeards but oh well!

Oaklee had her first cracker the other day and boy was she in heaven! She loved gumming that thing! In the end i had to scoop out her mouth a bit becasue she was having a hard time with the bigger pieces. She LOVES food and we just barely started it. If you eat in front of her she will just squeel until she gets something! Love you chubby cheecks!

Happy St. Pattys day

2011-03-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

Our girls in their green:) Payton had fun at school trying to catch a "naughty leprechaun" all week! He even came and destroyed her room! But she ended up with some of his gold in the end so it was all worth it:)

All about Oakie-dokie!

2011-03-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

Here is our Oakie at 6 months. WOW how time has flown by! I really cant believe that she is 6 months old. I love the stage that she is hitting, but it seems to all be happening so fast! Some days i just want to freeze them and keep them little forever! Oaklee is such a good baby....when she is with MOMMY! She is such a mama's girl. But i honestly cant complain what else would she be?? She is with her sisters and me all the time! I love that she likes to eat solid foods and is starting to sit on her own for a few seconds:). I am totally enjoying having 3 girlies!

Disneyland 2011

2011-03-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

Payton was such a good big sister!

Oaklee was AMAZING in the car!

Kennedy ready for a snack, she was great in the car too!

Oaklee and Justin cozied up!

Ready for Toy Story..such a great ride.

So happy to be here!

Payton and me on Thunder Mountain Railroad our favorite!

Im the only one who could handle the Carousel with the girls :)

Payton loves to hold Oakie and be a big helper.

Definitely MY KIDS!!!

Yay MINNIE!

Oaklee loved her!

Our 1st family picture of 5 at DISNEYLAND our home away from home:)

Kennedy was obsessed with "buzzy"!

Payton on the TOWER of TERROR! She said she will only go on it once a trip:)

Payton and Justin on the Grizzly Rapids one of Paytons new favorites!

Tuckered out on the way back to the hotel.

Breakfast with the princesses....

Paytons favorite

Waiting for Soaring over California

Outside of Rapunzels house.

Payton's new favorite show!

We had a chance to go back to Disneyland at the end of February and we had such a great time. It is definitely a lot harder with 3 kids and we had grandma Gloria with us! It just takes a lot with a baby anyways. My girls did SO GOOD in the car. We got there and home in 9 1/2 hours! They would play sleep eat it was awesome! Cant wait to go back!!!!

OUR 3 VALENTINES

2011-02-14T19:38:00.001-08:00

Payton with her school Valentines

Our LOVE Day family dinner

Payton with her Valentines from Daddy

Kennedy and her Valentines from Daddy

Oaklee and her Valentine from Daddy

Daddy and 3 of his Valentines

Family on Love Day

3 BEAUTIFUL Valentines!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! We had a fun day visiting daddy at work and taking him a Valentine. Payton had her party at School and looked adorable! We had a surprise sent to us...Daddy sent us an Edible Arrangement and it was AWESOME! Dinner was fun with Love notes and all. I LOVE my family and had a fun day showing it!!

Rice cereal. YAY!

2011-02-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

Not loving it!

Isn't quite sure what to do.

Kind of looks dazed :)

We stared Oaklee on rice cereal last week and this was her initial reaction. It was pretty much what i expected. None of my girls love it at first. However she has done alot better since and will actually finish a bowl! I love when they start to eat. It makes them seem so big and the girls like to help.

Messy Monkey!

2011-02-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

Payton just wanted a picture of us...Love her!

This is what happens when I give the girls an Ice cream sandwhich and leave the room for a few minutes! I don't know if more ended up on her than in her!!! Yikes :)

27

2011-02-07T15:28:00.001-08:00

It was my 27th Birthday back in January and I had the best birthday! Justin had the whole day planned it was AWESOME! He arranged for a sitter (all day basically) we got a couples massage which was SOOOOO relaxing. It was Justin's first massage and he had done a leg workout the day before so he was sore! It was funny to hear him afterwards say how much it hurt! I said why didn't you just tell her? He thought she would think he was a woose... so he suffered! HAHA! Then we went to lunch at Ruby River it was delicious! We don't get to restaurants that often so it was nice to sit and have a conversation. Then we went and saw a movie at Jordan Commons. It was such a great day. We then went home and Justin got my favorite Ice Cream cake at Baskin Robbins mmmm good! I am so blessed to have this life!~

For the first time I actually feel a year older. I never really feel like I age. I think it is due to the fact that Justin and I have been together FOREVER so I feel like we are still 17 year old kids:) with 3 kids and a whole lot more responsibility!!! But this year for some reason I feel older.... In a good way though!

Weekend fun!

2011-01-19T14:22:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we were invited to our friends Zach and Carly's cabin. It is such a beautiful place and we love going there! The kids love hanging out with their friends and playing ALL DAY LONG! They shot darts, did a puppet show, went sledding watched movies, played ping pong... what a life :). It was pretty fun for the adults too. We would put the kiddos to bed and stay up till 2 talking and playing games. It was a lot of fun! Thank you Zach & Carly & Kati & Andy for a fabulous weekend!

4 months

2011-01-19T14:06:00.001-08:00

Oaklee at 4 months old!

Well I honestly can't believe how fast time is flying by!! Time seems to go by so quickly now that the girls are getting older. Each milestone that they all hit just makes me realize it even more! We took Oaklee to the Dr and by we I mean the 4 of us girls! Yes it is an interesting experience to say the least! She is growing great. A long skinny thing!

Height 25 inches 76%

Weight 13 lbs 35%

Head 42 cm 76%

She is good and healthy! She loves to play under her toys on the mat and with her sisters. She does not like tummy time! She would rather sit and look around or play with things in her hands! 2 shots and we are good till 6 months.... wow!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Kennedy & Payton ready for some Christmas Eve fun!

Payton 4 1/2 years old

Kennedy 20 months old

Oaklee 3 months old

Our family at the Temple lights

HO HO HO Santa Baby!

All 3 cuties ready for the night!

Payton & Kennedy making their Bulid a bears

Kennedy rolling around on the ground barking with her new puppy!

Washing them of course!

Oaklees Bear the girls made for her...Sweetheart :)

Kennedy and Mommy at the lights

Daddy and the girls at the Temple

Payton a& Mommy

Me and My hubby!

Santa's Milk (chocolate) and Cookies!

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season! We started a few traditions when we got married and have just added to them as we have had our girls. We have always gone to see the lights and when we had Payton we thought it would be fun to take her to Build a Bear and make a bear each year. Then the next year we added going to dinner at the Olive garden and going home to make a ginger bread house. This year we had our dinner to go... restaurants are not that fun at the time being:)

The girls get to open a present on Christmas Eve which is matching jammies. I love watching them Christmas morning come down all matchy matchy! I love family traditions and that our girls are getting old enough to enjoy them too. Holidays are so much more fun with children to share it with!

Random cuteness

2011-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Oaklee in her new saucer/walker!

Payton after school coloring waiting for snacks!

Kennedy being her "cheesee" self!

Doesn't she looks sooo big??!

Oaklee LOVES bath time!

Big Sis with big girl in her bumbo.

Tummy-time!

2011-01-10T20:27:00.001-08:00

So while we were doing some tummy-time on Saturday this is what happened. The girls love to lay by Oaklee and talk to her and make her giggle. So naturally during tummy-time this is what occurs!!! :) So precious!

Payton's winter dance recital 2010

2010-12-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

Our little Superstar!

Payton & her cousin Makenzie

Grandpa & Grandma Taylor

Grandpa Wes & Grandma Gloria

Payton has been taking tap & ballet this year and has totally loved it! She had her winter dance recital last monday and did such an awesome job. Especially for remembering 2 dances! I love watching her dance. She and Kennedy dance all over the house its so cute! I asked her what she liked better tap or ballet and she said ballet because she looks so cute in her big tutu! :) Silly girl. Some how i lost all the pictures i took except these...dang it! Thank you so much for coming and watching her!

3 months

2010-12-26T11:30:00.001-08:00

Oaklee turned 3 months back on the 16th and has changed so much! She is such a smiley baby. Payton actually calls her that "smiley"! She is so close to rolling over and loves to laugh and jabber. She is such a joy to have around! I love her!

Oaklee's Blessing day

2010-12-06T19:14:00.001-08:00

Sunday December 5th was Oaklee's blessing day. It was a beautiful day, and she looked beautiful! She was so fussy before I had to stand out in the hallway till it was time. Then during her blessing she was as calm as could be...after she started again:)! Kennedy was so upset that Daddy left his seat she cried for him basically through the whole thing. If its not one its the other with these girls!! But I love them.

One of the things that Justin said really stood out to me and it was that she would stay close to her sisters and be best friends because sibling relationships are the most important thing. I loved that he said that. That is one of the top things that I wish for my girls. That they will always stay close. They love each other SO much right now and I hope it always stays that way!

I feel so lucky to be this little sweethearts mom. She is so precious and we LOVE our little Oaklee Dawn!

Sweet Oaklee Dawn!

Little miss Oaklee on her special day.

Dont mess with me!! :)

Little Princess

She has the CUTEST Smile! I LOVE IT!!!

The whole Fam!

Love my girlies!

4 generations

Oaklee and Great Grandpa & Grandma Rollins.

Oaklee and Daddy after the blessing.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T15:53:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was with the Anderson side of our family. We had a great time and awesome food! We also started a tradition this year (that a lot of you probably do) and went to see a movie! Perfect timing with our 3 little princesses we went to Tangled. It was so cute and the girls did awesome! Makes me excited for future Thanksgivings!

Our family of 5!
Sweet little Oaklee

Sam, Tammi & Troy...Morgan is hiding!

Shelli & Jason

Wes & Gloria (Grandpa & Grandma)

TJ, Christian & Alex

Everyone

Payton & Daddy

I am so Thankful for my Girls and all that they bring to my life! I Love being a mom even on the hard days when I wonder have I ever done anything right with these kids! Payton is so smart, sometimes to smart! I love watching her learn new things at school. She is such a loving little girl and is a great friend to her sisters. She loves to help me with Oaklee. I love when she bursts out in song and dance! She is getting to be so big! Kennedy makes me laugh at how hard she tries to do everything big sis is doing. She is picking up new things everyday. She understands everything you say and wants you to understand her! She has done so well with Oaklee and that was a relief! Oaklee is such a smiley little bug! She is starting to be really aware of her surroundings and coo and talk!

I am so lucky to be married to my best friend. He is such an amazing man and I Love him to pieces! He loves these girls as much as I do and I love to see him with them. He works REALLY hard so that I can stay at home with our girls and I am very thankful for that. I'm grateful our family will be together forever! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-22T12:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was our first real snow storm of the year and boy did we get it! I sent Payton out to try and clear off the branches before we made a snowman. Our big tree had quite the casualty and lost a branch as big around as Payton's body! This was Kennedy's first real snow experience and she wasn't to thrilled. It doesn't help that she can barely move in all that gear :)

Oaklee is 2 months!

2010-11-19T09:44:00.001-08:00

Little miss Oaklee is 2 months old! Wow that has flown by. I cant imagine life without this beautiful baby! She is becoming so alert and talks to you and smiles constantly. She almost giggled at Daddy the other day. she sleeps great and is so strong! We haven't been to the Dr yet to see her stats, but she is starting to chunk up and is really long!

Monkey mania!!

2010-11-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

Kennedy is definitely a little monkey! She is always climbing and getting into tiny spaces. She is also known as "Hercules" around here. She has found that she is just tall enough to see whats on the counter or in the sink or on a higher shelf with the help of her stool! She carries it all over the kitchen and now i have to be very careful what is left there! We have had quite a few spills and missing things in the sink! I Love this little buggy! She is so dang petite and cute :)