HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The kids had so much Halloween and got way too much candy. The weekend before the church had their Halloween party and did a Trunk or Treat. They had a lot of fun. Then on Halloween night we went Trick or Treating with the Wolfes. Before the night was over the kids went Trick or Treating at Papa's house. I think he gave them each as much candy as they got knocking on all the other houses. He had a bag full of candy for each them. They girls were all witches while Caleb was Spider Man (of course). They looked cute and the weather was perfect for Trick or Treating.

Our Trip to Arkansas

Just Emma and I flew to Arkansas to visit Nana and meet Charlie. We had a great visit. We got to celebrate Uncle Scott, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Staphne's birthdays. The whole family came out and it was so nice to see everyone. We got to meet Gage, and he is just so cute and adorable. We met Charlie and got to spend a lot of time with him and Nana. We really like him and are so happy the Nana and him will be getting married soon. He took Nana and me Skeet shooting and we had so much fun. Wished I had gotten pictures of that. I can't wait to try it again!!! We got to see where they will be getting married and it is so beautiful. It will be a pretty ceremony. That is where we took the pictures of Emma.

Emma and I then got to spend time with Megra Shelby and Aunt Margaret. We had a family dinner and it was so nice to see everyone. We went to one of Brendan's football. We had so much fun.

Thank you Nana for flying us out. We loved visiting everyone, we miss all you guys so much! It was really a great visit!

The Royal Princess is Walking

Emma is finally walking! I thought the royal princess was going to make us carry her around forever. She has been walking for about a month, about the time she turned 13months. She still wants me to hold her alot and she doesn't like me to get out of sight. At times I wish she had more independence, but other times I am sad at how fast she is growing and I hate watching the baby in her disappear. I wish I had gotten video of her walking a month ago, because those first steps are the most exciting and the most cutest as they try so hard to keep the balance and are so determined just to make that next unsteady step. I have always love to watch that with all my children. Tucker and I just love to watch her, I guess we might be a little biased but we are just in awe of how beautiful and precious she is.

Caleb & His Camo Boots!!!

We were leaving this morning to take the girls to school and normally Caleb just goes in his pj's, but this morning he had other ideas. It was so funny I had to grab my camera which he just loved. He loves me to take pictures of him. He is such a ham. I had to put them on the blog right away, even though I still have pictures from my trip to Arkansas and Emma walking that I need to post, hopefully this week I will have time to do that, before I have pictures from Halloween. Well I hope you all get a chuckle from these pics. I sure did, he's always making me laugh.

REGAN'S BAPTISM

Regan's Baptism was in September. I have been so busy since the girls have started back to school. It was such a special day and Regan just looked absolutely beautiful, like an angel. Lots of family and friends turned out, it was so nice. It was really a special day. Regan, Mom and Dad love you so much and are so proud of you.

NO MORE BRACE FOR EMMA!!!

Emma went to see the Orthopedic today and we got WONDERFUL news!!! She no longer has to wear her brace (the Rhino Crusier). She has made good progress and the doctor thinks she will continue to make progress on her own. For those who did not know, Emma was diagnosed with Bilateral Hip Dysplasia right after she was born. That means that both her hips were out of alignment and if left untreated her hips could pop out of place, especially when she begins walking. We are still waiting for that to happen. Tucker and I have diagnosed the princess with Butt & Foot Syndrome. That's where her butt and feet cannot touch the floor. When you are holding her and bend down to sat her down, she hikes up her legs and clings tightly to you. You know royalty must be carried everywhere they wish to go. She has recently decided to stand on her own, which is remarkable improvement, but she won't let Tucker and I get out of sight. She immediately starts crying if you go to leave. Anyways, her hips are looking good. The doctor will check her again in 6 months to make sure she is continuing to do good. We can't tell you how thrilled we are to not have to put the brace on her anymore. I don't know who is more happy her or us. She was a real sport about the whole thing and she never let it slow her down. I just feel like somehow she is freer now. It's just absolutelhy great!!! YEAH!!!

Back to School

The girls are back to school. Yeah!!!! Breana is now in middle school and has joined the band. She will be learning to play the flute. She is so excited. Regan has entered 3rd grade and she will now be getting A's, B's and C grades, before she was on a E,S,P system. She is also excited about being in 3rd grade and loves her teacher. Meriah is in 1st grade and has 2 wonderful teachers. One is a new teacher this year, so they co-teach for the first year. Meriah is already making new friends. She can find friends wherever so goes. Meriah had hat day during her first week. They had to make an unusual or funny hat. She just loved the hat we made! She really enjoys school. I was sad to see summer end. We had another great summer and I enjoy being able to spend so much time with them. It it quiet at home now and I do enjoy that as well, but Caleb and Emma keep me pretty busy. I am so lucky that I can stay home with them for the most part. I truely love being a stay at home mom.

The girls had a great birthday. Breana turned 11, Regan the magical 8, and Emma 1. I can't believe we a daughter in middle school, a second one getting baptized and the last one leaving her baby year behind her. They grow up so fast. The girls got everything they wanted and more. As our tradition, I always make the first year birthday cake. I thought it turned out pretty good if I say so myself. The flowers were made from starbursts. The girls really liked it! I can't believe how big they are all getting! Time really flies. I want to wish my beautiful girls a very happy birthday. You girls are so special and I love you dearly. You girls are my angels and you bless our family and home so much. I look forward to sharing many more birthdays and many other memories with you.

Georgia Mountain Cabin Vacation

We rented a cabin in the Mountains and it had amazing views. Everywhere we drove was so scenic. We went on vacation with the Wolfe family and we all had a blast. It was so much fun. Putting this slide together actually made me a little sad. I see the pictures of the kids and I realize those are days we will never get back, once they're gone they are gone. The kids keep growing older and soon they will be off on their own journeys with their own families. It makes you want to make the most of the time you have with them and I am so thankful that we were able to take this trip and spend time together as a family. Remember cherish every moment with your loved ones. Work will still be there, the chores at home will still be there, but your children won't always be there. It it precious time, so spend it wisely. I feel so blessed to be a part of this beautiful family.

Visiting Grandpa & Grandma Hunt

We went to Tucker's grandparents for part of our summer vacation. They live in the mountains in Georgia. Their place is so beautiful and it is just so peaceful being there. It it just wonderful to get away from everything. Your cell phones don't even work at their house and I love that. I absolutely love being there. The kids always have so much fun. They get to run wild outside and play without any worries. We had lots of adventures. We went fishing, swimming at the lake, caught fireflies at dusk and went hiking at Tallulah Gorge. The kids wanted to hike down to the suspension bridge and I thought I wasn't going to make it back up and out of there. Jenny, Tim and Riley came to visit Grandpa & Grandma Hunt while we were there and it was really great spending time with them as well. All the extended family came for dinner one night and it was so great to see everyone. We had a wonderful visit and I can't wait to go back.

Our Family Working Outside

We spent part of this morning trying to get the yard cleaned up. It has been raining almost everyday and so we haven't been to mow it and the grass was so tall from all the rain. We got all the kids to come outside and help. Who knew working in the yard could be a good family time, but it was.

Look at our Hats!!!

These are the hats that Tucker and I wore on the Pioneer Trek. The kids were having a blast playing outside and wearing the hats. They looked so cute. I just love watching them play and have fun.

THE PIONEER TREK

The Pioneer Trek was truly an awesome experience that was both faith and testimony building. It was rough the first night. It had rained for several hours and it had taken us longer then expected to get to camp. We were soaked and tired but managed to set up our camp. Most of us didn't even feel like eating. The next day brought about a brighter outlook. We cooked breakfast. Try flipping pancakes with a machete. We had a family devotional and headed across the creek. We managed to keep our handcart on the raft and all of our stuff dry. The sun shone all day and even though it was very hot we kept trekking. Tucker and I had an awesome group of kids. They all pitched in and did their part. It was nice to be able to set up camp for the second night during the day and without rain. There were several activitities and a Hoedown for the kids and it was nice to see them finally having some fun. Saturday, our last day, was filled with lots of spiritual moments. We had talks from the Stake Presidency, then we had solo time, where you could read your scriptures, read pioneer stories, or write in your journal. It was great seeing all the kids truly reflecting about their journey and those of the pioneers. Then we sang songs to gather up the children for testimony meeting. It was beautiful to be able to listen to all the youth. It can see how this trek really touched some of them. With our renewed faith and strength we headed home and it seemed like the load we were carrying was so light and we were so excited about getting there. I imaginge that must have been how the pioneers felt as the neared their promise land. It must have been a beautiful sight to their eyes and the most glorious feeling to the hearts. A place for them to worship in peace and harmony. What a sacrifice they made for us. The stake presidency told the youth this is all their heritage whether they had actual ancestors make the journey or not and that is so true. What a wonderful heritage. I also is so glad that I got to experience this with my wonderful husband. He was so awesome with the kids. We both strengthend our testimonies and our hearts were so touched and I was able to experience with someone I love so much. I just can't explain it. It was so big and I hope that someday my children are able to have this experience. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to set it up and to the kids who worked so hard to make the journey.

Young Womens Camp

Lara and I got to go to Girls Camp. We had fun with our girls, despite all of the bugs and there were so many bugs. Forget about them being called noceums (not sure about the spelling), but they were so thick you couldn't help but see them everywhere. We stood at flag ceremony constantly swatting the bugs. Some of the girls were eaten up so bad from the bugs. We went swimming and we even went canoeing. I didn't not get any pictures canoeing which it was a good thing I did not take my camera as the girls decided to have a water war and we came completely soaked but we had a blast. The girls did an awesome job on their skit. We even went on a boat ride to Trapper John's and it turned out to be a murder mystery boat ride. I think all the girls had a lot of fun. I know I did and I am so glad that I got to share this experience with them. Taylor and Melissa were 1st year girls and they were such troopers and did so great. I am so proud of them.

Happy 4th of July

We had a nice 4th of July weekend. We took the kids to the beach and had a blast as usual. This morning the church had its annual Picnic Breakfast and the kids got to do relays and had lots of fun. Then at night we went over to Megra & Papa's for hamburgers & hotdogs and as usual Papa provided us with an excellent firework show and lots and lots and lots of sparklers. We had a great time. Unfortunately Tucker had to work and we missed him not being there. Happy 4th of July to all our family and friends.

For All Our Heroes

They all fought for the Red, White and Blue.

The white men, the black men, the Indians too.

They were all heroes, or so it is said,

When the blood flowed, it was all crimson red.

They all fought for freedom, side by side,

Some of them lived, and too many died.

They were all valiant soldiers, every man,

They gave what they had, to the last stand.

We shouldn’t forget them, not one single soul,

And we should make sure their story is told.

They fought for the freedom of every man,

Their bravery is known, across our great land.

They all are our heroes, a much treasured lot,

And we should thank them for all we have got.

So raise up your hands, give thanks to a-high

For all the brave soldiers who lived and died.

As our lives go on, and in freedom we live,

We thank every soldier, for what he could give.
©2007 OldWolf

AT THE BEACH WITH FRIENDS

We went to the beach on Friday. It was a perfect day for the beach. We went with Melissa and the kids and had so much fun. The water was a little bit cold but was still nice. It was so calm and the kids could just swim around and they managed to get a few rides on the boogie board. As usual they enjoyed digging in the sand and burying themselves. It was a really nice day.

SEA WORLD

We went to Sea World this past Thursday and had a blast. Our tickets are good for the rest of their year, so we plan on making a few more trips this sumer. Summer is going by so fast. The girls have been out of school for almost a month. Caleb was not as excited by Sea World as we thought he would be, but he did have a good time. He loved the Sea Walruses. There were two of them and both of them kept repeating these circle patterns and scratching their backs right on the window. It so so funny and neat. We went and viewed the dolphins under the water and it almost became an x-rated show, we thought we would have to take the kids and make a run for it, but I guess the female dolphin wasn't having any of it! We all really had a great time and can't wait to go back.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

We had so much fun getting ready for Father's Day. The kids all made cards for Tucker, even Caleb. Then we made him a banner. He got home in the morning from work and we had breakfast all ready for him. He had pretty much worked all night and was so tired, but he was a good sport. We went over to Megra and Papa's for a nice lunch. Then we came home and had dinner with Papa Louie. Caleb dished out the ice cream using his fingers and eating it at the same time. All in all it was a nice day. We want to say thank you to all the dads for being so great.

"Dad, Thank You."

Thank you for the laughter,

For the good times that we share,

Thanks for always listening,

For trying to be fair.

Thank you for your comfort,

When things are going bad,

Thank you for the shoulder,

To cry on when I'm sad.

This poem is a reminder that

All my life through,

I'll be thanking Heaven

For a Special Dad like you."

A DAY AT THE POOL

We've been to the pool a couple of days. We had a lot of fun. Breana and Regan even made some new friends, having fun doing their own thing. Meriah is braving it without her water wings, but she sticks close to the side. It won't be long though before she is off swimming all around the pool. Caleb has been so clingy and wouldn't let go of me, but today he decided he could do it all by himself. He was all over the pool, swmming from one end to the other. Emma just loves to be in the water, but it is a little hard to take pictures from in the pool. The last two pictures are actually from last month, but I went ahead and added them in.

CHUCK E. CHEESE'S

I thought I would put up our latest pictures from Chuck E. Cheese's and then I decided to find other pictures from before. I found a few. When I find others I will add them. We have made it a tradition to take our pictures whenever we go. Some of them turn out really cute.

Having Fun w/ Our Beautiful Baby Girl

We tried to get her to dance. It is the funniest thing. She use to do it all the time, but lately we haven't been able to get her to do it. But she loves Patty Cake. She is getting so big so fast. I can't believe she is going to be 1 in August.

Happy 30th Birthday Tucker

We went to The Melting Pot for Tucker's big 30th Birthday. We had a great dinner with great friends. It was a lot of fun!

MEMORIAL DAY

We had so much fun. We went down to the beach. The kids rode on an innertube ride behind the boat. Regan even tried it this time to our SUPRISE and she LOVED it. She did it a couple of times. We were so proud of her. Emma went on her first sailboat ride and she loved it. She loved when the water would splash on her. She is definitely a water baby. We had a good time with a lot family and friends. It was really a nice day. Then we celebrated Papa Mike's birthday. Happy Birthday Papa! Tucker and I later went on the Mountain Bike Trail. We both really like it a lot. Then to end the day we had dinner with a very special suprise guest. You couldn't have asked for a better day.

Meriah's Kindergarten Celebration

What a fun day! All the Kindergarten classes performed a few songs. They were really cute. They we went back to Meriah's classroom. They had artwork from the year to look at. Each of the students got to read an excerpt from their very own book they wrote titled, My Kindergarten Year. Meriah did a very good job reading. Then Mrs. Frasier gave each student an award. Meriah got the Sweetest SweetTart Award for being the sweetest and thoughtful student and always worrying about other kids. It was all so cute. Meriah is so excited about being done with Kindergarten and going into First Grade. She cannot wait. She made so many new friends this year and it was lots of fun to have Clayton in her class, who she goes to church with and has been friends with for a very long time. It's been neat to watch the two of them growing up together!

Slide Show

I have finally figured out how to put a slide show in here. Next I want to see about adding a video. Hope you guys enjoy the pics. I am working on getting some recent ones posted.

My First Posting

I just looked at my friends blog and it was so cute. She is so creative. It is a perfect way to keep family and friends in touch with our family and what is going on here. This is the most recent picture I could fine of most of us and if you can image what it is like to try to get all 5 kids to take a picture at the same time, that would explain Caleb. And of course we are missing Tucker and are in desperate need of a family portrait. I will add it to my to do list. The girls are getting ready for summer. One week of school left. I am excited. We had such a great summer last year. Breana will be getting Honor Roll as usual. She does so well in school. As do all of them. Whe will be going into 6th grade next year I can't believe it. In August, Breana will be in Middle School, Regan will be getting Baptized and Emma will be turning 1!!! This will be quite an eventful August. So I better take time and enjoy the summer with them before they go off to college!!!