SUMMER 2011

My thought as school was wrapping up this year and we were gearing up for summer was this: " I can't wait to have a low key, chill summer with my kiddos". BREATHE... it has not been chill or low key, but it has been a ROCKIN summer! Lots of pics and a brief explanation. (Good luck trying to follow).

My brother and his cute family came into town for most of the summer and that initiated a whirlwind of activities. Starting with BB Q's, tennis, camp-outs in the backyard, Flowrider, Cowabunda Bay, pool days, park days, any excuse to get together and play games, Cars 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, Whinnie the pooh, pedicures, wedding (Tiff and Brandon) 3 Babies added to the family and more that I can't think of right now.

Gavin waiting for the bucket to drop at Cowabunga.

Gavin and Uncle Jake

Cole and Nash were constantly racing down the cold slides! All smiles.

Garrett's Sister and her family also came into town and added lots of activities to the calender as well. Cherry Hill is always a must, where we ate lots of food, played in the water, accumulated a broken clavicle, and continued to be happily sleep deprived.

We blessed our sweet boy Drew. Great grandma Nancy put him right to sleep while waiting for a special fathers blessing.

This is as good as it gets when it comes to attempting to take a half decent family photo. OH WELL.

Gavin and his cousins Nash and Cole played on a T-Ball league and learned a lot.... that fielding can be boring and sometimes requires a chip break mid inning, treats and trophies are the best part of each game. and lots of laughing with the best of friends.

After getting run over at Cherry hill and breaking her collar bone, we found that it did not slow this fire cracker down at all, she was a trooper and complained very little.

My oldest daughter, Kenedy turned six and requested breakfast in bed "like mommy and daddy get on their special days". I asked her what she would like me to make her for her special day and she quickly replied " Cereal". She is that easy to make happy. I can't believe it has been six years since she changed our world (FOR THE BEST)! we love having her in our family and she is a great example and big sister to her siblings,

Cousins at the Lindon aquatic center. Our new favorite pool. Clean, fun, extremely kids friendly and cheap. Topped off with a snow cone.

Grandma Jo holding our babies and the babies taking full advantage of her one on one time.

Warming up on the hot cement. Boy does that bring up memories !

The faces of a successful summer day!

Hot dog roasting with Grandpa Mike.

Celebrating Kenedy and Jaxon's Birthday up and Grandma Sydneys house.

Birthday candles and a warm up treat before the deluxe birthday cake Steph made and oodles of ice cream options.

Brothers

Kenedy received a bird house kit for her birthday. She painted it and then we purchased some bird seed to fill the house with. She was so excited and pleased with the finished product. This pic. says a thousand words.

Sadie and Sam enjoying some lunch before round two at the pool.

The kiddos watching in fascination of Uncle Marcus on the Flow Rider.

Bees game.

London walked down the row and was giving out hugs and kisses to all... whether you wanted one or not she was sharing the love.

Samantha turned two and was so excited to have her special day where we could focus completely on her. She couldn't wait to open up gifts.

Samantha ready for a birthday date with her grandma JO.

Monumental...

Yes it is true, at this point in my life it takes something MONUMENTAL to find time to post on my blog. Sad to admit but in all reality it is the truth.

Well on April 27Th 2011 Mr. Sweet pants

Drew Stephen Maudsley

joined our family weighing in at 7lb. 3oz and 21 inches long.

When we initially found out we were expecting #4 I thought to myself I wonder if I can go the whole time and not finding out the gender, I had my doubts and it was a pretty half hearted thought at the time. But then when I mentioned the idea to Garrett he kind of laughed and said something to the effect of "Yeah, right that will never happen, you can barely wait the 20wks. for the ultra sound". So the game was on, I was determined not to find out and once I made up my mind it was not hard to wait for a little surprise baby. I had two ultra sounds throughout the pregnancy and both times the nurse asked if I would like to know and it truly never once crossed my mind to say "YES".

So I was elated when Dr. Terry pulled this sweet human being (who I could not see) and was crying, and my sweet husband simultaneously leaning down and whispering to me that it was a boy!!!!!! Gavin is no longer out numbered and can be the big brother that he so badly wanted to be to another BOY!

Drew 8 days old

Trying to get a picture of four children where they are all smiling and looking at the camera is nearly impossible.

Story time with dad, Plus 1.

Mom meeting Mr. Sweet-pants for the very first time. And boy did I think he was cute or what? He doesn't cry hardly ever, he is just mellow, sweet and calm. We are truly blessed to have this little one join our clan.