Eyes on Mom

At times when I am cooking in the kitchen I feel eyes peering on me, and this is what I see.  I love looking over and seeing Kamryn through the barstool chair watching my every move.  I had to take a picture of this so I can always remember that cute stare that makes me feel so wanted as a mother.  

Valentine's Day

Valentine Cupcakes

Making a special Valentine's dinner.

Me and my Valentine!

I love Valentine's Day.  I was quite the romantic growing up, I have tamed down a bit since, but I still love to focus on our relationship.  We went out the night before to avoid the crowds.  We did dinner and a movie.  We haven't done a big date like that in awhile.  It's nice to get that one on one time once in awhile.  Travis and I always try to reconnect on those dates.  He was so cute and even brought our ipod to share earphones and listen to love songs.  I feel like the luckiest girl to have gotten him.  He is my perfect match.  Fun Fact: Travis told me "I love you" for the first time 14 years ago today! 

Let it Snow!

Snow with Palm Trees?

Brynn & Eva (our neighbor)

Drew (his outfit of choice)

Kamryn watching the snow.

How ironic?  My last entry we were frolicking on the beach.  What a week can do.  Wow, we got snow, the kids were so excited.  We had a 10 min streak, then about a 20 min. one.  Luke was so excited, he ran upstairs to find some "snow" clothes.  I tried to break the news to him that we don't own any "snow"clothes, but he was determined.  He ended up coming down in fleece pajamas!?  So finally after trying to get him to change his clothes, the poor guy missed the snow fall.  Thankgoodness it came back an hour later.  Weather around here is usually pretty boring.  Travis gets bothered when I even try to watch the weather on the news, because it doesn't change.  Well today has been a fun unpredictable day of weather.  

Grandma and Grandpa Brown

My parents are on a break from teaching English in China.  So they decided to come back to the States and visit all their kids.  This was our lucky weekend to have them.  We went to Newport Beach on Saturday and the weather was beautiful. 

Kennedy flying a kite from China that Grandma and Grandpa brought for all the kids.

Kamryn with her kite.

After the beach we went up to a timeshare that Clint has in Newport.  We were able to eat some dinner and hot tub.  You can't tell in the backround, but it over looks the ocean.  It was such a fun way to end the day.
Grandpa and Grandma Brown with all the kids, holding China books (Drew had a fever, so he was there in body, but not so much spirit).  Thanks Mom and Dad for always making such a good effort to see us, even from China!

Kamryn's 1st Birthday

I can't believe this was me and my little girl one year ago today. I actually had never seen this picture till today, I don't know why I had never looked at the c-section pictures. I was so scared during the surgery, but as you can see everything turned out just perfect. A year later...........

Kamryn on her first birthday!

Mom's baby girl is one.

Kamryn's family, cousins, and neighbors were there.

Kamryn after devouring her birthday cake.

Well, I have to admit I was not looking forward to this day coming. I love having a baby in the baby stage, you know where a month is after their age, not a year. I just can't believe she is one already. I only get 18yrs with her and to think one of them has past. I did really well and didn't even cry. Although, I did tell Travis in the video camera that I was NOT happy about this. I guess I was a little dramatic because after wards he told me to go try out in the Yucaipa Little Theatre of acting for a part. Kamryn, you are a light and joy to everyone in the house. We love you. Our family is so complete with you.

Beach Hotel

The view from our hotel balcony (prime location)

Danielle + Meredith + babies

Travis + Aaron

As you can see we have a rebellious 5yr old that does not like to take family pictures. So here is our family shot with my stubborn son in the backround.

Caiotic group picture, lots of crying kids. You just have to laugh.

Out to eat. Notice, no Luke again.

We went to Oxnard this weekend with the Edmonds. They are our good friends from BYU back when there was only two kids between us. We are quite the scene now with 9 kids in total. Travis said we needed to start charging admission for all of the "stares" and entertainment we were providing for people. We had a beautiful day at the beach in the high70's, saw dolphins, went swimming in the hotel pool, ate at In and Out, and played at a pirate park just off the sand. It was such an ideal place. Taking 5 kids is anything short of a vacation, but we were with great company and that's all that mattered.

A Year Ago....

A year ago....that was the beginning of a very busy 2008. We moved, started a busy tax season, had a c-section, adjusted to 5 kids, and put in our back yard. Needless to say this was probably mine and Travis's most overwhelming year, but because of all these "events" we now have beautiful blessings to enjoy for years to come. I am excited to start 2009. Although, I am never ready to start tax season. At least this year I am not starting it with a newborn and stitches in the abs. I miss Travis on these long late nights, he works so hard and then gets up and teaches early morning seminary. He is such a dedicated man to the gospel, and I love him for that. So warning, if you call me I may talk your ear off for lack of adult conversation, and keep your blogs updated, it will keep me company.