The Mitchell Family

Park City 2011

2011-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

This summer, we were all so busy it seemed to just FLY by! We were however, able to make it up to the Park City home for an entire week of PURE FUN!!!! My parents house up there is so wonderful we didn't want to leave. We enjoyed much needed relaxation time as well as lots of fun activities.

We first went 4 wheeling... and it just so happened the day we went it had just rained. Can we say M-U-D?!? But we still had a great time!

Savanna, Aunt Kelsi and Oaklee

My boys... oh I love them to pieces

Good ol' mom and dad... a MIRACLE I was able to get them both in a picture! Thanks to them for such a wonderful week up in Park City. Nothing but playin' and fun!

Aubrey and Breven

Everyone getting ready to go play... it was seriously SOOOO muddy!

Kade, Savy and Daddy ready to ride in the mud

Makade on his little 4 wheeler

When he figured out the big 4 wheelers were much more fun, he was SO done with his little one!

Not sure why she is holding up 3 fingers... I think it was supposed to be only 2 for "PEACE"

Oh these 2 make me smile. When they get along, they really are cute together!

This is SUCH a Josh face... Like father like son

Love this girl

We spent a day playing up at Alpine Slide and all the fun activities they have going up with it. I, of course, had the privilege to sit and watch everyone go on everything, but seeing the joy in my kids faces, made it all worth it. They have a lot of fun rides besides the alpine slide now... so much fun!

Savanna, Makade, Breven and Oaklee

All the grand kids on the Kimball side with Grandma and Kelsi

Savanna and Daddy after their ride. Look at that smile... I think she liked it!

He wasn't too sure he had fun or not!

Makade, Savanna and Mommy... and baby Berklie in my belly

He did smile on this ride!

Grandma TYRING to help Mr Independent

Bike Parade 2011

2011-10-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

While Daddy and Makade were working, Savanna and I ran over to our wards bike parade. Savanna was hesitant because she is still using training wheels, but I told her that shouldn't stop her from all the fun... and it didn't! She can't wait for next years parade!

Draper Days 2011

2011-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

This fun weekend has always been a BIG deal in the Mitchell family. Ever since I dated Josh, his family has always gotten together for the parade, gathered after for a family party, then played all day at the park and ended it with some great fireworks. Fun family tradition to carry on with us! And even more fun this year with the Ewings being able to join in the festivities!

She's getting so big... Miss Sassy Savy

Savy and Daddy

Oh this boy is trouble... so cute but yet T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!!

Dakota and Makade

River and Savanna... talking about something... important!

River, Echo, Savy and Makade

Me and my honey!

Savanna and Oaklee

Watching the police motorcycles... "wow"

Makade and Savanna at Great Uncle Clyde and Aunt Connies

Water fun

Ewing Family

Days of 47 Parade Floats

2011-10-10T11:23:00.001-07:00

We try to make it to the preview of the floats every year... I love it and I hope my kids do too! There were some amazing floats this year and we had lots of fun!

They LOVE King Fu Panda

Buddies for Life

2011-10-10T11:14:00.001-07:00

This summer has been so much fun. For the first time, Makade and Savanna have really enjoyed each others company. These 2 can play for hours on end (with many interruptions for arguments) but overall, they are great little play buddies. Out backyard has given them many hours of enjoyment and I can't help but just smile at my 2 sweeties. Can't wait for their little sister to join in the fun!

Sleep over fun

2011-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Since the Ewings have moved back to Utah, Savanna and Oaklee have been inseparable! I swear the last month of summer, they had a sleep over almost every weekend! Cousins are the best!

Year End Dance Recital

2011-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Savanna had another successful year in dance. She LOVES dance! This year for her year end recital she danced to a tweety bird song... seriously so stinkin' cute! You can't help but just smile when you watch all these cute little girls shake their stuff. Savanna decided she wanted to audition for the competition team for next year and she did great. She made the mini divis and is really excited. And so it begins...

She can be so silly!

Seriously, one of my favorite pictures. It doesn't get much cuter than these two!!!

BEST FRIENDS... Katie and Savanna

She was so excited about all her different presents family brought her... flowers, chocolate covered pretzels, edible fruit arrangements which included chocolate covered strawberries... hard to be so loved!

Aunt Kelsi and Savanna

Miss Bri... oh what would we do without Miss Bri. Savanna runs and jumps in her arms every time she sees her! We love Miss Bri!

Little Brother is her biggest fan!

Grandma Howell and Grandma Kimball are SO supportive!

Savanna Pre School Graduation

2011-06-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WE LOVE KINDER PREP PRESCHOOL! This year has been so amazing... Savanna has grown and learned SOOOOO much! Miss Melissa is truly gifted in working with and teaching children. Savanna adores her and is looking forward to one more year with her. Savanna had the opportunity to attend her normal 3-4 year old class and also the older 4-5 year old class. The older class challenged her a bit more than her regular class, which she needed!!! And she loved making all the extra friends. So here are some fun pictures of her at both graduations! I think I am more excited for her to start school again just to see how much more she will grow and learn this year ... I am so proud of my little smarty pants!

Easter 2011

2011-05-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

I figure better late than never with Easter... I was so determind to stay on top of the blog but it just never happens. Especially with how sick I have been! I have to remind myself DAILY that pregnancy sucks ... BUT... it brings such a sweet little thing at the end that makes it ALL worth it!

We had a fabulous Easter! The kids are finally getting old enough to look forward to these fun holidays and enjoy all the exciting activities that come with it.

Coloring Easter Eggs

We did our annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Fun friends, fun hunt, fun times!

Savanna and Makade with out neighbors Tommy and Katie

Easter morning the kids woke very early to see what the Easter Bunny had left them... we did a fun scavenger hunt to find their baskets. They were running all over the house tyring to figure out the clues and the baskets!

Makades was hiding behind the fire screen...

And Savannas was in the coat closet!

I also started a new tradition of making cinnmon rolls for breakfast. My first attempt at these bad boys and I must say, I am pretty darn proud. I used a no rise recipe and they were fantastic!

Here are my beauties all ready for Easter Sunday church Pretty darn cute if you ask me!

After church we headed to Willow Creek Country Club for their Easter brunch... YUM-AY!

There was even a visit by the Easter Bunny... this is as close as Makade would get to him!

Outside, Willow Creek always has pony rides. The kids LOVE it!

Happy Easter

Little Soccer Pro

2011-04-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Savanna was SO SO SO excited for her first soccer game. We have been talking about this day for a while... since we signed up in February! We had everything all ready to go... Cleats, check. Shin guards, check. Socks, check. Soccer ball, check. Soccer bag, check. Oh yeah, she was set! Her and Katie have been practicing all week (even with snow on the grass, they were still outside kicking the ball to each other). And it all paid off! Their first game was a total success. Despite the fact that it was FREEZING (hence the layers of clothes)all the kids amazingly had a great attitude. And I tell ya what, there are few cuter things than a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds running around the field in a big mosh pit kicking the ball, and each other, with big grins on their faces! Priceless! This is all very fun and NEW for me. I don't have any brothers so this whole sports thing is pretty foreign to me. We were a dance and singing/performing family. Ask me anything about music or dance and I am good to go, but sports!?! I have been to a few of my nephews games but I was just there to watch them kick or throw the ball. I figure since my daughter is actually "playing" the sport I might want to learn a thing or two about it so I can help her! And with Makade coming up quickly behind her, I figure this is a good intro of what I'm sure will lead many more sport days! Here's to lots of learning and lots of fun! Oh and THANK YOU to all the many supporters who came to her first game... Grandpa and Grandma Kimball, Grandpa and Grandma Howell and Mitch.

Even in her sports attire, she still does a dance pose... that's my girl!

These 2 are the BEST of Friends... seriously SO cute! And they were giggling and laughing out on the field! Thank heavens they have each other!

Miss Katie and Miss Savanna

She kept wanting to touch the ball so she decided to put her arms behind her back thinking it would surely help her.. hee hee

Getting ready to kick ball in

Conference Weekend

2011-04-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had an unexpected surprise this conference weekend... SNOW! Seriously, when we want it to snow it won't and when we have moved on from winter, it decides to trick us with a big storm! When Joshes cell phone rang at 2am we were both delirious... all I heard was "WHAT..." he quickly jumped out of bed, looked out the window and said "you have GOT to be kidding me"!?! Then off he went to plow. I had the privilege of listening to conference alone... always fun with 2 kids. He did make it home before the 2nd session, with just enough time to make a snow man with the kids! They were THRILLED and thought it was so cool that just the day before they had been out riding scooters, then today they were building a snowman! He then of course came in, sat on the couch and was OUT! Oh the joys of having a husband that plows snow for a living. On a happy note, conference was amazing!

Kader was down for a nap for the picture with the snow man... darn! But seriously, I think our GIANT snowman rocks!

This weekend, I also participated in Bountiful Baskets for the first time. And I LOVED IT! All this food for $17... I'm officially hooked! We have eaten all of it expect the 2 zucchini's and 1 pepper. Very excited to see what I get this week!

VIVA Las Vegas

2011-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we had the chance to head down to Vegas for some MUCH NEEDED FUN TIME! Josh had to go to an auction for work so I totally tagged along! This would be one of the perk I get for my husband working for my dad! We seriously, had such a great time!!! We ate at amazing restaurants, shopped , walked the strip, shopped some more, went country dancing, shopped some more, and just enjoyed being away! We gambled a little bit too... which normally I hate. I don't see the point in throwing away perfectly good shopping money. But this trip we kind of got REALLY lucky... made our shopping day even better!!! As Savanna would say, "Oooh Snap!" We were even more lucky to have a sweet girl in my ward that Savanna and Makade just love... Emily! She is 18 and such a great babysitter! She is normally incredibly busy, but we were lucky enough to snag her for the weekend to watch the kids and she did a fabulous job. They were very happy which made me very happy! So it was just me, Josh, my dad, little sister Kelsi and her boyfriend Mitch. Sadly, my mom was in Tennessee visiting my sister and her family... hopefully when they move here we can do a trip with ALL of us! My dad, of course spoiled us ROTTEN!!! As he usually does... thanks for a great trip dad!

Our first night there, walking the strip, we ran into these fun characters. Kelsi desperately wanted her picture taken with Elvis! You meet the strangest people in Vegas... This trip, I saw so many people dressed up letting us take pictures with them... as long as you tip them! Normally I only see a few, but I think this time I saw over a dozen each day!

One of the guys Josh works with at Kimball's was down in Vegas too for his birthday. They were able to get us great tickets to see Phantom, so we met up with them for the big show. I have see this show a few times in different cities and I have to say Vegas did a darn good job. Christine and the Phantom were AMAZING! Well done, well done!

Kelsi, Mitch, Josh and me.

We normally stay at the Wynn when we go to Vegas but they were booked so instead we stayed at the Venetian. When we arrived my dad decided that he wanted us all in the same room so he upgrade to the the penthouse suite. I tell ya, it's going to be hard to stay in just a regular hotel from now on. This place was amazing! 1 living room, 2 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms... 1 grand piano :)... beautiful!

This was our room in the left wing. We shared with Kelsi and Mitch

And this was my dads room in the right wing!

I came back feeling refreshed and ready to go. I missed my kids like CRAZY but it was so great to spend time with my hubby!

House Projects

2011-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Lately, we have been doing a bunch of little projects around the house. We haven't done any in a while so it was time! And I have really missed it. Little ones are fun... it's the big ones that drive me crazy! We, well more ME, wanted to bring some color and warmth on the walls. I have loved the color we had, but its just so plain and every wall is the same. I wanted to spice it up a little so we did an accent wall in the living room and I love it! We also painted the 3 walls in the family room , which I also love! We are still working on the kitchen... we are doing a black splash in there and hopefully, fingers crossed, I can talk Josh into doing a different color on the walls too! He isn't "feeling" it right now, but maybe when the back splash is done, he will! Here's to hoping!

Next, we decided the kids were in desperate need of a toy room... so we moved them into the same room. I wasn't sure how I would feel about a boy and girl sharing a room, but the kids have loved it! And I think it turned out super cute! I don't have any pictures of the toy room yet, because it's not finished. I need to figure out whether to go all out and paint and decorate it, or leave it be and wait to redo it when we have another baby... not sure yet, so until then, here is their room!

As soon as we finish the kitchen, I will post some pictures... can't wait!

Hurry Spring... Hurry and get here!

2011-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

My kids are going STIR CRAZY!!!! The weather has been playing and teasing us and in my opinion, it's just not fare! The second Savanna and Makade see the sun, they hurry and get dressed and out they go. Seriously, they stayed outside and played for 3 hours the other day without ANY arguing or complaining. I have never understood how kids can play outside, doing NOTHING, for hours on end with no crying, complaining, just pure joy!!! But yet inside with endless amounts of toys , all they do is scream, cry, fight, argue. . . exhausting! So, we are urging Springs arrival!

Here the kids are playing in THE ONLY part of the yard that isn't finished... go figure. Josh and I are trying to figure out what we want to do with this dirt pile bed thingy... ugly! But the kids enjoy making a mess with the rocks and dirt!

Snow Karma

2011-03-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Growing up my family has always loved the snow. Not just because snow is beautiful but because it is essential to our survival. Being in the snow removal business is a tough life... if mother nature cooperates and it snows, we are happy... if mother nature is stingy and decides snow isn't important during the winter months, we STRESS!!! So it's an on going effort around the Kimball/Mitchell household to do anything we can to help the snow angels deliver LOTS OF SNOW! The following our some of the best examples of how our family brings good snow karma. We do the snow dance... this requires your best dancing moves with a little bit of chanting "we love snow, we love snow"! Another would be NEVER CURSE THE SNOW! No matter how bad the storm, we accept it gratefully! Lastly, we keep any and all "snow" decor out for as long as possible. We may put Christmas decor away, but the snowmen and snow flakes stay up until spring has sprung. Here is an example of my snow karma... this just BARELY was taken down and replaces with an Easter wreath. If anyone wants to participate in our good snow karma next year, we gladly accept new friends to the snow advocate group! GO SNOW!

****On a side note, I am very glad spring is close. For the sake of my sanity, and my children's, we are very ready for warm weather!

Sleep Over

2011-03-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

The night of Makades birthday party, my cute, sweet cousin Cassidy came over to party with us. Savanna LOVES and adores Cass and begs to play with her. So she asked if Cassidy could PLEASE spend the night. Cassidy holds a very special place in my heart. She has been a big part of my life ever since she was a newborn. Way back when, I worked for my Aunt Andrea and helped with 5 of her kids... Lexi, Parker, Madison, McKell and Cassidy. I love all her kids as if they were my own siblings. Park, Kell and Cass were all in my wedding line! I have watched all of them gown up to be amazing, smart and talented teenagers! WOW... how time goes by so fast! Cassidy was so daring and sweet with my kids that night! We had a big slumber party down on the couch ... Savanna was in 7th HEAVEN! She is already begging for another sleep over with Cassidy!

My BIG 2 Year Old...

2011-03-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

2 years old... Where did the time go? Makade Joshua Mitchell is the spunk in my life. He keeps me on my toes 24-7. He is the busiest little thing I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I have a feeling that won't be changing any time soon! He is such a little stinker and then 2 seconds later is the sweetest, most loving cuddle bug ever. He and Savanna truly are best buds and I hope they stay that way as they grow up. He watches and follows her every move and tries to keep up with her! Some of his favorites are chocolate milk, mac and cheese, ANYTHING that classifies as a "snack", his bubbles... oh his bubbles...he carries these things around everywhere, sleeps with them, would bathe with them if I let him. I finally got him some blue ones so he would stop carrying Savannas purple ones! He sleeps with his hands behind his head like he is just chillin', and his new favorite word is "YEAH"and he says it with great umph and vigor! He is incredibly coordinated ... we hope he is our little sports player. Even though he is, in my opinion, the naughtiest little boy EVER, he is my Kader Bader and I love him more that life itself! I have said time and time again, a mothers love for her son is without a doubt, indescribable!!!

Birthday boy with his presents from mom, dad and sister

We gave him this T-Ball set and it was a hit, literally! He hasn't stopped playing with it! And he has quite the swing... my poor walls. SUMMER, PLEASE COME FAST!

Big sister was so much help

This kids LOVES pancakes... so it would only seem fit that for his birthday breakfast we had little pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries! PS, bubbles... a must! Seriously they go with him EVERY WHERE !

Everyone teases me that I make birthdays a week long celebration... not just good enough to celebrate the day, we have to celebrate the entire week! It's hard though when the birthday is in the middle of the week. Most people are super busy so the big get together with friends and family usually happens on the weekend. But then I still want to do a little something on the actual birthday, right!?! Well on Makades birthday night we headed to the Mayan. We have been wanting to take the kids there for a while... figured they would love it and they did. Took us 45 minutes just to get seated and settled before we even ordered. They both were just so intrigued with the atmosphere!

Makade, Savanna and Grandpa and Grandma Howell

Aunt Kelsi, Makade and Savanna

Looking at the water!

Mitch (Kelsi boy friend) and Savanna. My kids ADORE Kelsi and Mitch!

Watching the divers

He totally loved this sparkler candle

He loved the actual cake and ice cream too!

So did everyone else

No matter what the gift is, Makade will "oooh" and "aaah"...even with a shirt or something simple like that. He just LOVES opening gifts.

On this gift, instead of his usually "oooh" and '"aaah" the boy full on SCREAMED! He was more than excited to get his very own cars scooter. And when I say SCREAM, I mean SCREAM! Everyone busted up laughing... so cute! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Kimball for the best SCREAMING gift!

Oh, my handsome little guy

Makade LOVES to sing. He will belt out at the top of his lungs when music is on. Most of the time we never understand what exactly he is saying or singing but he sure tries. He was SO cute as we sang to him. Belting out "Happy Birthday to ME"

Happy Birthday Makade

Happy Valentines Day

2011-03-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Valentines Day... maybe because it's all about love... maybe because my favorite shape is a heart... maybe because it's so close to my birthday... what ever reason, I love it! The kids got a little gift bag full of goodies, a few games and an outfit! Any excuse to give then a gift, I am good with! Totally spaced taking pictures of them opening the gifts, but they loved it!

So, I follow this really cute website that gave me all sorts of fun ideas for valentines day... I did the 7 days before valentines to Josh... just fun, cute little things... this was the last day. I put a note on the door that talked about how lucky I am to have"tied the knot with him" with a big bow tied on the door. Then kids and I put sting all through the house so when he walked in, he had to follow it to the end for his little surprise! Pay no attention to the mess in the background... Savanna wanted to hide the gift in the pantry! But this is what he found at the end... Brown paper packages "tied up with sting" with a few of his "favorite things". He was so sweet and cute and smiled the entire time he followed the sting. I couldn't tell who was more excited, him or the kids!

30... and loving it!

2011-03-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

So, I turned 30 and honestly, not much difference from 29. My little sister was teasing me about the number "30" and I quickly informed her that 30 is totally the new 20 and I'm sticking to that! Yes, my 20's were amazing... graduated from college, got married, bought my first house, had my 2 beautiful children... not sure I can top that so instead, I am going to just live life to it's fullest and hope that it just keeps on going great! Thanks to my wonderful hubby, the big day was wonderful... actually the entire WEEKEND was wonderful! Knowing my relationship with my sisters and how important they are to me, he made sure they were both around to share in the fun... he flew Aubrey in from Tennessee to surprise me and he did a good job because it was a total shock! Walked into lunch and there she was, along with many other family members! So I figured that was it ... lots of fun to be had with the 4 of us(me, mom, Kelsi and Aubrey) but little did I know! The following night, I thought we were just going out for a nice dinner with the adults but it turned out to be a surprise party. Fat Cats was the perfect place ... Little bit of bowling, little bit a pizza, lots of yummy cake, lots of close friends and family ... PERFECT! HUGE thanks to my little sister who had a major part in planning the night... love you Kelsi!!! I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my birthday.

The man who made it all happen and the woman of the hour!

This would be my humble walk back after totally just rocking a strike!

I was lucky enough to gain 4 more sisters and another fabulous mother when I got married! Vickie, Me, Monica, Kaye and Mindy. We sure missed you Jen!

Everyone was totally jealous of my fabulous headband which reads "Over The Hill". I thought it was pretty hot! Can't wait to see what they make me wear for when I actually am OVER the HILL. Me, talking with Ashleigh and Kelsi

My dad with our good friends Jeff and Britta.

More family

My Mother and Father in Law, Kaye and Jim

Uncle Jay and Auntie

Mom, me Kelsi and Aubery... we call ourselves the 4 musketeers!

I totally missed like 3 candles... ugh! I will have to huff and puff harder next time!

There was a little roast in my honor... good times, good times! Kelsi is being true to herself by writing hers down(so did Aubrey and yes I would have done the same thing) apparently she had so many great stories to share and didn't want to forget any!

Hilarious... Black balloons, over the hill mylars.... ha ha ha so funny!

This was the awesome poster board Kelsi made... LOVE it... great walk down memory lane! There was also a basket for everyone to leave a little note or word of wisdom for me... loved all of them!

As my little Savanna would say (quoting Rapunzel) ... BEST. DAY/BIRTHDAY. EVER!

Some of Makades best moments...

2011-02-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

YES, Makades favorite person is Savanna... YES Savanna is a GIRL... so YES Makade likes to play with GIRLS... including Savannas BFF Katie... and YES they play dress up. I personally think he ROCKS girls dress up clothes... and as you can see, he is VERY proud! Enjoy!

(Oh and YES Josh is going to KILL me for posting these)

Katie, Savanna and Makade

Everyone knows that shoes MAKE the outfit!

Here, Makade is sporting his PJ pants AND Savannas bright yellow leggings... Oh yeah, thats my little man!

PS... everyone says Makade is in desperate need of a little brother, but according Savanna, our next child WILL be a girl... she has already had a "talk" with Heavenly Father!

Holiday FUN

2011-01-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

Look at those cute (and COLD) faces! Aubrey and I were crazy enough to sign our girls up for ski lessons New Years DAY! Seriously?!? First off, we were exhausted and second it was 8 below up on the mountain. But, it was the only day we could make it work and the girls were super excited! Well, Savanna was excited until she got up there and found out I couldn't stay with her! First half of the day wasn't a total success... lots of tears but the second half was much better. By the time I picked her up, she was doing great... going up the magic carpet and going down the hill. When I asked her if she wanted to ski again she said "yeah I totally want to ski again, just not for a while mom, okay"?!? We will try again next year. Hopefully we will be able to buy her like 4 or 6 sessions instead of just 1!

Girls after a nice warm and relaxing bath... after all they were "freezing" all day!

A few days later we decided to venture out in the cold for some more fun... this time just in my parents back yard. We played on the 4 wheelers, roasted some marshmallows, played in the snow and had a lot of fun!

Oaklee, Kelsi and Savanna

Makades hat kept turning in front of he eyes but he wasn't too concerned. He was too busy having fun! Dakota and Makade

The saying is usually "like mother like daughter" but in this case it's totally "like daddy like Savy"!

Jaxon was loving the BIG HUGE marshmallow! WOW!

The night before the Ewing's had to fly back Kelsi took the girls to get their nails painted then all the kids to see Tangled (my personal new favorite). After, my mom brought out some puzzles to play with the girls... we all wanted to stay up all night so we could have as much time possible with each other but the fun holiday break had to come to an end! But I am very EXCITED to announce that after 5 years,my sweet sister and her family are finally moving home. YAY!!!! No more Tennessee! BEST. NEWS. EVER!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2011-01-08T21:52:00.001-08:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! Always have, always will! Now that I have kids, I love it even more! Their faces when they open their gifts, just brings a smile to my face! Savanna ran down the stairs and saw her big main gift and she yelled "OH MY HECK, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED"! Made me (and Santa, I'm sure) VERY HAPPY! Makade just kept oo-ing and ah-ing over everything... Even his clothes. Both kids just kept running back and forth from things, not sure what to play with first. I got Josh a new wedding ring, which is beautiful... oh i mean it is really good looking! He got me an ipad. I was so shocked I literally started screaming! LOVE IT! A couple years ago, we kind of started a fun tradition where everyone came to our house Christmas morning to open presents and have breakfast. This was mostly because the Ewing's moved away so it was just us with my parents and little sister. Well, Ewing's were in town this year and we decided what the heck, lets still do it! We crammed 13 people and lots of presents into our little humble abode and it was GREAT! We had such a great Christmas... little bit of family, little bit (okay A LOT) of spoiling, lots of fun and time spend together! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

For memory sake here is a list of favorite gifts

Savanna

-barbie vet station

-barbie skates

-art supplies

-Uno Moo

-CLOTHES

Makade

-train set

-car tower

-tool set

-blanket

-CANDY

After all the fun at our house, we ran over to the in laws for our annual gathering. I have gone over to Jim and Kayes every Christmas morning for years... since Josh and I dated in high school. We never miss it and we love it! Unfortunately Makade was not being a very nice boy. All of the Mitchell kids have to put their nose to the wall when they get in trouble... I thought it was kind of weird until I tried it... WORKS LIKE A CHARM! The kids HATE IT!!! Drives them crazy when they have to sit and stare and wall, not being able to see what's going on. This would be Makades first time having to participate in this disciplinary action... Classic!

Well here comes the fun part... 4 hours after all the chaos of Christmas we packed our bags, left the toys and headed to my parents house where we stayed for the next 10 days. We do this every time the Ewing's are in town. We want to spend as much time together as possible. And the kids LOVE it.

New Years Eve we had a close family friend come and watch the kids while the adults went out to dinner. Ah, I love my kids but being able to sit through a dinner without having to do damage control, or fight them to eat... just a peaceful meal.. NICE! We then headed back and had a great night of games. We played pool, ping pong, air hockey, catch a phrase, the new dance game on xbox and then toasted sparkling cider at midnight! I was amazed Savanna made it until midnight! She was a die hard! Kade on the other hand was passed out by 8:30!

Breven and Makade are 4 months a part and although their smiles are cute, they are nothing but TROUBLE! Pure JOY to know they will grow up together ... best buds!!!

Okay, so my mom wanted to get a picture of her 3 girls... never knew taking a ONE picture of 3 adult woman could be so hard. Every picture some one was like "that's not a good one", "my smile is weird", or best yet "my face looks fat". Finally after like the 5th one we all just busted up laughing at how ridiculous we were being. Then we just couldn't stop laughing. My mom kept snapping pictures and I think these ones are the cutest of all! I LOVE my sisters... they are without a doubt (along with the BEST MOM EVER) my best friends!

Thankfully, we finally got one!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Christmas Eve

2011-01-08T20:53:00.001-08:00

Normally, we hang at my parents house for Christmas eve, but this year we wanted to do something different... change it up a bit! We had yet to have a Kimball family party, so we decided to throw one together and the best night for everyone was Christmas eve! YAY! I know the parties and events during the holiday season can be A LOT but to me, it wouldn't be Christmas without all the chaos! We all met at my grandparents house for some yummy food and to put together packages for the women's shelter. We had scarfs, hats, gloves, socks and some candy. The Kimball side is SO into giving and doing for people who may be a little less fortunate than us. And it was so rewarding to spend our night preparing some essential items for others! After we dropped off the packages we headed over to Temple Square. We waited for the Ewings to get here to see the lights so this was our first time at Temple Square this year. The kids were mesmerized! They loved it and we loved seeing their faces light up! Savanna is finally old enough to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Teaching her about Christ and his birth has been great. She is so sweet and listens so intently! She has always loved the temple and sings "I love to see the Temple" every single night! I couldn't think of a better way to spend our Christmas eve! After all the fun and COLD we went back to my parent's house to do our annual tradition. We always open up our cute Christmas PJ's, read the story of Christ's birth, light our candles and head to bed (or in our case home to go to bed)! I personally look forward to this all season long and I am so grateful my parents started this amazing tradition ... hopefully my kids will love it as much as I do!

Hello... BEAUTIFUL!

Oaklee, Cassidy and Savanna... seriously one of my FAVORITE photos!!!!

He wanted to get in the water... seriously?!?

The Kimball Clan

Jaxon, Makade, Oaklee, Savanna, Dakota and Breven... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Here comes Santa Claus

2011-01-08T20:25:00.001-08:00

So many family parties... and so much fun! This was the Casper family party(my mom's side) and we were lucky to have a special visitor. This year we saw Santa Claus maybe 3 times, none of which we stood in line. Lucky us! We were so happy that the Ewings were in town for this fun party too... YAY! Good food, good friends and family, good times!

Santa is telling all the little kids a story

Makade wanted in on the action, he just wanted to be within arms reach of mom!

This would be Makades "I'm up here on Santa's lap because mom wants a picture, but I'm not thrilled about it" face!

Miss Savanna telling Santa she is a big 4 year old!

And then she is thinking very hard about which of MANY items she wants to ask for... oh the list was endless!

Playing games with everyone

Mitchell Family

2011-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Since I have been married to Josh we have NEVER had a family picture with EVERYONE in it... sad to say. Last time we attempted a family picture I was unable to be in it... it was 1 day after Savanna was born (need I say more as to why I wasn't there? I didn't think so!) So, 4 years later, we attempted it again. And by attempted I mean we gathered together at a family party and snapped a picture. This was the BEST we could do! Unfortunately TWO people were missing... Jen's husband works out of state and only comes home every 6 weeks or so and one of Monica's daughters was at her dad's. Rich and Meggan, we are sad you were not there... maybe some day we will be able to capture a picture with every member of the family. Until then, this will have to do!

Monica, Josh Mindy, Kaye, Jim, Jen and Vickie

The cousins... Savanna, Kylee, Canyon, Kempton, Makade, McKenna, Spencer, Echo, Brookly, Gage, Chelsea, Kira, Josie, Mason, Zander, River and Sage

The gang

Candy Cane Hunt

2010-12-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

This was such a fun event hosted by Draper City! And I personally think it was perfect that it was snowing... made it really seem like Christmas time! The candy cane hunt was for all 3-6 year olds that wanted to participate. Makade was ticked he couldn't be a part of it, but Savanna shared all her findings with him! She had a blast running around hunting for all the candy canes. There was also a special visitor that showed up at the end ... wouldn't be Christmas without a visit from Mr and Mrs Clause!

Ummm, HELLO... LOVE this picture!

Let the HUNT begin!

Showing off one of her candy canes

This was his pissy "I wanna play too" look

Christmas Sunday

2010-12-22T21:08:00.001-08:00

Growing up, we ALWAYS got a new church outfit for the Sunday before Christmas, or as we call it Christmas Sunday. And so of course, I continue that tradition with my little family! So we got all ready and snapped these photos before we headed off. I was so excited that we were able to put the camera up on the piano, set the timer, run and get in the picture and there ya go... we got a super cute family picture! I was pretty impressed with the results! Most of all, I was just excited to get a picture with ALL of us it in! It was a great day ... so fun to be able to teach Savanna the TRUE meaning of Christmas!

My little stud!

Miss Beautiful

We made some stockings for Family Home Evening... if you can see Savannas behind her... yeah, there wasn't one inch of space left for you to even see the actual stocking. She was having WAY too much fun putting EVERYTHING on there! So much fun!

Pre School Program

2010-12-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

Savanna has had a BIG month with all her fun and special days! This is one she has looked forward to for a while. The Doll Fair Program. All the kids at preschool had been working the last few months earning buttons to use at the doll fair. She was so excited to use her buttons to buy yummy treats for mom and dad! I was able to snap these cute pictures right before we left!

Makade did NOT attend the doll fair... love this little guy but he is TROUBLE and would have been double trouble at the program. He hung out with Grandma Kimball but was excited for his BIG sister to do well!

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture!

All the kids got to bring their favorite stuffed animal to help them feel comfortable... Savanna brought her bear Daisy!

Savanna, Jocelyn, Addy.. her school buddies

Miss Melissa is AMAZING... look at the cute stage she made for the program. Seriously, LOVE this preschool! You can barely see the table in the back with all the delicious treats the kids bought with their buttons! Yum-may!

I tell ya what, this was the BEST preschool program I have EVER been too! I was totally impressed! They started out with the cutest song, then went onto the pledge of allegiance, immediately followed by singing the national anthem. Then they continued with a series of songs and poems they sang and recited from memory! All of the parents sat there in total awe of these sweet little 4 and 5 year olds! It was our best decision ever to move Savanna to this preschool. She is learning SO much and most importantly, she LOVES it and LOVES Miss Melissa!

CUTEST. THING. EVER. They did jingle bells and the kids read the notes SO well!

Singing "I'm a little tea pot"

Dancin' Girl

2010-12-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun watching our princess shake her cute booty on stage! She was front and center the entire time! We all laughed our head off at the end... she was at the front point and her teacher had specifically told them to hold their pose until the curtain came down. Well it came down all right... right behind her! She stood up and looked around and tried to figure out where the heck everyone had gone! Thankfully, Katie lifted the curtain for her and she smiled and crawled under! I was bummed I turned the camera off right before it happened... what a fun memory!

Both Grandmas came to support the cute little dancer!

And of course Aunt Kelsi came too!

These were taken a few days earlier at dance class. It was parent day so we were allowed to come and see what all the cute girls have been learning!

Katie and Savanna are best buds! They do EVERYTHING TOGETHER!!!! Such cute little girls!

Happy 4th Birthday Savanna

2010-12-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

My baby girl is 4 already!?! Savanna is my sweet, loving, tender hearted, smarty pants, love of my life princess. We are best buds and I am not sure what I would do without her! She loves to dance, sing, play with her friends, play the violin and help mommy with naughty little brother! Miss Savanna is quite a busy girl. She goes to pre school 3 days a week , dance 2 days a week, violin 2 days a week and somewhere between all of that she still finds time to enjoy being a 4 year old. She still loves chocolate milk and I am convinced she could moo if she wanted to! Like any typical girl, she loves chocolate and could eat cheese and wheat thins all day long... that or a bowl of cereal! She is really into fashion... she will be totally honest with you and tell you how pretty you look, or how much she just LOVES your shoes... but on the flip side she has no problem letting you know she doesn't like your hair or outfit you are wearing! Her favorite show is Max and Ruby and Toy Story. She is incredibly excited for Santa to come and bring her EVERYTHING! And when I say everything, I mean everything she sees... she seriously asks for anything and everything that looks fun! She is a true girly girl... loves to wear pretty dresses with princess shoes, paint her finger and toe nails pretty purple or pink with flowers! All in all, she is the sweetest little girl with the most contagious laugh and smile you will ever meet! I adore her and my life would not be complete with out her. Savanna, I love you! Happy happy birthday!

Birthday girl and little brother

We had a family party the morning of Savannas birthday so lucky her, she got to chat with Santa nice and early about all the "things" she wants! This is Savanna and her cousin Josie.

These are most of the cousins on the Mitchell side... few of the older ones missing. They all love each other and play so well together!

After the family party, we rushed home to get ready for the big friend party. We did a princess day spa... all the girls got to make princess crowns, get their nails painted and make up done.

These are 2 of Savannas very best friends... Katie and Liv. These 3 girls live in the same circle and love to play play play!

Playing ring around the rosie

Musical princess chairs. This was pretty funny! We would clap and give the girls a starburst when they got out, so they wouldn't feel bad... pretty soon, the girls wanted to get out so everyone would cheer for them and they could get a treat!

Katie was such a help in opening presents! (so was little brother)

This year we started a new tradition of a special Sunday dinner for the birthday girl/boy. This is a dinner for just grandparents and us. I seriously spent all day in the kitchen cooking but we sure had some yummy food! Savanna was in heaven that we had yet another party in her honor! This is her counting her candles, making sure all 4 were there!

She was in a very "posing" mood... You can't help but smile when you see these! (oh and please ignore the outfit... she wanted to wear "comfy" clothes and at the time, Makade was bugging her so she picked the shirt that stated her brother was driving her crazy)

Pose 1

Pose 2

Pose 3

And finally Pose 4 aka "surprise pose"!

Showing off her new Tinkerbell earrings

Auntie reading her card

Happy Halloween

2010-11-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

We had such a terrific Halloween this year. The kids LOVED their costumes and were SO excited to wear them. Savanna was able to wear her costume a couple times... dance party, ward party and then of course Halloween... Kade only got the ward party and Halloween. Not sure he really cared... he was in it more for the candy. Boys, I tell ya, they are so different than girls! Unfortunately, the weather was super crappy so we packed up and headed to the mall! We even asked Savanna which she would rather do and she was totally down for the warm, DRY mall! It was pretty crazy how many people had the same brilliant idea! Super busy and packed, but lots of fun. We finished the night off with some good old fashion sugar cookie decorating and dancing to some fun Halloween music! We also watched some fun "scary" kid friendly movies and snuggled by the fire in our jammies! That's what I call the good life! Such a fun day!

Savanna, Katie and Kade at Savannas dance party

Savanna and Katie at our ward party

Fashion Place Mall

Love this picture... Savanna is beautiful but also her silly daddy in the background!

Primary Program

2010-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Well Savanna had her first Primary Program. She was super excited to say her article of faith and sing all her pretty songs. She was stinkin' cute and it was kind of weird to think my baby girl is old enough to be in a primary program... she is just growing up so fast!

Little brother looked pretty darn handsome too!

Gardner Village

2010-10-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

When I was little I liked Halloween... didn't love it, but liked it. Now as I get older and appreciate all the fun that comes with Halloween, I am seriously LOVING it! All the great activities, costumes, decorations, parties... it is just so much fun! Kids were dying to get out of the house and I knew our beautiful fall weather was coming to an end, so we headed over to Gardner Village to check out all the cute witches they have displayed. The time and energy that must go into that place exhausts me just thinking about it. We had such a great time and the kids LOVED the witches. That place is just fun period. The kids get to run wild and get all their energy out... we get to see cute fun Halloween "stuff"... I get to shop and look around at some cute stores... what's not to love?!? Fortunately, Savanna was being a miss little perfect picture taker... unfortunately, Makade was NOT! And thanks Grandma Kimball for coming along with us... kids and I sure LOVE LOVE LOVE you!

Here we go....

Ah, the sweet life...

2010-10-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Let the fun begin! Look at my cute anxious little babies staring out the window. The beginning of a trip is always so exiting... thrilling! I have to say that this trip was one of my favorite family vacations I have ever been on. Only sad part was my sister and her family weren't able to come... that would have made it my all time favorite... perfect...trip (next time Aubrey). I was very grateful my parents and my little sister decided to come too... it had originally started with just our little family of 4... so glad it expanded by a few! California treated us dang good. We started out this adventurous 9 days in San Diego. We stayed at the luxurious Marriott right in downtown San Diego. The swimming pool was Savannas favorite. And her sweet grandpa swam and swam and played and played with her. Little bit of shopping, running, eating, playing... what more could you ask for?!? Prepare yourself for a lot of pictures... and this is after I narrowed it down... A LOT! I went a little camera crazy but there were so many memories I wanted to capture!

Hello ... beautiful! This was the view from our hotel room.

The Marriott was doing this fun Nickelodeon package... it came with a bag full of fun toys and goodies. It also included the maids coming in and doing a turn down service with these cool pillowcases. The kids LOVED them and were anxious to get to sleep on their new pillow!

We rented a bicycle built for 4... it was SO much fun. Everyone kept smiling and even taking pictures of us. Fun fun memory!

SEA WORLD BABY

Very anxious to see Shamu

Focusing very hard!

The dolphins were huge... I remember them much smaller

Grandpa Kimball and Makade looking at the dolphins

Grandma Kimball and Makade

Feeding time... and Makade wanted part of the action

You can barely see the tip of Savannas head... she was under Josh

You could Trick or Treat at all the different stations... Gotta love Halloween

I think they beg just like dogs... bark and everything

Sun was a little bright

This show has ALWAYS been my favorite at Sea World. I just love it... and so did the kids. Makade was a little freaked out, but I think he was just overwhelmed by all the sea animals. Because it was Halloween time, they didn't do the "normal" show. They did the top 10 count down of the spookiest things ... the number one was dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller song. CUTES things ever!

Savanna loves posing for pictures... so she had no problem when the Miss Coral Reef said "Lets all up our hands up"!

Coronado Beach

2010-10-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

Coronado Beach, in my opinion, is a slice of heaven. We ended up staying there on a last minute whim and it turned out to be a great decision! The plan was originally to go down into Mexico and stay at my grandparents beach house. But with all the things going on in Mexico right now we felt it best to stay in the states. Kelsi immediately got on the computer and started searching for a place to stay... I'm thinking she did a GREAT job! We stayed the Del Mar Beach... if you have ever seen the movie Somewhere in Time, then you will know how beautiful this place is. We didn't stay in the actual hotel part, we stayed in the new beach houses they have built. It was incredible. The entire experience was just amazing. We had the beach in our backyard and great shopping with in a walks distance. We ate at amazing restaurants and had yummy room service! Savanna is still asking to go back to the fun hotel with the beach. The only sad part was the weather. We had 1 day of sun and the rest was over cast... but that didn't stop us from running on the beach, swimming, and spending as much time outside as possible! Love this place!

Darn wind... still a cute smile!

Sun bathing Beauty

Oh, words can not begin to express how much I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this picture! PRICELESS!

Makade HATED the cold water

Two of the cutest lil' bum bums I have EVER seen! Kelsi and Savy

This is the view from our room... we had these HUGE double doors that opened up onto a patio. We woke up to this every morning!

Thanks so Kelsi, we kind of had our own little photo shoot on the beach! We had a lot of fun smiling and playing around.

Makade kept chasing the birds... they didn't like him too much!

This kid seriously is OBSESSED with dirt of any kind.

As you can see, I kept trying to tell him to get up and come on... didn't go so well!

And if you look real close, you can see the sand ALL over him! This is where the whole boy vs girl thing is new to me. Savanna would NEVER do this, but Makade has no problem getting down and dirty!

GORGEOUS! Josh and I both LOVE the ocean!

Disneyland

2010-10-20T14:25:00.001-07:00

Disneyland here we come...

My handsome boys

Mom, dad and Kelsi

So, this is how the entire trip started off... Savannas dance group was going to Disneyland to perform. So we thought it would be a great time to do family vacation with a little stop over in Disneyland! Such a fun experience for her and for us! Proud parents! She was supposed to do two dances... one opening number with everyone that travelled with dance group and then a second number with 5 other girls around her age. She was of course the youngest, but she held her own. She wouldn't do the first number... something about being scared to dance with the "big girls". No idea what her problem was but she had made up her mind and wasn't doing it! She did however, and thankfully, go out for her second number. She was still a bit nervous so she walked out to the wrong spot... way in back. But I was just happy and proud she was out there... dancing! Back, front, middle, whatever, she was dancing with a BIG GRIN on her face :) Way to go Miss Savanna

Kade was totally mesmerised with the performance

My dancin' baby girl after her performance!

Savanna sure can be a stink to her Aunt Kelsi, but deep down she ADORES her!

Both the kids LOVE the movie Cars

The tea cup ride was Makades FAVORITE. He giggled the entire time. I was cracking up too, just at his reaction! Savanna, however wasn't feeling it. She is like her mommy and doesn't really like spinning rides.

Yummy yummy sucker

Where dreams really do come true

Toon Town

I laugh every time I see this picture. Savanna loved Pluto, but as you can see, Makade did not feel the same! I had to pull Savanna away from this cute dog... they kept blowing each other kisses!

End of the celebration parade... we walked off a ride just as this parade was ending ... darn! But we did catch a later one!

Aunt Kelsi and Savanna

Oh those eyes... beautiful!

Face Painting time... she asked for anything "purple and pink" ... but preferably a "pretty flower"!

Because it was Halloween time, Disneyland had some super cute decor up. These are just a few pictures of some the the fun pumpkins through out the park. Mickey's Halloween Party was also going on one of the nights we were there. It is basically an after hours Halloween/Trick or Treat Party. You pay a little more each ticket and you are allowed to stay later on Friday night. The kids were spent and so ready for bed, so my sweet parents took them back to the room and put them to bed while me, Josh and Kelsi stayed for the after party! It was seriously SOOOO much fun! Despite the fact that we were the only ones not in costume, we still had a blast. Wish my kids could have stayed but maybe another year!

So after waiting for 60 minutes plus in some lines for rides, we decided to take a break and watch the parade. We randomly picked a spot and sat down to wait. Little did we know that it was seriously the greatest spot ever! We were right in front of the float that had all the main characters on it. PERFECT!

This is her "mom, I am smiling for the camera but I really just want the parade to start" face!

The ever so classic Mickey and Minnie

Who would have thought that after not wanting to get up on the stage and dance with "the big girls" that Savanna would want to go out in front of hundreds of people and dance at the parade! But she did and she loved every minute of it!

Watching the parade intently!

Savannas LOVES minnie mouse "things".... on this trip she got a minnie mouse purse, flip flops, ring and night gown. She was so bummed she hadn't seen minnie mouse yet... But thanks to the parade she not only got to meet her, but dance with her and then ended with a big HI 5!

This was one of the cute Disney dancer that kept grabbing Savanna and taking her out to dance!

My kids are OBSESSED with Woody and Jessie!

Just like the parade, we got so lucky with our spot for the fireworks show. Right on the main street of Disneyland with a perfect view of castle(fireworks were right over the castle). And can I just say that the fireworks were seriously the BEST I have EVER seen? Seriosuly, they were amazing. Also on main street, there was music and a story that went along with the fireworks. At the very end the "when you wish upon a star" song came on just as a firework that was a shooting start went through the sky. Ah, hello, can we say the perfect "Disneyland" experience? It was without a doubt my favorite part of the trip. PERFECT ending to a PERFECT trip!

Sad to leave... not quite as fun as coming! California, we will MISS you!

Snowbird 2010

2010-10-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Our most favorite company party of the YEAR... the annual trip up to Snowbird. Child or adult, everyone looks forward to this weekend. We spend a fun filled weekend with some of the key employees and their families. Great way to get to know everyone on a personal level... and seeing the "guys" with their family is always so fun. We were VERY fortunate that it has been warm so late in the season... last time we were up in Snowbird in September it was snowing... VERY different this time. WARM WARM WARM and SO beautiful! Thanks to my dad for sharing such a fun weekend with us and thanks to my husband who works SO hard to provide such a great life for us.

They both LOVE their Grandma Kimball

My Sweet Little Darlings

Watching the live music... Savanna was totally digging it, but Makade just wanted mommy!

BEST BEST BEST friends!

Steak Pit dinner... YUM!

It was so warm, we went swimming. Makade is not a huge fan of getting all the way in the water, but Josh sure tires to make it enjoyable! And I'm not quite sure what Savanna is doing at this moment... that would be her leg sticking straight up in the air!

Up top on the Mountain. I LOVE UTAH!

Savanna had SO MUCH fun on the tramp! She could barley touch when she came down, but she had a smile on her face the entire time!

This is probably one of my favorite pictures with my little man! He is so much trouble and such a little devil, but yet has such a cute look while he is being mischievous! You can see it in his eyes... and even while he is being a stinker, he still has a slight smile on his face. He is with out a doubt, his Daddies twin!

My two studs

Makade DID NOT want his face painted, so we got a U put in his arm... go UTES!

She LOVED her unicorn

Snowbirds Alpine slide... next year Makade will be able to ride!

B-E -A-U-tiful!

Our nice BIG room!

6 Years and counting...

2010-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 6 years?!? WOW... amazing how the time truly flies by! It has been an adventurous, amazing, lesson filled 6 years. I am so grateful for all I have lived and learned in these short years of marriage. I have many more to come and I look forward to each trial and memory that is ahead. This year, we were lucky enough to share our anniversary with my parents in Malibu California! It was ... BLISSFUL! My parents anniversary is the day before ours so it worked out nicely that we could slip away for a few days to enjoy some much needed fun in the sun ... CHILDLESS! And what would I do without my sweet baby sister? Oh Kelsi I am eternally grateful for you watching my sweet kids... THANK YOU! We ate at AMAZING restaurants, we rode bikes on the beach, we shopped at a beautiful new mall(seriously BEAUTIFUL does not begin to do it justice), we slept in and had room service, we had SO MUCH FUN! My parents seriously spoil us rotten :) It was a perfect weekend to spend with my handsome husband of 6 years. Josh, you are my soul mate, love of my life, my true partner in crime and I am honestly, so blessed to have you forever and eternity! Happy 6 years baby! PS... some day I will be really good at taking tons of pictures... until then, I am glad to snap at least 1 at each event!

FIre Pit

2010-09-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's finally done... YAY! Josh has been working so hard all summer on finishing our fire pit and we LOVE IT! It has technically been done for a few months, but I am so behind on my blog that I am just now getting around to sharing it with everyone. So sorry, but some things are worth documenting no matter how late! I should really take an after picture from then to now... that big mass of dirt behind us in now grass,we put in a another fresh layer of rock, shrubs are about double the size, but this was our 1st actual fire. Poor Makade missed out on all the fun because he fell asleep, but Savanna LOVED it. Growing up, my grandma Casper had a fire pit in her backyard and it was tradition at every family gathering to roast marshmallows and hot dogs... along with playing red rover, color eggs and a few other games that bring a smile to my face thinking about them! My parents have a wonderful fire pit in their yard too, so of course I HAD to have one. My sweet husband made my wish come true... thanks babe! So, now we only have 1 little spot in the yard that I want a water feature... I know I'm not asking a lot, that should be easy right!?! I mean my husband DOES work for a landscaping company! So here is to lots of parties at our house next summer when the yard is fully done!

Last Recital... sniff, sniff

2010-09-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Clear back in June, I had my piano/vocal recital. It seriously makes me emotional just writing about it! Josh and I have gone back and forth about my teaching. It has been such a blessing for my family, but mostly for ME. Lets face it, I have LOVED teaching. Being able to share my passion and love for music, with sweet young kids is THE BEST! Over the past year I have cut back and cut back... started with 45 students and ended with 9. But, the past 6 months things have gotten a little crazy with my kids. I felt like the last few months of teaching I changed my schedule more than I had in 5 years. And that was just not fare for my students. So after talking it over, Josh and I decided it was best to stop teaching. I think my 1st phone call I cried the entire time. It didn't get much easier, but as least I could carry on an actual conversation! Thankfully all the parents and kids were all so understanding... made it a little easier. I will miss teaching terribly. But it will be very nice to not have to worry about trying to switch and rearrange my schedule! I can proudly say I am a full time mom and I love it! To my sweet sweet loving students... I will miss you so much. Thank you for teaching me probably more than I ever taught you. Each of you are amazing in your own way I am grateful I had the opportunity to teach you something you can carry with you FOREVER!

Here are the darlings at my last recital.

School Time

2010-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I can not believe the summer is basically over and it is time for school! WOW! It went so fast. But Savanna is S O O O ready to be back in school... structure... stimulation... friends... fun... LEARNING! This year, we changed things up and Savanna is attending Kinder Prep Academy Preschool. My close friend Melissa runs this preschool and I could not be happier with our decision. Savanna was going to start taking violin lessons from Melissa this fall and when she told me she was starting a preschool and incorporating violin in the curriculum, my decision was made! Not only will Savanna get an AWESOME education with Miss Melissa, but she will also learn the violin! YAY! And most important, Savanna LOVES it! I taught Melissa's kids piano for years so Savanna loves the Keller family and feels so at ease and comfortable over there. It was tough for me to leave Vision (her old preschool) but this just was a better fit for us. But she is still taking dance from Vision so we will see all her old buddies from last year! Here's to a great new school year!

This was her right when she was done... she was SO hyper... hence the pose! She was so excited to show me her sticker on her nose too!

This is Kiesa, one of Melissa's daughter, and Savanna! SHE LOVES KIESA! Savanna insisted on picking out her outfit. I think she did a GREAT job!

Josh LOVES to pull funny faces... it is rubbing off on Savanna!

JULY

2010-08-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see, we really have been having a very fun summer! Doing everything BUT updating my blog! Here is to fun times.

Ok, I feel SUPER guilty that I barely took ANY picture in this month. We had such a great month too and I barely documented it :( too busy running around and chasing after kids. Our month started out in Fillmore for the 4th of July. My dads entire side (Kimball and Chirstensen) is from there. This year, the Chirstensen Family Reunion was there and I tell ya what, for such a small town, they sure put on a good show. All hotels were BOOKED, tons of campers, just loads of people! The parade was great and it was nice to see family and friends!

The loves of my life hangin' in our hotel room... anxiously awaiting the parade!

The rest of July was spend with family. My sister and her family came from Tennessee and visited for 3 weeks! 3 whole weeks of FUN and adventure... again, all of which I barely even have evidence of. We had a HUGE open house with, I would say, a good 75 people! My parents back yard was the perfect place for such an event. We had family all the way from Texas to Las Vegas visiting. Such a good time! We spent the rest of the fun days swimming at Willow Creek, Cowbunga Bay, SHOPPING, girls night getting pedicures, family pictures, Park City house, alpine slide, Beehive house, Draper Days. Worst part of July, my poor husband worked most of the time. But the best part... time with my BEST FRIENDS! I love you mom, Aubrey and Kelsi ... we were destined to be together in this life and the next, and I can not imagine going through all my crazy adventures with out you!

Oaklee, Savanna and me at Temple Square

Joseph Smith Building... we ate at the Garden... YUM!

Draper Days Parade... Makade was not a happy camper!

Oaklee and Savanna... cousins... best friends!

Me and my HOT hubby!

Mini Josh... aka Makade

BOSTON!

2010-08-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

Last month Josh and I ventured to Boston. Josh had a business thingy there (and I say that because that is about as much "business" we did). 99.9% of it was PLAY! There was a conference and my dad took his 5 main people and their spouses. YAY for me! And YAY that my mom is a "spouse" too! We had such a great time and my dad, as usual, spoiled us all rotten! My sweet little sister and her boy friend were kind enough to watch the kids so we could go as just adults! It was difficult for about the first day... then I was totally over it and enjoyed being just ME. Shopping in peace... eating in peace... sleeping in peace... Ahhh, PEACE! Boston has to be one of the most amazing places I have ever vacationed too. Didn't hurt that our hotel was connected to a GREAT mall... wow! But, beyond that, Boston is so historic and it was such a privilege to go and visit all the amazing sights. I forgot my camera charger (ARGH) so these pictures are just a glimpse of our fun Boston adventure!

Waiting for Subway

Mom and Josh... look at the church behind them!

Harvard yard was A M A Z I N G! WOW! We did this fun tour that actual Harvard students do. History was written all over that place ... I mean just in the people that have attended... Matt Damon, Bill Gates, John Adams! The architecture was incredible too! The whole campus was beautiful and we really enjoyed it!

Unfortunately, because this was classified as a "business" trip, this is what Josh was doing a good 70% of time... I wanted to throw his phone away!

Famous "good luck" statue!

My dad went on his mission here to Boston so he was our little insider that had all the fun places to go. Copley Square did not disappoint. FUN shopping, entertainment, food... what else could you ask for!

Every night we went to the greatest places to eat. I swear if I had not been so careful I would have gained about 10 pounds on this trip.

We went on this fun trolley that took us sight seeing... I know TRUE tourist... we had 11 different stops and all were amazing! We also passed a lot of fun and amazing sights!

Me and my momma enjoying play time!

Fenway Park was one of my favorite places we toured. This place is just amazing. Not a huge baseball fan but to be right there, so close to the field, hearing about the history of the Boston Red Sox... kind of got to me! Our tour guide was super funny too... made it that much more memorable. This is us in the press box! GREAT seats!

Cutest statue out front!

The Kimball "gang"... These are the 6 who run Kimball Property Maintenance and work hard so we have such a great life! Thanks Scott, Josh, Carol, Russ aka DAD, Jeff and John!

State Capitol

BEAUTIFUL!

Summer Fun

2010-06-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well between all the weird Utah weather, we have been able so squeeze some outside fun in. The kids LOVE to be outside... they could seriously stare at the fence and have fun... as long as it is outside! Looking forward to many more days in the beautiful sunshine! Here's to many more posts of summer fun!

Makade... with his permanently attached binky!

I was shocked he spit it out long enough to smile... and what a cute one at that!!!

Savanna and Katie playing in the swim pool. Water + pool + kids = Cheap entertainment

As Savanna would say " those are some cute lil' bum bums"!

Every year, our little circle has a fun BBQ... great food, great fun, great friends. Thanks to Debbie and Luke for hosting this year. Next year is our turn... we have high hopes all our remodeling of the landscaping will be done!

"MAMA... I WANT MAMA!"

Miss Beautiful! Savanna loves to swing.

Liv, Savanna and Katie... we are so lucky these 3 girls all live in the same circle... SO MUCH FUN!

It was one of our neighbors birthdays the day of the BBQ so we celebrated with cupcakes.

As you can tell, he really liked the them!

Well, this one is inside, but we still had fun. I am Activity Days Coordinator for my church. For a fun activity we did Oreo dirt pots with sugar cookie flowers. They were so cute and the girls had a great time making them. Miss Savanna is mommies little helper and loves to do all the fun things with the girls!

My Preschool Graduate!

2010-05-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well it's official... my baby girl graduated from Preschool. Well, technically speaking, not from preschool all together, just her 1st year. We found an awesome preschool for 2 year olds and it has been such a great experience. Savanna desperately needed interaction with kids her age instead of always mommy, daddy, grandma... and Vision is the only preschool I found that offers a 2, 3 and 4 year old program and is also a dance studio! We scored when we found them! Savanna had a great year and made lots of new friends. Her class was called the Monkey class(2-3 year olds). They did many fun projects, learned letters, numbers and colors ... it really has been very fun for her. Next year she will be in the Panda class(3-4 year olds). Because of their overwhelming enrollment, they will have 2 Panda classes... a regular one and a more advanced one. Felt so honored when they have asked Savanna to do the more advanced one :) My cute little smarty pants! Today they had a cute little program for their Monkey graduates... songs, presentation of projects and a fun picnic lunch for the Monkeys and their moms. All the kids were so proud and were strutting their stuff! And I'm so proud of my little graduate.

Savanna and her friend Brianna waiting to walk in. Look at them holding hands ...SO sweet

Walking in to graduation

The entire Monkey class... and although Savanna got 12 hours of sleep, she is still yawning!

Singing their Monkey song

My beauty!

Watching their teacher talk to the mommies... such good listeners!

Savanna and Mason... I think she has a crush on him. I would hear about him every day after preschool!

Savanna and Brianna

Savanna and Miss Lisa

Savanna and Miss Katie... Miss Katie was Savannas teacher most of the year. She was pregnant with twins toward the end and needed to rest instead of teach, so that's when Miss Lisa started teaching. Savanna loves them both.

Savanna and Miss Jade... she was the class helper.

My BIG boy

2010-05-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Makade is getting so big... good and sad thing! I was telling Josh how much I was looking forward to this summer... first summer in 3 years that I haven't been pregnant or had a brand new baby. This summer will be spent playing, having fun... not caring for a new born or hugging the toilet from the baby in my belly! So I am very excited that Makade is ready to rock and roll... play with the big kids... but I am so sad to see him get so big! He amazes me every day and can get into trouble faster than you can say the word! He is NAUGHTY NAUGHTY NAUGHTY!!! He LOVES his binky... he has recently mastered the art of chewing food WHILE he sucks on it... LOVES to eat... plays like a true boy, always has a bump, bruise or scratch on him... LOVES his big sister... and of course is STILL a mamma's boy! He is my little cuddle bug... he has a very strict morning routine. Wakes up, I get him, gets his juice and snuggles with his mommy! And is a very grumpy if this routine gets interrupted! I love him and love seeing his sweet personality come to life!

Oh and he can also smile with his binky in his mouth!

And this would be the face when he doesn't have his binky in his mouth!

Lil' Dancin' Bug

2010-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Savanna recently had her year end dance recital. She has had a GREAT year taking dance classes. Such a sweet little dancer. All her teachers say how wonderful and talented she is... we couldn't be more proud. And best of all, she has so much fun doing it! Her BFF's, Liv and Katie, take with her and the 3 of them have a blast! We are looking forward to another great year at Vision and can't wait to see what cute dance they come up with next! All the girls were bugs for the dance... either a lady bug or a bumble bee. I have seriously, never seen such a cute group of little girls! They all did such a great job and the dance was TO DIE cute!

The pre show ritual... oh the things we do to be beautiful!

All the CUTE lil' bugs!

Waving cute... all the dancers telling their teachers and studio owners "thank you"!

She was so excited Grandma Kimball got her favorite treat... chocolate covered strawberries! Yummy

And Daddy gave her some beautiful flowers!

As the night went on, she would NOT smile... here she is with Aunt Kelsi!

Trying hard not so smile with Daddy tickling her!

Savanna and her teacher Brooklyn... still NOT smiling!

Only way we could get her to cooperate was to do a "silly" face!

Savanna and Liv

My beautiful daughter!

Giving her daddy loves but still NO smile!

This picture pretty much sums up the "after recital" night... Savanna didn't want to smile any more, Katie didn't have a nap so her mom was holding her in the picture and Liv was just happy go lucky! The DRAMA girls bring!

Friends, friends and more friends!

2010-05-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Savanna has become quite the little social girl! She LOVES to play with her 2 best pals Liv and Katie. Every single day, she has a friends over here. I have never understood parents who get upset when the weather is bad or during the winter... now that I have a child that has friends over here 24-7, I SO UNDERSTAND! On rainy days, I just want to cry! The kids LOVE our backyard, and I LOVE that I can send them out to play. Many options outside... playhouse, tramp, tramp with sprinklers, bikes, scooters, just RUNNING and LAUGHING! Oh the joys of being a kid!

Savanna and Liv

Savanna and Katie... and this would be an example of a rainy day... should have seen her room! WOW! But they are super cute playing together (both of which, are wearing Savannas PJ's)

Daddies BIG helpers

2010-05-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Josh has been working very hard in the yard these past few months... I had mentioned I wanted a fire pit and so Josh got to work. It is SO close to being done... ah, I can almost smell the fire! He did a great job re-landscaping the entire back of the backyard... new design, new rock, new plants, new sandstone patio... I LOVE IT! We just have some final touches left and then we will be roasting marshmallows! Can't wait! Many fun summer nights ahead. Here is Josh with the help of the kids... they are always SUCH big helpers!

Oh, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new tramp! Best purchase ever!

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, the Easter Bunny sure came to our house! The kids had a great Easter and loved their baskets. My parents always got us a basket, a church outfit, a new play outfit and some fun toys that didn't always fit in the basket. Of course I HAVE to do the same for my kids. Don't laugh... I'm all about keeping up the family traditions! Savanna got a bunch of DORA stuff... she is a HUGE Dora fan right now, so she was so happy. Makade got his first little 3 in 1 trike. I think I was more excited to give this to him, than he was to get it. He is always trying to get on Savannas scooter or bike when they are outside playing, so now he will have something fun to ride too. It was a special treat to have Easter Sunday on conference weekend. We had such a wonderful day relaxing and listening to so many great talks and advice! We talked to Savanna about the true meaning of Easter... I think she is still bit young to understand it fully, but she did listen and try her hardest to grasp what we were saying! All in all, a great weekend. The worst part... not being able to feast on all the yummy candy! My stupid diet will be over in 5 days, and yes I am counting down. I keep telling myself it will so be worth it when I am done. I am 14 pounds down as of this morning... YAY!

May I PLEASE be a kid again?!?

Savanna checking out her yummy candy!

Makade loved it... and loved having Savanna push him around!

Savanna found some $$$ in an egg! You can see the excitement on her face.

Candy, candy and more candy. He was finding the eggs and opening them faster than we could stop him!

This is what we woke up too... seriously!!!! It's Easter! And supposed to be SPRING!

Grandpa and Grandma Kimball gave the kids baskets too... Savanna got a new Little Mermaid swimsuit and cover... as you can see she loved it!

This candy/toy that had a fan on it and Savanna LOVED it! Ahh, that smile!

Still eating candy. I couldn't even get the wrappers off fast enough!

Has hard as I try to keep this kid clean, it just never works... but can you care with a sweet smile like that!?!

Her new Dora glasses... she LOVES them and looks totally stylish in them!

Trying hard to pose for the camera while playing!

My sweet sister thinks she never "makes" the blog... so this one is for you Kels!

He was DONE smiling... giving his sad face!

Easter Egg Fun

2010-04-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure Makade was as "INTO" it as Savanna, but I think he still had fun! Coloring Easter Eggs was always something that I looked forward to doing as a little girl, so I'm hoping my love of the tradition will pass on to my kids. Our eggs are not prefect, elegant or award winning, but we sure had A LOT of fun. LOVE LOVE LOVE family time and making memories!

Yes, Savanna is wearing a swimsuit... even though it snowed today, she is determined if she wears her swimsuit, it will bring summer faster!

Thank you to my husband for teaching Savanna how to do "silly" faces!

Like father like daughter!

Disney On Ice

2010-04-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

What more could a little girl want... mommy, grandma, new outfit, Disney on ice, great seats, girls night out!?! Savanna wanted to go ALL OUT ... hair, make-up, the works! We had SO MUCH FUN! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Kimball getting great seats and taking Savanna and I to see Disney On Ice. My dad was supposed to go with my mom and Savanna but I got lucky that he so willing gave up his seat for me. Savanna was an angel and loved seeing all the fun characters on the ice. We were right up close, so we could see all the detail of the skaters. Of course, Grandma SPOILED Savanna rotten... bought her all the yummy treats and toys (not to mention her cute new Tinkerbell outfit with all the fun accessories!) Josh and Makade had a boys night at home... I can't wait until Kade is old enough to go with us! Such a fun night!

Savanna loved looking at all the pretty Princess dresses at the pre-show!

Everyone always tells me they look alike... hello, yeah!

So focused on show!

Kader Bader... my baby boy is 1

2010-03-09T21:20:00.001-08:00

Can it really be? Makade is 1 years old. WOW! This year flew by. It has been so interesting having a little boy and exploring all the fun things that Makade teaches me daily. I have no brothers so it has been an eye opening experience with this little guy. For instance... I had no idea that little boys like their "thingy"' so much. I expect that of grown men, but come on... my 1 year old?!? He is also SOOOOO much MORE trouble than Savanna ever was. He finds ways to get into things that I never knew would be interesting or appealing. Pulling clothes down off hangers, putting hands in a toilet (YUCK), pulling every single pot and pan out, standing on my dishwasher door, dropping eggs on ground from inside the fridge, lotions, and that is naming just a few. He has been walking now for 2 months and is currently RUNNING to keep up with Savanna. And he is really doing a good job at that! He has the bumps and bruises to prove he is truly a little boy. No matter how he falls he always manages to land on his head. I swear he will have a per ma bruise on his left side of his forehead! With all that trouble and havoc he causes, he is still my little cuddle boy. Savanna never really cuddled or clung to me like this little guy does. MAMAS BOY! And I am so fine with that. He is much more attached to his Binky as of lately and I'm attributing that to the whole "no more nursing" thing. He has become a great little sleeper too... going down around 8 and sleeping until about 7. Thank the heavens for that... finally, I am able to sleep an entire night through! He used to be such a heavy weight and now he is a light weight. Still weighs the same as he did 3 months ago.... 20 pounds. Apparently he is tall, skinny, with a big head. Go figure! I love love love love this kid! Happy 1st birthday Kade!

Birthday morning... waving to the camera!

Savanna loves her little brother and Makade ADORES his BIG sister!

This is one of Makades many FAVORITE faces

And another favorite face

We made home made oreo cookies... Makade LOVES them... cake is later!

This is some of the crew that came to his shin dig!

Heres the birthday cake

He wasn't sure what to think about the whole diggin into the cake!

Savanna was such a good helper... she was far more excited to open the gifts than Makade.

I'm sorry, but that is a cute view!

Ugh... knee surgery!

2010-03-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

And that is seriously the best title I could think of... besides KNEE SURGERY SUCKS... I thought that was a bit harsh! Josh was in surgery for a little over 2 hours. He had completely shredded his acl and torn his meniscus. It was, needless to say, a pretty major surgery. They graft an cadavers achilles tendon for his acl (amazing what meidcal technology can do these days) and then screwed the new tendon into the bones. Those screws will become a part of his bone and the tendon will become his new acl. He is doing really well, considering! He is in A LOT of pain but is a tough old mad (I can say that because he is 2 years older than me)! He is in a very uncomfortable brace that goes from his ankle to the top of his thigh. He will be in this for a few more weeks then he will get his acl brace which he will be in for quite a while! Hopefully in the next 5 months he will have a full 100% recovery! YAY... until then I continue to wait on him hand and foot and do everything I would normally do plus all the things he would do. That was my brief moment to feel sorry for myself. I will move on now! I am ready for him to be better... he is ready for him to be better... and everyone I ask to come help me for a second is ready for him to be better! Love you honey!

Happy Birthday to ME

2010-03-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well... this was the first of MANY 29th birthday for me! :) Overall it was a good day. If you just minus out the fact that we had our gas fireplace and water heater red tagged and shut down... so I was unable to take a nice hot shower or read a great book snuggled up next to the fire, on my birthday. No biggie right?!? We had smelt gas the night before and so Josh told me to call Questar and sure enough, we had 2 gas leaks. Thank goodness they weren't "serious" leaks but none the less, they needed to be fixed! And the water heater is... fireplace is a little more complicated and not so urgent as having hot water. That one will have to wait! Other than that, my birthday was great. Josh got me an amazingly yummy edible arrangement... oh it was GOOD! And my most most favorite... ice cream cake. That stuff is the BEST! He also showed me his beautiful design for my fireplace mantel that he is building. That is the one thing I asked for... an actual mantel above my fireplace. He had started on it so he could give it to me on my birthday but thanks to his knee injury, it was put on hold... some day... soon!

Me and my baby girl... Kade was already fast asleep!

Spoke TOO soon...

2010-02-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

So, you know how I said Josh wasn't working on any projects right now, but I'm sure one will be coming soon... it came TOO soon! Josh has to have surgery on his knee next week :( He tore all his ligaments on the inside of his knee and partially tore his acl. Seriously?!? Thank heavens we have insurance! You never know how much you depend on someone until they are down and out! I keep turning to Josh and saying "honey, could you grab"... or "could you help me"... and then I realize I'm on my own! Here's to yucky knee surgery!

Our start to 2010

2010-02-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

So, to put it nicely, our 2010 didn't start off too great... the first week was awesome because my sister and her family was in town, but after that, it pretty much sucked! My poor kids were SOOOO sick. Savanna had a temperature ranging between 102.7 an 104 (even got as high as 105) for a week straight. Makade had a fever off and on but his only reached 102. Both were just cranky and miserable. Savanna lost 2 pounds, all color to her skin, had big red dark circles around her eyes and complained often that she felt like she was burning. I tell ya what, all you mothers out there can sympathize with me when I say I literally got sick too. I felt so bad that I couldn't make it better. After seeing 2 different doctors, x-rays, tests... the only conclusion was viral. SERIOUSLY?!? The Mitchell home was infected with some gosh awful virus and it stayed for almost 3 weeks... 3 WEEKS! So when the end of January was near, Josh and I decided that our start of 2010 would be the month of February! And so far... it has been wonderful! So here is a little update on my little family!

Josh... is busy as ever. He works SO hard to provide for our family and I am eternally grateful for that! He is still working at Kimball Property Maintenance as the Production Manager. He really enjoys the people he works with and although it is tough working for "the father in law" it has been a blessing in our lives! He has no projects as of yet, but I' sure something will come soon! The kids LOVE when daddy comes home because it is all fun and play. He is such a wonderful father.

Michele... has finally started my work out plan. After a very long, but gratifying, year of nursing, I can now happily say it is coming to an end! So... I have been going to the gym 3 times a week, hoping to push it to 5 soon, and just getting back in "the zone"! And I must say I have missed ME time. A membership to a gym has been the best Xmas gift ever! I'm also still teaching a bit. Cut back A LOT... 40 students down to 13. But I'm not ready to give it all up yet. Still love seeing those cute faces each week and sharing my passion of music with youngsters! And a BIG thank you to my wonderful mother who watches my kids while I teach. Both of them LOVE their grandma Kimball!

Savanna... is 3 going on 16! WOW! The child keeps me on my toes. She is such a joy to have around and is a lot of help with little brother. She goes to Pre-School 2 days a week and dance 2 days a week and boy does she love it! All of her teachers say what a sweetheart she is and they wish there were 20 of her! She loves to play dress up and currently, is really into make-up. She has an imagination that would shock you.. it does me frequently! She is my princess... she is my love... she is my baby girl!

Makade... just turned 11 months today and is nothing but trouble! He is walking... yes walking and has been for a month now. He is so much earlier than Savanna was but he wants to keep up with her and he does... he is fast! He is into EVERYTHING!!!! So mischievous and he does it with a BIG GRIN on his face! He is feeling the pain of cutting back on nursing.... currently down to nights and mornings. But he will only enjoy that for another month! He loves his big sis and plays with her all day long! He is my handsome... he is my love... he is my baby boy!

Some randoms, but cute ones

2010-01-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

So these are a few random pictures I missed over the last few updates... but I still think they are blog worthy!

No real rhyme or reason to this one, other than I think it is just flat out cute!

Savanna LOVES to come in when I am teaching my music lessons. She sits and listens intently to all the advice I give my piano and vocal students. While getting ready for the Christmas recital, she told me she wanted to participate this year... So I said great! Her speech was "Hi my name is Savanna and I shall play Frosty the Snow Man"... of course she sang but she had heard so many of my students say "play" and that's what stuck! I was so proud of her for getting up there and singing her little heart out! This would be post recital... very happy at her accomplishment! Til next years recital...

Splish Splash my kids LOVE taking baths!

Josh will probably kill me for putting these on, but I laugh when I look at them.

We had Kelsi and Mitch over for rock band and my husband got so in to it! Look at Kelsi just relaxing nicely playing...

Now look at Josh! Oh I love you honey!

Oh, this is sweet... both of them fell asleep while hanging out. Savy sure loves her daddy!

New Years and Holiday Fun

2010-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

For New Years, my dad wanted to surprise my mom and bring my sister and her family in town from Tennessee... can I just tell you that my mom literally screamed her guts out. It was probably one of the funnest surprises I have ever been a part of. We benefited from it because I was able to have my sister and her adorable kids here for 10 days! YAY! Savanna idolizes Oaklee and loves playing with Jaxon and Dakota. Makade and Breven were DOUBLE TROUBLE together... Kade 10 months + Breven 14 months = disaster! Those 2 are going to be great friends. While they were here my dad spoiled us rotten! Some of our fun festivities involved him buying us all new ski/boarding outfits and took us up skiing twice, dinner at our favorite restaurant Last Samurai, movies, rock band, lots of yummy treats and just good old fashion fun! We had a great time at my parents home in Park City too. LOVE it up there! Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful New Years! And Aubrey... miss you terribly!

Savy, Oaklee, Jaxon, Dakota and Preston New Years Eve

Oh, my incredibly handsome boy Makade

Savanna and Oaklee

2 of my very best friends... Aubrey Kelsi and me

Daddy and Kade

Trouble boys Breven and Makade

Out enjoying the Park City snow

He stood and watched the kids playing wishing he could go play too!

Our pathetic but standing snowman!

Makade and Bonnie(my parents dog)... he LOVES playing with Bonnie

Getting ready to go skiing!

Making a gingerbread tree

Grandma Kimball was so patient in helping them!

Playing in the fun game room at my parents

Christmas 2009

2010-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know I'm a bit behind on the blogging update! Its this darn face book... so much easier to hurry and post an update on there instead of a whole blog update... but I am determined to get caught up! So here is Xmas 2009. As usual, my children were spoiled rotten. Savannas favorite item was the barbie camper thanks to her aunt Kelsi! She also loved her jewelry box full of new earrings and necklaces and her stocking Santa had left stuffed with all sorts of fun presents and goodies! She also got a new snow outfit and ski lessons compliments of Grandpa and Grandma Kimball. Makades favorite thing was opening the presents... just the tearing of the paper made him smile. He got lots of fun little toys and a nice new snow outfit that we put to good use out in the cold! Josh got me and ihome alarm clock... YAY! I have wanted one of those for ever! He also gave me "ME TIME" that includes all I want babysitting from daddy and a brand new pass to the gym. He seriously couldn't have given me anything better. Just what this woman needs... time for ME!!!! It was nice to spend Xmas morning here at our little humble abode and had everyone come over for breakfast and presents. Ahhh, such a great day! Hope every ones was a nice as ours!

Grandma Kimball and Savanna Xmas eve

Aunt Kelsi, Savanna and Makade Xmas eve

Savanna Dance Recital

2010-01-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm thinking there aren't many things cuter than little girls in a tu tu! Savannas first dance recital did not disappoint. She looked so grown up! Her teacher even pulled me aside and said how much "she rocked" at this dance. Of course, you hope your child "rocks" but to have the teacher tell you she "rocks" is just a bonus! I hadn't seen her do it yet, seeing as parents day was in October, so her snazzy Jiggle Bell number was a complete surprise. Curtains opened and FRONT and CENTER was my baby girl! Her preschool sang some cute songs too. She sang Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Let it Snow, Once there was a Snowman and Rudolf! Sure love you Savy! It was crazy so I didn't get pictures of her biggest fans but they included... Mom, Dad, Lil brother Makade, Grandpa and Grandma Kimball, Aunt Kelsi and Mitch!

At home getting ready to go! She was seriously so excited!

Pre Performance... getting ready to go out shake her booty!

Her dance class!

Post Performance... smiling and happy!

Once there was a Snowman!

Singing her heart out!

Family fun part 2

2009-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finally figured out my computer. I love my mac but I have only known how to use a pc so learning all the new functions has been difficult for me... slowly but surly I am catching on! Here are a few more photos of our fun day in the mountains!

Family Fun

2009-12-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Before the snow hit and it got too cold, we decided to head on up to our beautiful mountains and have some fun! 6 4- wheelers + 4 joiners + 1 razor + 1 dirt bike + 1 camper + a bunch of family and friends = lots and lots of fun! My aunt got some really good pictures, but of course I can't figure out how to transfer them from my email, to my computer and then to my blog. One day I will be computer smart! So these are just a few I snapped!

Black Eyed Boy

2009-12-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

So, Makade is now mobile and into everything. The kid is more trouble than I can handle! And as you can see he doesn't have very good judgement. He runs into more walls, chairs, beds, couches... you name it and he either crawls into it or just falls over and bonks his head. Here is his very first black eye! As he was trying to stand up by a chair, he lost his grip and hit the chair. When he looked up he instantly had a big black eye. I felt awful, like I was the worst mom ever for not "watching" him closer. Then a friend told me that her pediatrician once said "if your kid isn't getting bruises or bumps than you are watching him too closely... let them be a kid!" I think if that is true, I am doing a VERY GOOD job! But really, it wouldn't matter how close I watch him. He will crawl right into the wall with both Josh and I sitting there. He is such a boy! I sure love you Kader!

Happy 3rd Birthday Princess Savanna

2009-12-01T09:44:00.001-08:00

I can not believe my little baby girl is officially 3 years old! Where did the time go? She is such a blessing in my life... I am so grateful to have her as my baby girl! We had a fun time at Disney Princess, as you already saw, and then on her actual birthday we had some friends and family over for some very yummy cake and ice cream. The child was spoiled beyond spoiled and I am trying to figure out how to begin to top that for Christmas or even the next birthday! Her favorite gift was her Cinderella doll with her Cinderella dress! I love you Savanna!

Happy Birthday baby girl!

Opening gifts... it was like Christmas morning!

Grandma Kimball

Grandpa Kimball

"Ola" aka Nola

Uncle Jay and Auntie

Cousin Kylee, Grandma and Grandpa Howell

Me and Liv givin' each other loves!

Pre Birthday Celebrations!

2009-11-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

So for our baby girls 3rd birthday party celebration, we decided it would be fun to do Disney Princess on Ice. And oh, was that a smart decision! We got her all decked out in her Sleeping beauty dress, crown, shoes and she was ready to go! SHE LOVED every minute of it... best part, we went with her BFF Liv. Her birthday is just about 2 weeks before Savannas, so it just all fell together perfectly. And we had AMAZING seats. Center arena, 5th row back... we could see the sweat on the skaters faces :) Both girls sat with eyes glued on skaters, with smiles from ear to ear. So much fun to watch. She loved seeing all the princesses... Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Mullan, Jasmine, Snow White, Little Mermaid and Cinderella. Birthday girls + moms + dads = pure Happiness! I am going through some major issues thinking my baby girl is turning 3 next week... I'm sure I will learn to cope with it but until then, I think I'm in denial.

We were right in the action!

This is my favorite... look at the proud daddies walking with their girls!

Best Friends for Life!

Birthday Girls

Aladdin

Cinderella... the horses were so cool!

I mean seriously...now you can see why it was a fun show to watch!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Well we got off easy this year with trick or treating. Makade only made it 3 houses... after which he went to bed. Costume and all, he was in bed and asleep by 7. Only on a night I want him to stay awake, he falls asleep at 7!!! Savanna only made it to about 10 houses. After that she said..."I think it's time to go home mom. I want to say 'trick or treat' to dad, so lets go home." No complaints here! Except, I wish more people would have seen my Lil' Diva Devil and Baby Devil. They were so darn cute! Happy Halloween to everyone... til next year!

Savanna with her cousins (Monicas kids) Zander, Josie and Megan

Halloween Fun

2009-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Savanna had her preschool Halloween parade yesterday and it was a HUGE success. She loved it and loved wearing her costume. And might I ad, she looked freakin' cute! My little Diva Devil! The parents were invited to so a trunk or treat for the kids... which I was so out trunk or treated! I will do better next year. As the kids went from car to car, that was also their parade. There were some super cute Halloween costumes... cute cute kids! I got Makade all decked out too, but he slept the entire time. I guess that was good considering it was FREEZING outside! Anywho, enjoy these sweet pictures. More to come from actual Halloween!

Go Red!

2009-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Savanna had red day the other day at school, so you gotta know I would get her all decked out in the proper red attire. I'm a Ute fan through and through... Josh on the other hand has to be anything but a Utah fan just to go against me... suck a stinker. I can't help that I graduated from the best school ever! But my baby girl sure looks good in red... brings out her beautiful red hair!