0 to 6 in the blink of an eye

can you believe that this little girl...

is now a big 6 year old?

(my very sad attempt to make a castle cake:)

To Grace:
So far, you've made this parenting thing seem like such a breeze. You are definitely a tough act to follow. But Clark and Audrey are very lucky to have such a great example.
People you haven't seen you in a while always comment on how much older you seem. I tell them it's that darn kindergarten. It has certainly aged you. You are no longer a toddler, but a beautiful little girl.
This last valentine's day I asked you who were your friends in your class. You named everyone's name off that class list. You have this wonderful ability to make friends with anyone you meet. Just one of the things I love about you.
Thanks for being the sweetest daughter. Love you sweetie!

what to do!?!

...problem solved!

'Family...isn't about time?'

We've been here in LA for almost 2 years now

and this last Sunday,
we finally made it to see some cousins of Andy's.
Austin (not pictured above, but is Randall, his brother) is leaving to serve a mission in Chicago.
I guess we'll be seeing him in another 2 years.
I'm sure we'll connect with their family little more often.

But it was great to see familiar faces in our neck of the woods.
Here are the rest of the pics we came away with.

And...Action!

There are definitely little perks to living in SoCal.
Andy and I got to enjoy one of those this past week...
we went to a taping of The Big Bang Theory.
Of course we couldn't have done it without the help of some wonderful friends.
(this is starting to sound like an acceptance speech)

Thanks to Christa and Dan (but mostly Christa) for watching the kids
til our other friends, Cori and Greg could take them for the evening.
You guys rock!

But the whole experience was just fun.
Fun to get out and just be with Andy.
Fun to be entertained.
Fun to listen to the same jokes a few times,
but then hear a new punch line unexpectedly.
Fun to watch audience members make complete fools of themselves in between takes...
all for a little piece of candy.

This was definitely something I've always wanted to do...
I guess you could say this is now scratched off my bucket list.

so long, farewell...

mom and dad:

your trip was short but sweet,
perhaps next time you'll stay an extra week.
but we'll take you when you can
cause we know you have to answer to the tax man.
the beach was fun and sunny,
unlike utah were you dress like snow bunnies.
our kids enjoyed your company,
especially when you passed out the free *money.
thanks for your help with the family history
it's good to know our ancestors are no longer a mystery.
so back on the road you must go,
just know that you are loved and we'll see you perhaps when there's no more snow.


*just teasin' :)

#1 fan

Who would have thought that when I got the 'Michael Jackson Experience' on the Wii that Clark would be the one to ask to dance to it...everyday. He has become a big fan of the king of pop. In fact that is what he's doing right now. It's pretty dang cute to watch. For those of you who would like to see for themselves, well, you'll just have to come in person. I'll only charge a small admission charge:)
Some of his favorites include: Thriller, Beat It, and The Girl is Mine. We have also been listening to his songs in the car. So for the first time in my life, I'm a little 'michael-ed out'.
But it's still fun to watch a 3yr old boogie down to some michael.