love these kids

We are going to Phoenix this weekend, my sweet sister Laura is throwing a baby shower for me and it is tomorrow.

I know this picture is dark, but I love seeing my kids all in the back seat together, especially if they are getting along:) The iPad helps with traveling.

We got to my parents house and put the kids to bed. I came in to find that Marlee had gotten in bed with her brothers, so cute. I had to get a picture and as I turned the light on Clayton started to wake. Luckily, he went right back to sleep.

I’m going to miss these days. I want to cry just thinking about them leaving home.

be my valentine…or don’t

Marlee was sent home from preschool with a Valentine list, you know with everyone’s names on it so you don’t leave anyone out.

I could be wrong, but I’m thinking she does not like Sean. She not only wrote down everyone’s names but his, she took the time to cross his name out- ha ha ha. Don’t worry, Sean still got a Valentine from Marlee.

Pinterest fan

I’m a fan of Pinterest…bless the person who invented it. I used to save things I liked in a word document, but Pinterest has opened up a whole new world:) Anyways, I like to find little girl hairstyles to try out on Marlee. Today we did this braid and I think it turned out cute.

Marlee approves.

pinewood derby

For some reason I always get mixed up and call the pinewood derby pioneer derby instead- ha ha ha ha. My boys correct me every time. Well, it’s that time of year again. This year Clayton is too old and so only Porter is in it. Our kids are so lucky that they have a dad that knows how to do so much and takes the time to teach and help them. I think Laun gets into this stuff as much as the kids do.

Porter gets pretty excited for the big night. Luckily Laun took pictures of the race because I was there for the beginning and end of the races and missed the middle in order to pick up Clayton from soccer practice and missed all of Porter’s car racing- ugh. If only a mom could be in two places at once.

Look how cute Porter is waiting for his car to race. The anticipation is building.

He had one fast car.

He won fastest car for his pack and fastest car of the night!

#1 baby

These two were especially excited that they made the winning car.

endocrinologist

Porter had a doctor appointment with the endocrinologist today. Whenever we go to UMC my kiddos always want to visit the cafeteria. They picked out eel sushi and tapioca pudding. After lunch Porter got a hand x-ray and some blood work. These tests will help the doctor decide if Porter needs growth hormones or not.

Show-low

Friday

We took a much needed weekend trip.

Laun doesn’t usually have “bad ideas” – until he thought it was a good idea to take our cat with us on the trip. Mind you we took the Tahoe, not the truck, so the cat rode inside the vehicle with us. It actually ended up being a good idea though because it made for some good laughs…like when the cat did this:

And continued to do this for a bit while Laun was driving. Not recommended for safe driving.

Our kids were excited to get out of the car, as I’m sure the cat was, too.

Saturday

What a great day. Laun and I went on not only one date today, but two! Now that is a rarity.

This morning we went to the Snowflake temple with the Larsens and Lucy met us there.

You can see my prego belly in this picture.

Laun with his beautiful sister Jennette.

 

During the day I ran errands with Jennette.

Marlee was excited to wear her new outfit (that matches her dolls) that Grandma Lucy gave her.

Tonight we went to a Charity dinner with John & Jennette with Johns work. The dinner was amazing. There was lots of bidding on all these fancy desserts and prizes.

Checking out the raffle tickets, hoping to win, no luck.

Second date of the day! We won’t have this happen for a long time again, especially with a new baby coming.

Our little sleeping angel.

Sunday

Yes, I took a selfie in the church restroom- ha ha ha. I gotta document this growing prego belly of mine somehow. Can’t wait to meet this baby boy!

Laun took his mom on a drive and they went to Lon’s Canyon.

We had a great trip.

life’s exhausting when you’re this cute

Marlee the artist

I love Marlee’s drawings. I thought this recent one was cute.

fun day

I love spending individual time with my kids. I think it’s so much fun because a) They can’t fight with their siblings and b) They talk up a storm and tell me all sorts of stuff.

This morning I took Marlee to her friends birthday party. She has made a lot of good little buddies since she has lived here for most of her life.

This pictures blurry, but one of her favorite friends is Hailey. Her and Marlee are in the same Primary at church and the same preschool. 

I took Porter to Applebee’s for half off appetizers and we got a pina colada to share.

better late than never

I finally got around to taking Marlee’s birthday pictures. Her birthday was a week ago, but I guess it’s better late than never.

This adorable girl has had a good year. She is tough, sweet, full of attitude, smart, funny, happy, emotional, confident, girly, passionate and a big tease. She likes to dress herself and pays attention to details. She’s excited to be a big sister soon and loves her daddy. She started preschool which she attends three days a week. She has enjoyed learning and does a good job writing her name. She likes writing small words and sounding out letters. She can’t wait to read someday. She has been learning some math tricks from her big brothers. She likes socializing and loves going to friends houses. She loves to color and cut, anything where she can be creative. She loves being a CTR and never wants to miss church. And the biggest news of all…she quit sucking her thumb (which makes her the proud new owner of a Pocahontas Barbie- Disney Store was all out of Frozen Barbie's). So you will notice that in this group of photos there is none with her thumb in her mouth- first time ever!

little poser

She’s now 5 and looks like she’s pledging allegiance.

I love this girl.

I think its fun doing her hair…when I actually do it.

Favorite picture of the day:

Clayton loves to give bunny ears.

I love having a daughter. I love you Marlee Cate Hall- you are the cutest girl of all!