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Michelle, the last and final Louis to be married, tied the knot on June 24, to Dallin Thomas. We could not have been more proud! We love Dallin. They are living in GA, so we won't get to see them too often. But we had a blast while they were here! Lots of partying and playing! Their wedding day was beautiful. Even in June, and it wasn't too hot! They were the most beautiful couple. Being on a Tuesday, no one else was being married that day, so they let all of us (sisters and our mom) go into the bridal room to help her get ready. (Usually it's too crowded) It was fun to share that moment with her and to be with all my sisters and mom in that beautiful room. Thank you to Brent (Lisa's husband) who kept the kids entertained, to Lynn and Terry (my in-laws) for helping keep my kids happy, and Katie (my cousin) for babysitting while we were in the temple. Party, Party!! It was a wonderful day!
Kindergarten Graduation
Here are some cute pictures of Malia at her "graduation." This word always cracks me up. And I hear Mr. Incredible in my head every time. "He's moving from one grade to another." But, regardless, she looks adorable. Malia is my "fashion" girl. It was a luau, so we created a luau "look" that was still modest. Notice the accessories. She could have worn a sun-dress, instead she put this together. She usually dresses herself, but I have to approve sometimes or make some alterations. She cracks me up with the things she chooses, not because it doesn't match, but because she comes up with the most creative outfits,/layers, and looks great. She's beyond her years. Boy, are we in trouble when she hits high school! Yikes!
Liam Dance?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
We can't leave out Liam for the recital. He was such a trooper! Since the recitals were combined, it was a little longer than my piano recitals usually last. Liam was a PERFECT baby, if I may brag! Luckily he had some great family members there to hold him and keep him entertained. There were 35 dancers and 15 piano students performing. The dancers performed about 3 dances each and each piano student performed 2 songs. It seems like a lot, but it was the BEST recital to date. Here are some pictures of my Dad performing, my nephew Greyson, and my cousin Katie, just to name a few of my students. (We missed a pic of Kirra. Oops. We have it on video though. ha ha) My favorite thing with Trisha's performances, is the music is GREAT music and clean, the costumes are one of a kind and modest, and the dance moves are clean and AGE appropriate. I get tired of seeing recitals with little girls dressing like they are ready to hit the streets. (to put it delicately) This is Kirra's 4th studio, and I couldn't be happier! It's even better that it's their Aunt. I couldn't have been any prouder as a teacher and especially as a MOM!
Julia Dance
Here are Julia's pics. Stew took the pictures for all the dancers, hence some of the "behind the scenes" shots. He took the pictures from our garage and he does an AMAZING job! Julia was such a doll in the show. My favorite dance was the Bassanova, because they shook their hips while they spun in a circle. I just loved watching her shake her hips. DARLING! This class was the "aaahhhh" of the crowd. This was Julia's first recital, and she did great! She danced to Bassanova, Animal Crackers, and Christmas TIme. Another performer for the Van Buskirk family!
Malia Dance
Here are the pictures of Malia's dances. She was only supposed to be in 3 dances (Lollipop, Teddy Bear- by Elvis, and Andrews Sisters' Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree), but the other class that was her age, was small for the show. Trisha taught Malia the dances 3 days before the show, and she ROCKED! We were so proud. She loves to perform! Just ask her, and she'll dance for you. The other dances she did, were Papa Loves Mambo and Mr. Sandman.
Kirra Dance
Friday, July 25, 2008
The girls were in a dance recital at the end of May (yes, I know, I'm a little behind.) We have been very busy since, and I am finally catching up. Kirra performed in 2 dances, and performed with the cheer squad. She also performed 2 piano solos. My sister, Trisha, is their dance teacher and since so many of her students are my piano students, we combined recitals. It was really fun. It had a good flow from dancers to piano players. The piano students performed while the dancers were changing. Kirra's 2 dances were "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" and "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics. She performed 2 songs with cheer and 4 cheers. (She even got to lead one) I'm so proud of her. She really loves this!
A Day at the Zoo
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Every year we take the kids to San Diego Wild Animal park, on founder's day. It's free! Great tradition. The kids love it! This year my dad got to come. It was a very fun day! And it's never crowded! We even got to feed the birds. I was okay with one, then two, then three birds on my arm, but when the fourth landed, that was pushing the limits. Other kids were asking for me to share. YES! Take them! That's Malia's least favorite spot. The girls got to see their favorite animals. Kirra loves the giraffe, Malia loves the zebra, but Julia needs to go to China for the panda or Australia to see the kangaroo. Next trip?
a Brother with only Sisters
Poor boy! Here he is with his sisters sunglasses. He loved wearing them. He even pushed them (to get them off I'm sure) and they went to the top of his head and he left them there. I don't know if you can tell, but they are pink and Hello Kitty. He's cool! The next picture I need to blog is him playing with a Cinderella Barbie in the bath. His favorite toy in the tub. He's rolling everywhere and sits all by himself. He's getting so big. This week he even broke in 4 new teeth within 3 days. Ouch! He's 6 1/2 mo. Big boy!
Dallin's Graduation
Here are some pictures of Dallin's graduation. He graduated with his Masters from Emory College, Rollins School of Public Health. He's going to be a Dr.. Mr. Smarty! I was glad I got to be there. We love Dallin and are excited to have him be a part of our CRAZY family. He fits right in!
Trip to Georgia
I took a trip to Georgia to see Michelle and go to her bridal shower! It was such a fun trip. It was just me and Liam. He was perfect. People couldn't believe how good he was on the plane. Even the 2 mid-20's guys I was pinned in between on the way home. Even when I had to nurse Liam. (That was fun. ha ha) We did a lot of fun site seeing, like seeing Margaret Mitchell's home and the CNN building. We met a lot of wonderful people. They really are very friendly in the South. I even got to see Dallin (Michelle's Fiance') graduate with his Masters. Go Dallin! It was a GREAT trip. Only problem, it was not long enough. Another bummer was it was on Mother's day weekend, so I missed seeing the girls sing at church. But it was the most relaxing mother's day I could ask for. Dallin and Michelle barbequed salmon and asparagus and fresh mashed potatoes, made especially by Dallin (secret recipe). It was really fun when we went to Michelle's singles ward for church. I forgot how quiet sacrament meeting could be! Liam was the "oh's" and "awes" of the meeting. Thank you Michelle and Dallin for showing me a GREAT time!
Best Folder
Friday, May 16, 2008
I was having the girls help me fold the laundry, and Julia surprised us all! Usually I just give her the rags or dish towels. Who knew she could do this! She REALLY folded this all by herself. I think she might have to teach Kirra and Malia how to fold. :) They weren't folding laundry at her age. She's only 3!
A Dynamite Whistler Adventure
Monday, April 28, 2008
I thought I'd post what I was doing while Kristine was in Idaho. Now keep in mind that this trip was all planned and paid for long before the graduation trip came up. Please don't judge me and call me a deadbeat dad. While that may still be true, I don't think this is the evidence that proves it.
I've been going on trips with these guys (at least Scott [bro-in-law] and Andy [Scott's best friend]) for more than the last 15 years. There have a number of surfing trips to Baja, a trip to Whistler once previous, and countless surf / skate / snowboard sessions around the local spots. There is always a theme, or themes that pop up. This trip was Napoleon Dynamite quotes, and I think we exhausted nearly every one of them. Scott and myself are HS teachers and Andy is a college prof, so we hear stuff like this all of the time. Matt is a Dr., so he hears them also, so it was too much fun to be quoting Napoleon, Kip, Deb, Pedro and Uncle Rico. A couple of other themes popped up too, but the main one was definitely Napoleon. The video was made by the ubber-talented Andy Norman. Enjoy!
Stew
Very Busy Family!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but you'll see why. We haven't been home too much lately. So, I finally got caught up today. Sorry for the pile of posts at once. I haven't even posted to other blogs lately either. I'll be looking soon. Trying to catch up! Enjoy. We've had lots of fun!
Liam's First Haircut
Okay, when an old lady tells you "Now that's a comb over," you know it's time to cut your son's hair. I was hanging on to his baby hair, but I didn't want to be the "comb over" mom! Stew was afraid on the buzzing by his ear, but he loved the contraption. Here are the before and after shots. He is so darn cute! Now he really looks like his daddy! With his new haircut, he also wore his first tie to church. CUTIE!
Trip to Rexburg
People thought I was nuts when I said I was driving to Rexburg by myself. Lisa was graduating from BYU and Michelle was going through the temple for the first time. I wouldn't miss either in a million years! Luckily, last minute, my parents (who were originally going to fly) and Trisha decided to go, and drive, so we went together. It was very fun. We had some long stops, but the kids needed the stretch. A 13 hour trip, up and back. Not bad. I stayed with my best friend, Marci, for a day in Saratoga Springs. We took the kids to the Monte L. Bean museum (had to see the Liger!) in Provo, and the kids had fun jumping on the trampoline in the snow (NEVER done that before!), and playing "Zoinks" a Scooby Doo game. Then I picked up Tracey at her friend's house, and we headed for Rexburg. We all made the graduation by minutes, having time to change our clothes. Then the next day was all about Michelle going to the temple. Very AWESOME to have all my family there (aside from husbands). Then we drove back to Salt Lake for some shopping on Saturday, preparing for Michelle's upcoming wedding. I will save the shots of the dress for after the wedding. Surprise! We also drove by Brody Dezember's studio (Lisa and Brent's wedding photographer) and got to see the HUGE displays of them. Here is a shot from the outside window. I think he really liked their shots. There were, I think, 4 floor to ceiling posters from their wedding. Michelle and Dallin are using him for their wedding too! Can't wait for June! We also, hit Cove Fort on the way back, and took the tour. The kids love learning about pioneers. It was a WONDERFUL trip, and the kids (ALL 4!) are awesome travelers! Stew couldn't come because he had already planned a trip (it was his spring break) to Whistler, Canada, to snowboard. He was bummed he couldn't come, but I'm sure he wasn't too sad when he hit the slopes!
Future Surfer?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Stew and Liam, both, were in awe with the ocean. Stew tries to surf as much as possible and Liam, you could tell, felt the same peace from the ocean. It was a very fun moment to catch. I was cold with the ocean breeze, but these two were nice and warm, even with their bare feet. Like father like son, I guess! (This was on our trip to Ventura)
My Birthday Surprise
Stew surprised me and took me away for my birthday weekend. We went to Ventura and stayed in a hotel that was right in the middle of town. We walked the shops and then walked to the beach. It was so peaceful and relaxing! The best present was in the mornings, Stew took Liam for a walk, so I could sleep in. (Very rare for me. ha ha) Since I'm still nursing, we had to bring Liam, of course. And my parents watched the girls. Our hotel was an old firehouse, converted into a hotel in the 50's. Our hotel was named for the tower, The Clocktower Inn. So of course we couldn't help but say, "Save the Clocktower" every time we passed it. We were walking distance to San Buenaventura, one of the California Missions. Here we are in front of a statue of Father Serra, a founder of the CA missions. We would love to move to Ventura, so that's why Stew took me there. It was an awesome birthday! Liam was very good, and Stew got to really spend time with him, and enjoy him. Since usually he comes home from work and he's cranky and ready for bed. We also drove (about 20 min.) to Santa Barbara and walked the pier. Thank you for a perfect weekend!
Malia's Party
Here are some pictures of Malia's birthday party. We had a tea-princess party. The girls dressed up and brought their favorite doll. The girls had fun eating mini cakes and heart sandwiches, drinking from their tea cups. They were very cute. Malia was in heaven! They played princess-princess-frog (duck, duck, goose) with a wand, made princess crowns and bracelets, and luckily Aunt Trisha was there to dance with them while I played a little Pride and Prejudice on the piano. They were so cute dancing and feeling like real princesses! It was a fun and simple party.
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