Four of my Favorite people

Joseph: almost one year old; favorite things: Daddy, cars, balls.

Hewlett: 4 years & 9 months; favorite things: learning to read, Phineus and Ferb, and chocolate milk.

William: 9 years & 9 months; favorite things: skateboarding, Karate and acting/drama/storytelling.

Noble: 11 years & 7 months; favorite things: cell phone, conversations, fedora hats.

Family Pix

A couple weeks ago I won a photo shoot on facebook.com from a friend of a friend. We rushed and got it done before w left on our trip to Arizona - even I was surprised we pulled off! But here are some the pic that I enjoyed.


My Super Cute boys

Me and my super cute boys

My super cute boys and my super wonderful husband

A reality shot of our super fun family

Grand Canyon South Rim

For one day of our Arizona trip we visited the Grand Canyon's South Rim. I had seen the Grand Canyon before from the North Rim. I have also seen it from a plane several times. But I think no matter how many times you see it you will still be inspired and amazed with it. This was our boys first time seeing it in person, not in books or from an airplane.


Pictures just don't do it justice, not in size or color.

At the Watch Tower.

Pictures of people.
It was Sunday so at the end of our day we found a quiet place and had a testimony meeting. Alec's Dad has a great story about gaining his testimony at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It fit well to share that with the boys on this trip.

We had found a quiet place for lunch and had a picnic. Noble had expressed concern about not spending money on Sunday. So we didn't. We were able to eat PB&J and other food we had in the car for the whole day! Way to set an example Noble!

Our August Vacation

We stayed here, Pinetop, Arizona



We did simple things like roast marshmallows on campfires.



With Alec's good parents, Val and Laura




We saw beautiful things and places.


And then there was home sweet home!

Proud

Noble lost in thought as he tosses a volleyball.




ps - his shirt says: Proud to be awesome

It's all fun until someone (almost) loses an eye!

Liam's War Wound.


Not the most flattering picture of him.

Read like the game Clue.
Who: Liam
Where: In the Pool
What: Super Soaker Water Gun to the face while wearing goggles
By: Big Brother Noble

He was pretty freaked out. I was too at first because he came out of the pool covered in blood, you know how much the face bleeds and what blood looks like when it is mixed with water? But once I got him cleaned up and the bloody nose stopped, my mood lightened. Maybe it lightened to much for Liam at first. Noble feels badly. It was an accident. As much of an accident that throwing an oversized watergun towards your brother in a pool can be accident. Lessons learned. And at least he had (protective) Water/Swim Goggles on. Brother Roberts is always telling us to put on protective eye wear!

So what color would you say his eyes are?

At 11 months - this is what his eyes look like.
I have been saying for a few months now that his eyes are blue-grey-green-hazel-brown expecting them to pick a color soon. I am just wondering if they are going to pick a color or just be a variety. All of his brothers eyes had set in their true color by six months.


Joseph's Eyes

What color do you think they are or will be?

Pictures with Instructors

Liam poses with Mr. Gago after earning his Yellow belt. I would have to but in and use my Super-Momma powers if Mr. Gago ever really was sparring with Liam. Or any of the boys. This XMA black belt scares me - but he is very nice.

Mr. Gago and Noble
Again - I am just not sure if Mr. Gago appreciates the Momma Bear in me!

Mr. Lopez and Liam.

Mr. Lopez and Noble ham it up after class.

Mr. Lopez does a great job of teaching the kids not only Karate but discipline and respect while making it fun at the same time. He goofs off with the kids, but makes it clear when it is time to be serious. Even as serious and formal as graduation was, he and Noble got in a touched you last contest that lasted the duration of class. He lets the kids try and attack him, and plays along for a bit, but he always takes them down and reminds them he is a black belt and has been doing Karate for 20 years.

Mr. Lopez also allows Noble and Liam to help out in Hewy's class. They are learning a great deal of leadership from that experience twice a week. He said after graduation "I'm not married and I don't have kids, you all are my family." Liam then asked if we could have him over for dinner. Maybe someday.

Yes, more Karate

I know. It's a lot about Karate. But you have to understand just how time consuming Karate is in our life right now. Two hours, three times a week. And that's just at the school. Not to mention all the talk and practice at home. Sometimes I feel like we do more karate than anything else.


Proud new yellow belted brothers.

Noble and Liam's class!

Karate can be serious - but it's also fun!

And this handsome and strong man is my Sweetheart!

Noble Yellow Belt

Noble breaking his board to graduate to a Yellow belt. I like Mr. Lopez stance - he knows Noble is tough and he was prepared for some strength.

Proud of himself - as he should be.

Noble being congratulated by Mr. Lopez as he receives his Yellow belt. (note, some inconsiderate parent walked in front of me as I snapped the picture. this is the cropped picture from the reflection in the mirror)

So proud!
So much sweat and hard work, time and aching muscles earned this belt!

Liam Yellow Belt

Liam breaks his board to graduate to a Yellow belt.

Nice!
Liam broke it with one kick!
Pretty proud!

Mr. Lopez congratulates Liam and hands him his Yellow belt.

A lot of time, work, dedication, muscle aches and sweat went into earning this clean new belt!

Noble Stripe test

Noble high fives Mr. Lopez after earning his stripe. He told Noble he was proud of him. I know he was proud of everyone that day, but we were especially proud of Noble because he had an asthma attack during the stripe test. Once we got him breathing regularly again - he returned to the test. Way to go Noble!

No one sweats more than Noble in class.
Look at those three stripes!