What Do We Do Now ?

Our greatest friends, the Beechers, came and spent almost one whole week with us and we had so much fun. They got in late Thursday night and then, sadly, had to depart this morning. We're in tears and so confused we don't know what to do without them. But, we are so grateful that they took the time and effort to come all the way down to AZ to see and stay with us.
What did we do while they were here, not much more than hanging out and good conversation...but here are a few things...
Christine laid out in the sun and the kids went swimming. YES, they did. It was cold, but they had so much fun! The girls played barbies the boys played video games and Colin and Eryn just about played everything. The kids got along the whole time...I don't think I heard or witnessed one single fight. I was amazed. Christine and I did some shopping and took the girls with us one day. Christine and I met up with some very special friends for breakfast at The Good Egg. It was fun to visit with Jenny and Shawna, a little Texas reunion, hopefull we've convinced Christine to move home to AZ so we can all get together more often. Jens and Chris rode a 100 miler in Tucson and then rode every where else here! They got some good miles in and were very pleased with themselves and we're all very proud of them too. We all watched movies together and played at the park and ate good food, and ate and ate and ate.






Thanks again Beechers! We had the best week! Come ANYTIME! Cassie, thanks for being such a great big sister to our girls, an awesome babysitter for all the kids and just an absolute pleasure to have around!! Craig, thanks for being such a great best friend to Briggs. Colin, thanks for loving us all and for making us smile. Chris and Christine, thanks for your friendship and for just being soo easy to hang around and have fun with. (Christine, thanks for listening to me!!!) We love you all! Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe trip home!

Happy Birthday Eryn Jane...

Eryn Jane is "officially" 4 years old and she is so happy about it. It's taken me a while to update my blog...but here they are...some pictures of her special day. We spent the Saturday, before her birthday, at the park playing, eating and enjoying time with family and friends. She had an Ariel cake and pinata along with balloons and treats and lots of presents. The kids all had a great time whacking the pinata and each one got a turn. Alex and Briggs got the final blows and did her in.
It was especially fun to see Oma Anni and spend some time with her. She had just arrived from Germany the day before and we all feel so blessed that she is here to visit.
All in all....Eryn had a very special 4th birthday! Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate.

...and tomorrow never came...

I haven't been too "into" the blogging thing lately. Not that it wasn't fun...but that's just how I am. Really into something, then it's history and I move on to the next big thing. I figure I really need to keep it up and print it all out because this is the only journaling I do. So, I'm going to try. I know I still haven't posted Eryn Jane's birthday pictures. There's just been lots going on, as is the story with everyone at this time of year. And now I have no camera because it's with the Geek Squad getting fixed. They told me to expect it in 2 weeks. So, no Thanksgiving pictures, but hopefully I'll get it back by Christmas. We shall see.

Our friends, The Beechers, arrive tomorrow night. We are so excited we can hardly stand it. Trying to get everything in order and nice for when they arrive. I freak out cleaning when people come to visit. No matter who it is, it's just my thing and Jens can never change that...to his great disappointment. I think I feel like if its really clean and comfy then people will come back and also, I've finished all my chores and then have the whole time to play with my friends. And play we will.....the guys are off to Tucson on Friday and Saturday for a bike race. Good Luck to them.....Christine and I will be doing our own thing while the kids play and play and play! Hopefully Christine brings her camera so I can share some pics with you...

changed a bit...

Back to the same old slideshow and some new colors for fall.....I'm not too pleased with it. Will come up with something new and something that I like, hopefully tomorrow. With pictures of Eryn Jane's birthday party at the park and a new slideshow to get us ready for Thanksgiving! See ya tomorrow blogger!

Getting Ready To Be "4"...

Eryn Jane is going to have a birthday party this Saturday and she can hardly wait. But she will tell you that it's not a birthday party.....no, it's an Ariel Party. We are making cookies and cupcakes, buying party supplies and, just this morning, stuffing her Mermaid pinata with candy. We'll see how she reacts when we start letting the kids hit it with a bat, I'm a bit worried. It is a bit violent. She loves little mermaid..I'm not sure what I was thinking. Kids wacking little mermaid to death. Jens thinks I should have gotten a crab pinata...but, poor Sebastian. Oh well! We shall see!

Happy Halloween!

We had a very fun Halloween night. Jens's family and our neighbors The Brittons, came over for chili, cornbread, salad, Halloween punch, FUNJUNS (YES!), pumpkin cupcakes, cookies, and more cookies. It was fun to hang out and eat. Then, Allison and I took the eager kiddos around the neighborhood to collect their goodies. They got sooo much candy. We had to use an extra bag because the kids buckets were overflowing. They had so much energy and so much fun. My mom was also able to stop by and see the kids, they loved that. Especially since she brought and extra special treat for them. Bedtime came swiftly and surely, they were out in seconds.Thanks to all the fam and friends who helped us make this Halloween so special and so much fun! We love Ya!


Jens, Kenny, Allison & Ashlynn

all the kids, minus Briggs, once he got in with the group my camera started acting up! Time to camera shop!


Oma, Marcus & sweet baby Heidi the monkey! She wouldn't keep her hat on!

Ready to Go!!!

The Princess & Two Ballerinas! All very beautiful, of course!

Pumpkin Massacre...

For family night we got ready for Halloween by buying pumpkins and carving them. Reagan and Eryn loved pulling out "the guts" as they called them. Briggs didn't like the feeling and refused to clean his pumpkin. He quickly changed his mind when we told him that if he wanted to carve it he had to clean it! They all ended up having a good time and got very creative. Eryn wanted a goofy, happy face. Reagan wanted hers to be scary and Briggs created a Pokeball on his. They were so ready for Halloween!