Mississippi Adventure!

January 12-18th I left my wonderful husband home with the girls and took off to see an old friend in Mississippi! The south was definitely different, but we had a blast! Maybe next time she can make a trip up here:):) WARNING!! There might be some CRAZY pictures below, so watch out!! I forgot about my camera for the first few days, so I had to make up for it:)I really wanted to take pictures of us at the gym, especially while Camille taught her kick boxing class and when we played racquetball, but you can just picture those times in your mind:):):) Our first camera adventure was going outside in the sun!! The weather was cold and cloudy until I get there, then it became happy!:) hee, hee! Here's Camille with her daughter Brooklyne and son Tanner! Her oldest Trent and I played some hoops, but I don't know what happened to the ball here, but he totally kicked my bootie! We took apicture of ourselves and I thought I would make a funny/icky face... then she thought she would try that... finally we took a decent one! Camille's husband was kind enough to watch all 4 kids while her and I drove 3 hours to Birmingham to go to the temple and then stay at a hotel and shop the next day! We were sooo late to the temple (8 minutes before the session!) so I didn't get a picture! After the temple we had to go to Target because we needed some snacks and the closest one to Camille's cool town of Meridian is 90 minutes! So, she NEEDED to go:):) Camille found this awful hat and felt the need to try it on... then she MADE me try one on...not coool! But, these pants were cool!!! I spared everyone the horror of trying them on. Your Welcome! That night in our super cool hotel Camille worked diligently at getting her computer to work so we could watch "Because I Said So." Success! Before bed we put on our newly purchased eye masks from the dollar bin at Target! Too cute, right? Camille caught me in the act: Of Sleeping! The next morning we had a yummy Belgian waffle breakfast at the hotel and prepped for some shopping!!! To get us in the mood, we tried on some super cool dresses! The store clerk was not happy when we didn't purchase any of these fabulous $100 dresses! How do you like the peacock look? Next up, Camille's multi-colored 70's dress! This was actually my favorite. I might have actually bought it if it was one size bigger, longer and cheaper! Camille in her black and white dot dress. Her husband called it a cow dress. I can see why he might think that:) This was kind of cute too, but wow!! How short! I picked this one out for Camille! I thought pink might suite her:) Now, we're ready to shop!!! Camille bought this magnificent pumps and HAD to take a picture of them! They are pretty dang cute! We had fun at Old Navy and The Gap and I'd like to thank them for providing Rachel with her wardrobe for next and under $30!!! Whoot, whoot!! To get us prepared for the ride home, we went to P.F. Chang's happy hour! Just what we needed! We got home late Saturday night, but were able to get up bright and early for 9am church! We are troopers! And Camille even had to teach! I LOVE these shoes Camille has on!! ME with all of the cute kiddos that I adopted for the week. I had to cope with missing my kids somehow:) Me, Brooklyne, Kolby, Tanner, and Trent! What a handsome bunch! Don with his two wives! He was happy all week long! (Please note sarcasm here!!!!) Thanks Lowe family for putting up with me for 6 whole days!!! I don't know how you did it, but I do appreciate it! Love you all and miss you!

Family visit!

My brother and his wife Christiana were not able to come for Christmas, but they came in JAn. to visit! The kids were so excited to have their own personal slave around:) Christiana is an amazing cook and we made some delicious dishes, unfortunately all we took a picture of was this mound of yummy jello popcorn! Man, who's huge hand is that? The girls really did hog most of Dylan's attention, but obviously he didn't mind so much! Of course the boys had their computer game night! Not such a good picture though:) They brought their dog Jameson, which the girls absolutely loved!! This was one of his "cool" spots: In the hula hoops. Don't ask! A finale good-bye! Can't wait to see you again soon. Yes, I really forgot about taking pictures while they were here. There are none of Christiana!! You'll have to com e back REALLY soon!

. . . When one leaves things unattended . . .

. . . things WILL happen! SQUIRREL! - Love you bunches Sarah from yours truly - - - Camille!

Ice Running!

Some friends from Rachel's kindergarten class invited us to go ice skating with them. We had a great time, even if our backs hurt afterward (from bending to hold Jayden!). First up though: Rachel's Christmas present from Jayden: Fake princess fingernails! Aren't they just beautiful? Jayden wanted them sooo badly, she got to try them later:) Now, the ice running! Here's Jayden with daddy before getting on the ice! This is Rachel and her friend Katie. Rachel could NOT get the ice skating down, so she ran on the ice and that pleased her just fine! Too cute! Jayden really enjoyed herself after the initial shock of standing on ice:) See how the back could be hurting after this? One hour later the kids were ready for a break and some nice warm cocoa! Brett was trying to get warmed up to by snuggling me. I guess I don't mind:) We'll have to try this skating thing again another time. Rachel was really getting into it towards the end!

Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas this year was pretty low key, but kinda nice that way:) The tree and presents are ready! Rachel's excitement Jayden's excitement She really didn't know what to do! Where to begin?! hula hoops first, then the stroller, and then the stockings! Rachel just dumped hers out so of course, Jayden had to grab hers. Nothing would dump out, so she had to pull her toys out. Puppets, a new fork and spoon and then time to open presents! Rachel so kindly sorted them out for us! Dad got a new fox wallet Mom got her new clock! Jayden got a new ABC toy, and Rachel got a "pretend" American Girl doll:) Another game for dad's collection: Forza 3!! Brett also gave some lotions and soaps, the ones I use not the stinky ones!:):) The happy clan with the gifts! Mom and Dad finally waking up:):) The aftermath of Christmas and Rachel playing with her new doll house form Santa! Time for the yummy hootenanny pancake and bacon breakfast! FAMILY CHRISTMAS! I'm missing some picture so I'll have to make another post later:):):) Grandpa Bob got the movie Clue and his favorite of all: chocolate chips! My mom received a calendar featuring women from the Old Testament! Me and my cute girls! The best gift of all! Merry Christmas!