So, Jake told me I have to post something. . .

My husband informed me that he had taken some pictures, and I needed to post them on the blog. There's not a whole lot to say about them. We haven't been doing very much this week. I caught a cold, so I have kind of been a stick-in-the-mud. I'm trying to figure out a routine now that summer's over, and plan activities for the kids during the day. My sister-in-law and I are doing a little preschool for our girls, and I've been planning that, generating ideas, and trying to get it all organized so we can start. I welcome any and all suggestions from other moms. I just could never justify the cost of sending Tay to a real preschool, when I could basically do the same thing at home. Plus, I want her home with me!! Jake is in the middle of some stressful job stuff, and we are always on edge when the phone rings, and this brings a little air of tension as well. We have still managed to have some fun. Life is full of ups and downs, and I definitely think that an up turn has gotta be coming our way!

We caved in, and bought the new Barbie movie for the kids. (Yes, Rohne loves them just as much as Tay does.) It is actually a really cute one. Here they are, enjoying the new movie.

Tay is still very much our little drama queen. She is so full of life, that it never makes life dull.

Here is a little video of what we were doing while Daddy made phone calls last night. It's all fun and games, until the Princess gets hurt!!

Tagged, Tagged, Tagged. . . Here ya go!

I've been tagged by my friend Kristie-

3 favorite things to do:
1-Running/Working out
2-take naps/sleep in
3-spend time with Jake and kids

3 places I have visited
(keep in mind I am from Wyoming, and have never been anywhere!)
1-Oregon
2-Arizona
3-Texas

3 places you want to go
1-Hawaii
2-New York
3-Cruise ship somewhere warm

3 favorite pets you've had:
1-Boots
2-Gypsie
3-Sassy (all dogs from my childhood)

3 favorite foods:
1-steak and potatoes
2-Sushi
3-Red Robin bacon cheeseburger

3 pet peeves:
1-dirty, gross feet, and people showing their dirty, gross feet
2-parents taking their kids out in public, especially church, when they're sick
3-Being late

3 goals in the future
1-Become a better housekeeper
2-Run a marathon, (I'm training for the 1/2 again in November)
3-Get my Bachelor's degree

3 most important things in my life
1-Family, Family, Family
2-The gospel
3-Friends, old & new

3 favorite colors
1-Pink
2-Red
3-Gray

3 people who need to fill this out
1-Amanda D.
2-Rachael C.
3- Bethany, Bethy

*And anyone else who wants to join in!

"WHITMEY, COME DOWN!!!"

Whitney went home last Sunday, so we have been without her for 4 days today. And, boy, do we miss her. I am very melancholy, and trying to figure out how to function. Whit, won't you come back, please!!! We had the best summer with her here. It was so nice to have someone to chat with, go see girly movies with, go running with, and be entirely myself with. Oh, and I loved when she braided my hair. My kids absolutely adored her. Especially our little guy. Today, he asked if we could go and get Whitmey, as he affectionally calls her, from work. I told him that she's at college, and can't come back. To which he replied, "But, I Yuuvvv Whitmey!" She is 8 years younger than me, so we didn't spend a lot of time together growing up, and she was only 11 when we got married. I have loved watching her grow into a beautiful woman, and am so thankful for the time we spent together when she was here. I learned some things about her: like how she can be a little snippy at times, definitely has her own opinions, is extremely stubborn, doesn't like being pushed into things, etc. But, the thing I will remember most is her big heart, her love for family, her AMAZING voice, and her fun, bubbly personality. She is going to make some man very lucky someday. Although we greatly miss her, (the tears are splattering the keyboard as I type) we are excited for this new chapter in her life, and know she will do absolutely wonderful. Thanks again for the best summer ever, Bubber! We love you!

Our last trip to Red Robin last week.

Last Hoo-Rah of the Summer

We spent Labor Day weekend up at Lake Kachess with our friends, Matt and Kristie, and their 3 kids. It was so fun, and a much needed getaway from normal life. Jake was very torn because his Fantasy Football draft was Sunday night, and there is no Internet up in the mountains. But, his very gracious brother agreed to draft for him, with Jake leading him over the phone, and in his own words, he has "The Best Team Ever." The weather was a little chilly, so we couldn't really get in the water. We took a fun hike, played many games of Ticket to Ride, ate lots of yummy food, and just vegged out and relaxed. Thanks for a wonderful time, friends!!

Quite a view, huh!

Throwing rocks in the lake

The boys chatting

The kids loved being outside, and relishing the last bit of summer

Trail Hiking. So pretty!

Silly girly

Picking Huckleberries. Yummy!

Kristie, and little M

The kids had their own playroom downstairs complete with bunk beds, toys, and video games. It was nice to not have to worry about them, while the adults hung out.

Here's us!

Boy #8 on Hamblin side

Okay, so I am officially admitting that I am a tad bit baby hungry. My good friends, Rachel and Rochelle just had the sweetest babies. And, on the 21st, Hamblin grandson #8 arrived. The problem is that none of these babies are close enough for me to hold and snuggle. Along with these new arrivals, I am surrounded on all sides by pregnant women. My Klein sister-in-law, Monique, Hamblin sister-in-law, Mary Beth, and friends, Kim, Melissa, and Lori are expecting in the not so distant future. However, when I look back at the pictures of myself after I just had a baby, I start remembering why I am not quite ready for baby #3. I did NOT in any way look as beautiful as my brother, Ben's wife, Heidi did after she had little Austin. Check it out.

Seriously gorgeous, skinny, model-esque photo. Look at the baby!!

Here's the whole happy family. They will have their hands full, but I know they will handle it perfectly!

Taylee's Mermaid Party

Even though Tay's birthday was Monday, she told us she wasn't officially 4 years old until she had her Mermaid party. So, we had one. The Seattle weather, of course, didn't cooperate, but wearing swimming suits inside was almost just as fun. We invited 5 of her close girlfriends, and everyone had a really good time. It was way less hectic than last year, if you remember my post from back then.

Here is her HUGE mermaid cake. Whit and I made it, along with the help from my very talented mother-in-law. It turned out so cute!

The moms actually came, and stayed too, which was a big help. I was really excited about this cute pink dress, while Tay was busy looking at toys.

McKay came to play with Rohne while all the girls did "girly" things.

She got some great gifts from her friends. Thanks everybody!

Group picture of everyone enjoying yummy cake.

The fishing pond was the favorite activity.

Cute little J dressed up like Ariel

Tay and her cake

Here's Rohne enjoying the party, and awaiting the candle blowing.

We decorated these sun visors with stickers, and glitter glue. (Thanks for the idea, Maggie!)

Samantha getting ready to pin the flower on Ariel

4 Happy Years, 4 Happy Birthdays

I can't believe that my little girly turns 4 today. I know all moms say this, but time does fly, and they grow up too fast!! I feel so blessed that her lovely spirit was entrusted to my care 4 years ago. She is such a joy in our lives. She has a vivid imagination, a jolly sense of humor, and loves to sing and dance. She is definitely our little princess, in every aspect of the word. Happy Birthday, Tay! We love you!

Her very first birthday

Turning #1

2 years old, and already dancing

Princess Aurora through and through

After the fair on Saturday, we had a little Princess party with just Jake's parents, and his sister. She dressed up like Cinderella, and we had a princess ice cream cake, and fun presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

This is a Barbie organizer to hang on her door. It is so good to have one place for all of her dolls.

She actually let Rohne help her blow out the candles.

Her, with all of her presents behind her.

How did she learn to pose like this?

What princess dress outfit would be complete without glass slippers?