Easter 2013

Fun times decorating Easter eggs...

These cute baskets were made by my mom and my sister a few years ago...when Maya came along they made her one, too.  Aren't they cute???  Love them!

Chilling at the Airport

I just came across this picture...it was one I took on my phone back in December, I think...the girls were on their way to their dad's house.  I love this picture.  The whole flying from one place to another to see parents is not ideal for sure, but I have always been grateful that no matter what, they always have each other.  They are such a blessing to each other.  

Whenever I have to send them away, it's always tough...but I think we all appreciate our time together more because of it.  Can't wait to see them again on August third!

Cousin Chelsea

Katelyn and Kira got to have a fun day at BYU with their Grandpa Thompson and their cousin, Chelsea Thompson (I guess Grandpa took this picture since he isn't in it).  When they brought the girls home it was so fun to see Chelsea...I think the last time I saw her she was a toddler!  She is getting married soon...they sure grow up fast!

FBLA Conference

One of the clubs that Katelyn was involved in this year was Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).  The highlight of the year was that several of them were selected to go to a conference in downtown Salt Lake.  They got to stay in hotel and everything.  Kate had a great time!

Our Belated Christmas With the Rest of the Kids

A couple of days after Christmas when Katelyn and Kira were back from their dad's in Texas and Colton, Bryson, and Chey were up to visit, we had the rest of our Christmas.  We love having everyone together.  Here's Colton with his Shakespeare book...

Bryson with his Big Bang Theory T-shirt...

Kira, Bryson, Maya, Me, CheyAnn, and Colton...

Chey in her monkey hat (Kira got a matching one)...

Bryson and his new drum heads...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend Bryce and Chey came up for a few days.  Colton went to his girlfriend's dad's house in California for the holiday weekend...it was weird having him gone.  As time goes by and the kids move on and get their own lives, I know I'll have to get used to them all not being together, but it is hard.  When everyone else is together it is so fun, but the One that is missing is still missed...

Thanksgiving dinner would not be complete without Grandma Needles' rolls.  Yum!

The cousins had fun hanging out together...here are Josh, Kate, Chey, Kira, Scotty, Tav, and I think that is the back of Megan's  head.  I am pretty sure that is Alyssa napping over on the couch. :)

Bryce playing on the computer and listening to his tunes...

The cousins playing some game...can't remember what.  Scotty, I think you are a little to big for the rocking horse!! lol

Chey and Maya having some sister time...

We didn't get time to put the tree up while Bryce and Chey were here, but once they were gone, we got it out.  Maya had fun "helping" us put it together...

Putting up the tree...

The rush to get ready for Christmas had begun!

The Christmas Card That Never Was...

As the kids get older, it is getting harder and harder to get everyone in the same place at the same time...so for the 2012 Christmas Card I saw this super cute idea on Pinterest where each kid holds a sign with one word or phrase on it that describes their year and then the parents are in another picture standing together with a sign that says, "Blessed".  I loved it and wanted to do it.  That required several photo shoots.  Here is the one that I did with Katelyn and Kira...