Joy

Just a little joy from my life... ...my forever family

...always having my best friend and true love by my side

...knowing that my Savior lives and is always there for me

...enjoying the endless beauty of this earth

...heaven on earth.

Discovery Science Center

Just a little Thanksgiving weekend excursion...

To the AZ

Ryan's work was holding a convention at the Montelucio Resort in Arizona, so I decided to come along and my mom watched the kids for a couple of days. It was also my high school reunion, so I got to meet up with a couple of friends for lunch. My sister Michelle took our family pictures for my birthday present. She did an awesome job!!! Check out her blog here: http://greerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/mg81882-by-robdare1-on-flickr.html

I met up with the McBeth family. I used to babysit for them when they were babies... it is crazy how old they all are.
Tatum holding the her little cousin, Luke.

Grandpa Nelson and Davis.

SeaLife Aquarium

We decided since there was no school we had to do something special... so we went to The Sealife Aquarium to check out some awesome sea creatures. The favorite of the day was the zebra sharks who kept coming up to the glass to "kiss" the kids. On our way home, we decided to take an impromptu detour to Oceanside Beach. No suits or sand toys, but they kids still managed to have a good time digging holes, finding sand crabs, and chasing the waves.

Yippi Yi oh Ki Yah

Chocolate Pudding Painting

Messy, fun, and Delicious! A nice Sunday afternoon acticity... next time, we will remember to change out of the dress-clothes first.

Ryan's Company Picnic

Some of the highlights...


They had a bounce house, money dig, sack races, and so many fun activites, but my kids were most interested in poking sticks in the nearby swamp.


Tatum got her daddy nice and wet in the dunk tank.


Tatum was devestated when I mentioned that her face painting was beautiful, but would have to be washed off for the primary program the next morning. She came up with the idea of taking a picture of it, so she can see it anytime she wants to.


Making yet another escape to the swamp.

Fire Station Fieldtrip

When the Grandparents Come...

Ryan's parents came to visit a few weeks ago and the kids were so excited to show off their soccer skills and loved having their grandma and grandpa their to watch them.


We enjoyed a nice evening out in San Diego. We went to the temple and a seafood restaurant from a food network show that Ryan has been wanting to try. Yummy stuff... it was just a hole-in-the wall place, I never would have stopped there on my own.


Grandma Nelson and Lyric at the park.

Tatum put on her much anticipated art show. She is in an art class and keeps busy creating her latest masterpieces.

The artist... enjoying some hors D'oeuvres.

The artist... getting in a snuggle with gramps.

Halloween Bash 2009

The Thompson's hosted the halloween party this year and it was so much fun. Everyone had creative costumes. We were cowfolk, keeping in tune with our children's costumes. I have to say, Ryan does make a pretty good looking cowboy...

And the Brokeback version.... Kim the Goth, Emily the Moose, Kati the Rocker, Suzie the Fairy, Niki the Pirate, and me.

Kyra as Daphne, Sarah as a witch, me, Amy as Princess Leia, and Niki as a pirate.

Word to the Wise... Don't ever get in a paperbag fight with me... or Emily.

Sleepless in Seattle

As an early birthday present, I got to visit one of best friends, Shelley in Seattle. Lyric-Lu got to come along and relished having mom to herself. We had so much fun catching up and seeing the gorgeous sights of Washington in the autumn. The trip was much, much too quick, and sleep was not really part of the agenda. We were sad to leave and can't wait until next time. Ryan and the kids seemed to survive... Once we were back home Daivs blurted out "mom we had Ding-Dongs!" Tatum quickly blurted out, "Davis, you are not suppose to tell mom we had Ding-Dongs for breakfast!"

Our Little Bolt

Davis just started his first season of soccer. His team is the little bolts and his best friend Daxton is on his team. He is so funny to watch, he often tries to verbally command the ball. When he is on defense, he jumps into his most fierce ninja stance and yells at the ball to stop.

Topping off our Summer of Camping

We went camping for the fourth time this summer. We were reluctant at first but had an awesome time at San Clemente Beach relaxing with friends. The ladies: Me, Kyra, Amy & Niki.

Mazzi and Lyric.

Daxton, Tatum and Ashton.

The crew playing farkle.

Our campground was covered with dirt camouflaged camping ninjas... just as scary as it sounds.Sobe has a new girlfriend... Mazzi. They shared many kissses and cuddles.

After breakfast, we were treated to a "performance" directed and choreographed by Tatum.

Tatum, Tara, and Ashton under the train tunnel.

It took weeks to get all the sand off of Davis.
I think we need to put some meat on this kid...

Tatum: pondering the mysteries of the sea.

A favorite beach time tradition: making a swimming hole.another beach tradition:Sand Mermaids

All of the moms went out and played in the ocean. We had so much fun bobbing in the waves and attempting to body surf.

...and we're spent.

If You Ask them, they Will Come

Last Friday, Tatum came home with an invitation for Grandparent's Day and was so excited to bring her grandmas and grandpas to school the following Monday. I explained to Tatum that Grandma and Grandpa Nelson were already planning on coming out in a few weeks... and everyone lives pretty far away, but she could call and ask. Her "Grr" was able to come last minute and Tatum was so proud to show off her Grandma. She performed a special grandma song and showed off her classroom to her. Yeah for grandparents!!

Our Family's New Addition

Apparently we are a little bit crazy. We thought that our family needed a new addition...

Last Friday, we brought home this fuzzy four legged puppy...After much debate, we named him Sobe. The kids were really rooting for Mr. Fuzzy Pants, but Ryan wouldn't give in. He is a goldendoodle (Golden retriever/poodle mix) and is a great little puppy. Doesn't shed, bark, or dig... and loves, loves, loves his new family. He is a happy little people pleasing dog. So far, so good... (ask us in a few weeks).

Ladies Night at Disneyland

Don't tell my kids, but I went to Disneyland without them and had a blast! Love these Elsinore ladies!

Police Car...

Just a fun little idea I got from my friend, Heidi...

Answer this:

If you saw ME in a police car what would you think I got arrested for?

...now post the question on your blog.

Family Night at Disneyland

Recently Learned Lesson: DO NOT GO TO DISNEYLAND ON AUGUST 17. Ehh, it was so, so, so busy. We were there for about six hours and manged to go on three rides. On a positive note, we were able to meet up with the Strong's, our good friends from our glamorous Sunrise Apartment days. It was so fun seeing them again and catching up and our kiddos had a blast with each other.

Delicious Davis

We have com to the conclusion that this kid must be rather tasty. He has been bitten/ stung a disproportionate amount of time for his young three years. Here is the list:

6 wasp stings
4 bee stings
2 Jellyfish stings
never ending mosquito bites
always one or two ant bites in various spots
and here is the latest:
a black widow bite on the hand

We are very lucky that nothing serious has come from any of these incidents.... and are seriously considering putting the kid in a bubble.

First Day of Kindergarten

Tatum has been talking about how wonderful kindergarten will be all summer. She was so excited and completely fine with leaving her mama. Her dad and I managed to say our goodbyes without too many tears but we missed her presence all afternoon. She came home talking one hundred miles per hour recapping the days events... no details spared. She loves her teachers, Mrs. Flemings and Mrs. Snow and even prepared them some delectable easy bake oven cookies for the first day. She will always be my little Tater-tot and I love her SO much!!!!

Lasik Arizona Trip

For years I have been popping obnoxious contacts into my eyes, then resorting to migraine inducing glasses. I finally got Lasik. We came out to AZ because we got a killer deal and my mom was able to help with the kiddos. The procedure was pretty quick, less that fifteen minutes. I felt like it was straight from a sci-fi book. Eyes clamped, the smell of burning flesh from the laser, not to mention the grinding noise it made. I had to sing primary songs to myself to keep from completely flipping out. I wish they would have given something to relax, as I have heard others have gotten. I have to say that it was a rather unpleasant experience... but I am glad for the improved, albeit imperfect vision. Adios Contacts and glasses!

and of course we did a little playing there too...

Copper the Aqua-Dog, created by Davis.McEuen-Nelson never-ending wrestling match.Only Grandma is willing to fork out three bucks a pop on the carousel... Davis thoroughly appreciated it.




Delia, Eden and Tatum: the Portobello Princesses
Cousins at the movies

Pioneer Day

Elsinore Ward's mad tugguing skills.

Sweet Lu Squeaking around in her squeaky shoes. If we ever lost sight of her, we just had to listen for little squeaks. They are the perfect tracking device. Davis was a pro in the watermelon eating contest. Mom even joined in on the fun.
Just a little prep work for the summer olympis 2024.

O.C. Mud Run in the HOT, HOT, Sun

We survived our first 5K mudrun. The heat put a little damper on the fun, but how can you not smile as you are sloshing through never ending muddy obstacles??

We ran with our friends Jenny and Dave and were called "The Drop Kick Smurphies." I am pretty sure our team won the award for cleanliness. I know... bahumbug.Todd, Emily and Heather got a little friendlier with the mud.Demonstrating my version of a "drop kick." (Notice how nicely we coordinate with the port-a-potties).

Corona Del Mar Beach Day

Somehow this is the only picture that survived, but our play group had a full day of sandy, beach fun! Davis and his friends Eli and Daxton showing off their manly muscles.

Cabazon Girls Trip

Shopping+yummy food+relaxing on the Lazy River=

a perfect girl's trip.

What would a fun girls trip be without picking up a couple of handsome boys?

Excitemant at the Dinosaur Museum

Christmas in July

We celebrated our first annual Christmas in July. We started with name drawing and then got to pick out one glamorous gift from the dollar store for our chosen person. The next morning we woke up to Christmas Carols, gift exchange, cookie decorating, and then topped it off with a little Luke 2. Afterwards, we went swimming... it was 95 degrees outside.

How much frosting is too much???Just what I wanted... humongous hot pink shades!!! Merry Christmas in July to all!

Penny Pickle's Children's Museum

The kids had fun playing with all the gadgets at this quicky museum in Temecula.

Yosemite

Our family summer vacation was spent at Yosemite. We all had a fun, nature filled vacation. We stayed at housekeeping camp.... which ended up working out great for us. We had a little cabin next to the river, cooked all of our meals, and relaxed by the fire each night. Our days were spent exploring, hiking, and biking. We have never seen so many waterfalls! Much to our dismay, we did not encounter any black bears. We did however, see squirrels, deer, and all kinds of birds. It was fun to spend time with each other free of any distractions. The kids are already talking about next time... so I am sure we will be back.The top of Mirror Lake... the kids hiked a total of four miles on this particular hike. They were such troopers!A Bear Grylls worthy shelter discovered by Tatum and Davis.Tatum was fearless, always trying to talk Ryan or I into getting a closer look at the water.
Yosemite Falls.Splashing in the Merced River.
Davis relaxing at our campsite. All day long he kept asking if we could please go back to the campsite. Definitely his favorite part of the trip. The beach by our campsite. Lyric is sampling yet another rock, while I get an attack hug from Davis.

Ryan and the girls getting a close-up of Bridal Veil Falls.The kids had so much fun rock hopping to cross streams.
Miss adventure, taking a two second rest.

A Disneyland Kind of Day

Ryan had the day off, so we decided to do a sun-up to sun down day at D-land. Dad usually gets let behind at work... so this was an extra special trip!! The kiddos got to go on the "big kid" rides. Davis loved Soaring over California and was such a brave boy on Space Mountain. Tatum has been waiting months to take dad on Grizzly River Run and loved getting soaked!! Lyric, as usual loved Small world and was excited to see"bippy boo" (Cinderella's fairy godmother).

Davis has desperately wanted to participate in the Jedi Knight Training Ceremony, but has never been chosen. We were all so excited when he got to go up this time. He was so handsome in his cloak! He was the littlest one out there and impressed us with his unflinching bravery. Tatum, on the other hand was crying in fear of Davis' life. If we are ever attacked by the dark side... it will be comforting to know that Davis is around and well trained.

Davis Vs. The Dark Side Video

Doheny Camping

We had a camping trip planned with our friends and Ryan ended up having to go to Florida for business. Me, being slightly crazy, decided to take the kids on my own. For the most part we survived and had a great time. It was our first stay at the Doheny group site and we loved it!

Davis, Tera, and Tatum

Sand babies: Carson, Lyric, and Mckynlee

Daxton and Davis showing off their kite flying skills.

Davis and mom enjoying a campfire foil dinner.

Little monkeys: Ashton & TatumAshton, Davis, Tatum and Tera looking for crabs.
Lyric and Mckynlee... not sure who's dirtier.

Tatum and her big sis for the week, Amy.

Yathzee, even more exciting when played on the beach with a dozen babies.

Lyric and mom enjoying a peaceful moment.

Partners in crime: Brendan, Davis and Daxton

Tatum's Ballet Recital

View Recital Video Here

Newport with the McEuen's

My good friend Kate and up met up in Newport with all of our kiddos in tow. Thanks to Kate's sister, we stayed in a great little timeshare near the beach. It was so fun seeing Kate and catching up on our crazy lives. It was mostly chaos... but a least it was fun chaos.

Just a couple of beach hunks showing off.

Our great discovery... a secret beach cave!!Lyric, happy to be getting dirty.Barefoot beach rock climbing (not recommended).
We brought home our very own cute little sand creature.My handsome little man, enjoying the view.

Brunch with the Cook's

Kyra, Kim, Niki, Me, Shelly relaxing after we stuffed our faces with an amazing Hannon Brunch.

This villainous looking boy was seen wandering throughout breakfast.Mmmmm. (Except for the Tabasco sauce Lyric is about to consume).And the husbands are stuffed too. (Just as a side note: Ryan and Clint are good buddies, but they are NOT holding hands.)

Beach Rendezvous

We were able to meet Grr and Papa at San Clemente Beach. A little chilly, but we had a good time regardless. Yeah for grandparents and the beach!!

Tu-tu Cute Lyric

Lyric loves showing off in the frilly tu-tu Aunt Jes made her. Absolutely perfect for practicing her Tatum inspired ballet moves (turning circles until she face plants into the carpet, giggles and then repeats).



Completely random, but cute nonetheless... Lyric has been often found communicating with the neighbor's dog through a knothole in the fence. Probably the closest thing she will have to a pet for now. It never fails to excite her. Love this girly!

Missing the Cook's

My dear friend Shelley and her family recently moved to Washington. We are devastated and miss them so much. They are an awesome family and will be a beam of light wherever they go. Here are just a few of the many things we are missing:

col-de-sac bike riding rendezvous
up to the moment info on the best deals
hilarious pedicure girl's nights
morning check-up calls
sweet cuddly Camden & Tatum moments
afternoons by the pool
late night scrapping
slap-happy game nights
ridiculously insane mall trips with all of our kids
helping each-other through the pukey-lethargic pregnancy phase
celebrating motherhood together
trips to Newport Beach
Working together in primary
Fresh, homemade bread

I have been so blessed to have such amazing friends! Shelley has become one of my closest friends and I am grateful for her friendship. Can't wait until we meet up again!

Father's Day Survey

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful father's

in my life!!Daddy Survey {according to Tatum and Davis}

How tall is daddy?

T: Seventy-eight Tall

D: Six Years Tall

What was dad like as a little boy?

T: He liked to play with toys.

D: Like me and like Batman, 'cept little.

What makes dad happy?

T: When I make him cards and pictures.

D: A hug and a wrestle.

What makes dad sad?

T: Nothing. Usually, dad is happy.

D: When Lyric gets in trouble.

What is dad’s favorite thing to do?

T: Watch basketball

D: Get dressed for work.

If dad was a superhero, who would he be?

T: Spiderman because he is the coolest

D: Um, probably Batman because he already has Batman things like a Batman car and Batman shoes.

How does dad make you laugh?

D:Wrestling and tickling.

T: Funny faces.

How old is your dad?

D: 65

T: 21

What does dad do at work all day?

D: Play basketball.

T: Play on the computer and do meetings.

What is dad very good at?

D: Doing tricks on the trampoline.

T: Playing basketball.

What is dad not very good at?

D: Candyland

T: Candyland

What is dad’s favorite place to go?

D: Florida

T: Camping out with his family.

How do you know your daddy loves you?

D: Because he loves me so much.

T: His big hugs

What is your favorite thing about dad?

D: He plays games with me and hugs.

T: He takes me on Grizzly River Run

If Counting Sheep Doesn't Work...

Davis, singing himself a super-hero lullaby...

The Perfect Pillow

Recently discovered truth: Sleeping dads make perfect pillows.

A relaxing afternoon at Tom's Farm...

Jackson's Visit

Ryan sister, Jes and her family came out for a visit. We had a blast with them. My kids love their Aunt Jes and Uncle Nick and loved playing with Aspyn. We had fun flying kites at the park, enjoying the Culinary Matsrpeice, Wood Ranch, and getting a chance to visit... we miss you guys!

Memorial Day

Good Friends. Yummy BBQ. Crazy Volleyball. Perfect Holiday.

Concert in the Park

We enjoyed a relaxing summer's evening at Dos Lagos. Our good friends the McDowell's joined us. Davis is always excited to have some boy company and spent the entire time wrestling Daxton and Brock. Lyric loves babies and can't keep her hands (and lips) off of them. Mckynlee was her target for the night and she loved her to death! Tatum enjoyed dancing to the music and taking a million pictures of everyone.

Weebles Wobble, but They Don't Flush Down

Yes, it is true the little plastic weeble toys refuse to flush down. Lyric had a little fun in the potty while being babysat about two months ago and for some reason, felt like the weeble should be flushed down the toilet. Our toilet has been out of commission for the last 8 weeks, and after countless attempts to dislodge the toy, we thought we were destined to buy a new toilet. While visiting, my dad helped us remove the toilet and with enough reverse water pressure, the weeble flew up from the toilet to freedom. Thanks dad.

Singing Ladies

Our dear friend Shelley is leaving us soon for Washington. Seeing as how many of my friends have amazing voices. We did a farewell number in sacrament together. Luckily I was able to discreetly blend in. We will miss you Shelley!

Father Son Camp Out

Davis and Ryan went on their second annual Father Son camp out last week. Davis had so much fun hanging out with his daddy and his best buddies Daxton and Brendon. They camped on San Onefre State beach and got to explore the tide pools. Davis is our future marine biologist and was ecstatic to see so many sea creatures. According to Davis, there was a sea anemone, an octopus, mussels, a star fish, a sea cumcumber, (eyes light up and he continues...) a basking shark and a whale shark, and a sea turtle, and an eagle ray. (His daddy confirmed the first half of the list). Ryan captured a few moments with his camera phone.


An octopus:
A starfish:

Meanwhile, the girls had a little night out at BJ's.

Girly Girls in their Twirly Skirts

I have a little too much fun dressing up my little girlies. I am not sure how long I will get away with it, but I think they look so stinkin' cute when they match. (Master Diva and her miniature apprentice). These skirts were a fun project,check 'em out here.

{Master Diva}

{Miniature Apprentice}

Ryan's 5K

Saturday morning, we woke up around 7:40, and Ryan announced that he had to be at a race at 8am (news to us). He threw on some running shoes and left. We made ourselves presentable, then met him there. He hasn't run in at least 5 years and he didn't even have time to stretch... so we were hopeful that he might finish the 5K. Much to our surprise he did pretty good and managed to get third in his division. Yeah daddy. (very sore daddy).

Disneyland with the Girlies

Girls get-together at Disneyland was a blast! Those in attendance: Kati, and her girls Kara, Kelli, and Tori, Denise and her girls Alyssa and Courtney, Myself with my girls Tatum and Lyric... and then there was Davis.
Davis looks a little pitifall off to the left. He kept asking when his "boyfriends" were coming, I had to repeatedly remind him that they were called "buddies."
The girls were so excited to see Minnie... the picture is horrible, all I had was my camera phone and Lyric was clinging hysterically to me (in fear of the enormous mouse who surely wanted to eat her).
Cruis'in with the ladies.

Tatum and Alyssa
Lyric enjoyed snacking her way through the lines.

Posing with the Mouse.

And we're spent!