Payton and His Love for Pizza

Today Payton had his First Grade Pizza Party!  If you know Payton, then you know this kids adores PIZZA!  He seriously could eat it for every meal (if it were allowed).  The other day my dad was going to the Races with Allyssa and Payton opted out because he knew we were having Pizza for dinner later that night.  Crazy kid!!  Although I will say that his eating habits have improved quite a bit and he has begun trying and even liking several more things.  Needless to say he was really looking forward to this last class party.  Payton really enjoyed his teacher Mrs. Girard and had a great year in 1st Grade.  He is a very good kid and I am glad to be his mom. 

Back to school again with kids in tow.  It feels like I have been at the school a lot lately but I wouldn't want to miss the kids activities.  This time McKenzie (who didn't have school that day), Taylor, and Brielle were happy to attend and even got some lunch as well. 

Fun times!!

McKenzie's Kindergarten Graduation

Today was McKenzie's Kindergarten Graduation.  Wow, how time flies.  McKenzie and Payton have both had a great year in school and have really enjoyed learning.  McKenzie is a strong reader and has made a lot of fun friends this year.  She enjoys learning, art projects, math, reading, music, and has worked hard to do well this year.  Payton has really become a great reader as well and is such a good boy.  He enjoys math, science, art, reading, music, and especially PE!!  He too has had fun making new friends.  I am glad that they continue to always try their best!!  It is neat to see such improvements throughout the school year!

Singing with her classmates.

I love watching children sing and perform for their loved ones.

So cute!

McKenzie with a few friends (Kiera, Kenzie, Corina, and Matty).

Getting her diploma.  At one point during the ceremony her teacher announced what each of the students wanted to be when they grow up.  McKenzie wants to be a mom and a vet.  Time will tell!  Payton is still holding on to his plans of being a dentist.

She was so excited for her BIG day.

Oh, I still can't believe just how fast this little girl is growing up.  Some days I sit in awe just staring at each of my children and wondering when time will slow down a bit.  They are constantly changing and growing before my eyes, and while that is a good thing, it also makes me want to squeeze them a little tighter and enjoy them even more.  If these next years go as quickly as the ones thus far, I know I'll never get my fill of them!

Daddy, Mommy, Taylor, Brielle, Uncle Daniel, and Grandma were able to attend the Graduation ceremony.  Payton was busy attending 1st Grade.

Congratulations to our sweet girl.

McKenzie was lucky enough to have the same teacher Payton did the previous year.  We love Mrs. Thayer!

Corina and Kenzie at the party after their Graduation. 

These cute girls were best friends in Kindergarten.

 

The last day of school is May 31st and we can't wait to begin our SUMMER and enjoy each other's company!  It will be wonderful having the kids around, they are truly each other's best friends as well as ours, they get along so well (most of the time)!  I already know that it is going to fly by so we are going to make it a good one!

 

Bring on SUMMER!!

Tuckered Out

The other day we had been going all day and had kept pretty busy.  I can remember feeling pretty tired myself, some weeks just seem to go that way.  The kids like putting on their PJ's in the evening just to lounge around and be comfy.  I don't mind it one bit if we are just going to be staying home on those nights.  Anyway we were calling the kids for dinner and one child never quite made it to the table.  We all had a little laugh when we realize why Taylor was MIA!!!  It was too cute not to take a picture!

There is just something so sweet about a sleeping child that melts my heart and puts my feelings for them into perspective.  I sure do love my little family...they make my life complete!

Class Summer Birthday Parties

Today the kids had their SUMMER Birthday Parties in their classrooms, for all of the student's whose Birthdays aren't throughout the school year.  They were excited to have a mini party and share treats with their classmates.

 First stop was McKenzie's class and Taylor and Brielle were more then willing to share some of the cupcakes with the other kids just as long as there would be enough for them to enjoy one as well!

 

Can you tell Kenzie is thrilled and oh so lucky to be wearing the Birthday Crown (made by her wonderful teacher Mrs. Thayer).

Next we headed to Payton's class to share a treat with his class too!  I think it sure made them feel special!

It is fun celebrating your Birthday way before your Birthday right!!

In the Leafy Tree Top

This spring we noticed that a Robin had built a nest in our front tree.  The kids have enjoyed watching her do her thing as she comes and goes.  But this little momma has been working hard to provide a perfect home for her babies.

The kids were thrilled when we noticed she had 4 little eggs inside her nest.

She is very protective of them.

Yesterday while mowing the lawn we noticed pieces of the egg shells and sure enough they had hatched.  They are so sweet.  It's like we have a pet without the work of having to take care of one!

White Water Rafting Date

On Saturday Mckay and I went White Water Rafting with a few friends.  It has been something on our bucket list since we first moved to the Boise area.  It finally happened and we had a great time.  We were teasing with a few of the other couples, who between the 3 of us total 11 children, that each time we are around water we are constantly having to head count and keep a short leash on the kids, always watching out for our little ones.  Needless to say it was kind of nice to just look after myself, my clothes/bags, get myself dressed, etc, no worries except that it was a little on the chilly side that day (in the 60s I think).  It would be a fun thing to do with the kids someday but it might have to wait until the little ones get a little older (although we kept thinking that Payton would have loved it).  I always find myself liking my time away but at the same time thinking of what it would be like to have the kids there.  It was a relaxing time filled with laughter and good memories.

Starting with the time we had to crawl into the lovely wet suits, which I was later grateful I ended up putting on.  I was doubting I would even need one because at the moment I felt okay.  A little later as we were being splashed with the freezing cold mountain water, I was happy with my decision.

My Sweetheart and I.

All suited up!

Ready to get into our raft with all our gear.

The Wests, Birds, and Swensens

It was a great day and so nice to get away with no worries for a while.  Even though it was freezing, these wet suits worked wonders.  The men all jumped out of the raft for the last mile or so and just floated.  US ladies had to laugh when we saw them with their cold hands above their heads, or at the time they joined together in a train.  They looked so funny just floating around and being kids again.  I think the peer pressure got to them and once one of them got in the others had to follow.  Waiting for us at the end take out was a bus to transport us back and a cooler filled with ice and drinks.  The guys said that the main part of their bodies that was freezing was their hands.  One of the only things not covered by the suits.  I thought the drinks felt freezing but the guys were laughing that the drinks didn't even feel cold at that point.  I guess their hands were ice as well.  We grabbed some lunch on the way home and returned to get the kids.  For some reason this day was jam packed with things to do.  After returning home we took the kids to their friend Sam's/our neighbor's Birthday Party.  It was filled with food, balloon animals, a bounce house/slide, cotton candy.  After that we ran over to our church for the Young Women fund raising carnival.  It was a crazy busy Saturday... but oh so FUN!

Payton's 1st Grade Music Program

We are nearing the end of the school year and Payton had his 1st Grade Music Program.  Mckay took a little time off work to join the kids and I as we watched Payton's concert.  There is something pretty neat about hearing a bunch of children singing so happy and trying their best for their fans.  It made Payton feel special having his whole family there to watch him perform.  Brielle was dancing all around during the whole program as Kenzie and Taylor watched quietly, Brielle just could help but feel the beat!!  It was fun supporting Payton and we could tell he sure loved having us there.

Payton and some of the other 1st Graders at Silver Trail Elementary.  (He is in the middle towards the back.)

At one point the students were dancing around and performing some sweet moves.  Payton knew his part and did a great job.

Payton and his teacher Mrs. Girard

 

After the program we were able to get Payton out of school early to begin our weekend.  We headed to my parents to spend the night and hang out with family watching movies, chatting, eating, and catching up.  My mom watched the kids the next day while Mckay and I went on a White Water Rafting Day Trip.

Dart Zone

Our family is in a Date Group.  We love it!!  We take our turn babysitting the other children one Friday of the month and then the other 3 families take their turn the other Fridays.  It is great, we don't have to pay a babysitter, and we get to go on 3 dates a month!  Plus I don't have to worry about the kids because I know they are in good hands and they actually love going to play with their friends too!  Anyway, some friends of ours gave us Groupon coupons to Dart Zone (an indoor Nerf gun battle field, with glow in the dark, black light fun).  Payton has been dying to go here since we accidentally passed by it one afternoon.  He was on could 9 when we told him he would be going on our date with us that night and was even happier to learn where we were headed.  (Thanks Ezra and Lindsey.)

This picture reminds me of how the night went.  Imagine Mckay and I with like 20+ little kids, all about chest high, battling it out with Nerf Guns!!  There may have been a few other adults out there, but we were certainly outnumbered.

Payton was a little nervous at first, but soon the excitement took over and he began to plan out his moves to win and do the best.  He is already planning his next plan of attack if he is able to go again!  I think it was every little boys dream!!  It was so fun to spend some time with him and be a kid again!  I love his cheesy face in this picture, it makes me smile.

Thanks for sharing a fun night with us Payton. 

You are such a joy in our lives!!

Welcome Home Elder Thornley

May 1, 2013 was a very anticipated day for my family.  We have been counting down the days until Elder Daniel Thornley would return home from his 2 year mission in San Antonio, Texas.  While we were counting down, I am sure he was holding on to those last moments he had left of his time out serving.  In his last letter home he mentioned that it feels like he has won the Super Bowl but lost the NBA Finals.  I am sure it will take a little adjusting for Daniel, but we are glad to have him home again, and are grateful for his hard work and efforts as a missionary.

Here are several of the kids waiting patiently for their Uncle Daniel to come through the airport doors.

McKenzie, Allyssa, Ashlee, Kaden, Taylor, and Payton.

They were excited to see Daniel and hold his Welcome Home banner.

 



Aubrey and Brielle were so cute while watching a little movie during the wait.

By this point, when we spotted the Elders, they began running to greet us.  It was an awesome sight!

Of course my mom was waiting there with open arms and teary eyes.

Pure joy for one proud mommy and one hard working man.

It makes me think of the days when I will welcome home my Future Missionaries!

We sure love you Daniel!

Brotherly Love!

I wish this picture wasn't blurry but I think it is so precious... this sweet little embrace.  It was like no time had past between these two.  (Daniel and Taylor as the other kids, including Payton, sit and stare.)

Brielle was a little unsure of him at first, but has since then warmed up and loves Daniel now!  This was their first time meeting since Brielle was not quite born when Daniel left.

A KISS for Kenzie!

My parents and Dan.

Daniel and our family.

With Grandma Bryson

We sure missed you Dan!

Mckay and Daniel

 Cody, Grandpa Bryson, and Daniel

 Daniel was sure missed by the kids!

Off to get the luggage.

I think that my mom is going to be Daniel's new companion for a while!

Well done Elder Thornley...it is great to have you home!!