Maddie...how time flies.

My little, Madelyn, turned 9 yesterday. How did she get so big? We are so blessed to have her in our family. I have met few girls that are as sweet, considerate, and kind. I am proud that I have someone so special for my other two to watch and learn from. They DO watch her every move and she never disappoints. How did I get lucky enough to have 3 perfect girls? I have no reason to ever have a bad day when I know that these 3 (and one very special boy) are a part of my life. Maddie, may you enjoy this year and have as many smiles and giggles as in the years past. Always remember how special you are and what joy you bring to those around you.

Happy Birthday, little girl.

We love you!

New Rules

Since Oats "moved on to a better place," the girls have missed having a pet in the house. I therefore made a new rule. I told them they could let the cats in the house if they held them THE ENTIRE TIME. This rule may change come Spring and the shedding season. I have a hair fedish. For now, it seems to be working well. The girls are in heaven and so are the cats.

The only down side is that now every time we open the door the cats think it is their honor to come in with us. NOT THE CASE. I guess I'll allow the cats some liberties if it brings cute smiles on my girls' faces!

Some fun on our way to more fun...

Most of you know that Troy and I ran in the Las Vegas Ragnar a few months ago. My mom and Aunt Holly agreed to take the kids and spend the weekend in Mesquite while we ran our tails off. I spent a day or two with them before heading to Vegas.

One of our first stops was the local Wal-mart. Grandma, for some reason, didn't have enough food for 10 additional people. We figured we would help her out. Ever take 5 little kids grocery shopping? They like all sorts of "nutritious" food items.

My children also have it in their head that every time we leave Ogden they need a souvenir to remember where they went...what? I tried to tell them that souvenirs were not needed on this particular trip but there were too many grandmas present and I was outnumbered. Thus, new sunglasses for everyone!

I do have to admit that they were one of the trip highlights. Where else would you need sunglasses 24/7? Mesquite was the perfect place to break them in.

Can you tell that these two are cousins? Some definite similarities.

And off to the pool (glasses still in place).

Scuba gear in case we find any star fish in the 4 feet of water.

The water was A LOT colder than we had hoped for. Notice that no adults are participating? I had to save my energy for the run. I was the only one with a valid excuse.

Playdough was another Wal-mart purchase. Grandmas are such push-overs. No discipline whatsoever. Then again, no discipline = lots of smiles (until mother returns from running and reinstates the fact that all previous rules still exist and will be followed once home is reached).

We love going to warm places.

Thanks, Grandma Hazel, for letting us run you out of house and home. We had a blast!

Las Vegas Ragnar

Tyler from our Ragnar Team put together an awesome video of our time together in Las Vegas. Have a look... Thanks for letting me be part of the team...

RAGNAR LAS VEGAS from Troy Haun on Vimeo.

Preschool

The last 3 months or so we have been doing a home preschool program with some of the other 3 year olds in the neighborhood. Aeva has loved every minute of it! I think I have to! What else would you do with a 3 year old when both of her older siblings are in school?

Anyway, here are a few pictures I grabbed one day as they were playing. They had made butterflies and were taking them out to fly. Good kids and lots of fun!

If I remember correctly, these were supposed to be bumble bees made out of bananas and pretzels. Pretty funny what they come up with.

I hope all the other moms are having as much fun as me. If not, Aeva will be stuck with me ALL day, EVERY day. That would be the end of her perfect, tiny world.

Troy always says, "she doesn't know what a bad day is." I have to agree. We are all too spoiled to have anything that resembles a bad day!