Just Another Day In Paradise

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you grandma Beth for outfitting my beautiful children! I just love it when my mom gets fixated on dressing my kids! She didn't get "best dressed" in highschool for nothin'! Wait... I just counted and that was almost 40 years ago! I guess it is true that good taste NEVER goes out of style!

Lately

2010-03-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

I can't possibly begin to play catch up... so I'm just going to start from this weekend. And if I remember something cool that happened over this last year when we've been MIA, well, I'll just stick it in randomly... because this is my blog and I can do what ever I want! Ok, ready? Here I go!

My baby turned 1! Happy Birthday Allie!

(ok- so her birthday was February 15th but we finally got around to celebrating it the day after Bear turned 3. But he doesn't know he's 3 yet because I haven't got around to celebrating his birthday yet. Shhhh. Don't tell him.)

Thank you Grandma Liz and Grandpa Mark for letting us party at your place!

There is no place like home!

And thank you Grandma Beth for the awesome pinata (among other things).

It was a hit! (ha, ha)

Are these really all my children?

2009 so far!

2009-06-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

January

February
Claudia turned 11!

March

We attempt church with 5 kids!

Bear turned 2!

April

Seems like yesterday.

2 months ago!

Another Girl!

2009-02-20T13:25:00.001-08:00

Alaina (Ali) Francis Hatch

February 15th 2009

8lbs 5oz 21"

Yes - that is red hair! Finally - a red-head!

Georgia Sunshine

2009-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

How can you not just love this girl!

Seriously?

2008-12-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone is always telling us we look alike. I just don't see it. Do you?

Disneyland in June

2008-11-01T13:07:00.001-07:00

Grandma Liz retired from 100 years of teaching this year and to celebrate, she and Grandpa Mark treated the ENTIRE family (7 of their children plus spouses and children) to 3 days at Disneyland! Does that lady know how to party or what! It was so much fun seeing all the cousins reconnect! Thanks Liz and Mark for some wonderful memories!

Race Time!

2008-11-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

In June I ran the Ragnar Wasatch Back relay with my adorable sisters Jessica, Sam and Melissa and can I just say it seriously kicked my bootie! After running the AZ Marathon with Alli I thought it would be a piece of cake! My logic: A 24 hour relay... 12 people each running 3 legs... I'd been training for over a year... The reality: A 24hr relay where you sleep in a van with 5 other people... 12 people running 3 legs of uphill hell while sleeping in a van with 5 other people... I'd been training for over a year at sea level not 3700 ft above on dirt paths with unstable rocks and pot holes! Finishing my 1st leg which was 7.2 miles uphill the entire time! So hard but THE most beautiful scenery I have EVER seen!Sam had just gotten engaged so with each leg we added another piece of "bridal wear"!
Finally some rest time! Which I have to say was especially deserved after finding out the night before the race that I was pregnant with my 5th baby! Poor Sam was with me in the parking lot at the Orem, UT Walmart when the both lines showed up on the stick! To say I was in shock and utter disbelief would be an incredible understatement! I think Sam thought she might have to call an ambulance cause I was freaking out!

It's Hot!

2008-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I picked the hottest day of June to walk to the park!

Does Bear's face say it all or what! Having fun cooling off in the sprinklers!Not having fun cooling off in the sprinklers!

June!

2008-11-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm 33! What?! When did this happen?!
Celebrating at Joe's Crab Shack

Ryan and Julia frosting my favorite lemon cake with lemon frosting!

Our little performer and her "stage sister"!

2008-10-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Catching Up!

2008-06-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

Ok - so I'm sort of settled here in San Ramon and thought it was time to start posting again since it's been 7 (yes, 7) months! What a blogging slacker I am! I've just had my hands full... like all of you do I'm sure and somehow YOU all seem to find the time to blog! Is there some extra time in the day I don't know about? Our first camping trip at Del Valle! It seems like so long ago... oh yeah... that's because it was!

Creepy pickled baby exhibit in Oregon!

Isn't my sis beautiful even after running for an hour! Love you Jess!

So Funny!

2008-05-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Estrogen Overload!

2008-04-04T11:40:00.001-07:00

Banning the Easter Bunny!

2008-04-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ok - not really but for sure on Sundays. From now on the Easter Bunny will only be aloud in my house on Saturdays. With church at 9am, Sunday morning is crazy anyway... add baskets of junk, Easter dresses and curling hair when they are all extremely high (on sugar, just to be clear!) it is a complete nightmare... and the reason I only have a couple pictures!

And if you want to see a picture of me on Easter Sunday, just scroll back to last year's picture... same dress and everything!

I'm thinking Russell Crowe meets Billy Idol. (Jess, don't you think he could maybe go down as one of the all time sexy brooders with Collin Firth?)Julia had disappeared by the time we got around to these after church so I stuck one of her favorite pics of herself in!

Mornings

2008-03-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have a love hate relationship with mornings. Probably because I'm a night owl; so I hate actually waking up and dragging my but out of bed... but I absolutely love it when my kids come into my room (not to tell on someone or not throwing a fit or crying) but actually happily getting along and playing with one another... They are hilarious it's like amateur night at the Apollo.
Copy Cats Georgia is missing her head!
These are for you, Grandma Beth! I just thought you might like a visual of what it looks like on this end when my kids are talking to you on the phone!
Julia has a surprise....
Peek-a-boo!
She finally lost her top tooth! After weeks of wriggling, twisting and pulling, she got it out!

Oops!

2008-03-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ok - I accidentally forgot to post the "2008 - so far" blog the other day! Now you have to scroll all the way down, click on older posts, and then you'll see it!

Sharing Time!

2008-03-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bear!

2008-03-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Of course I forgot to buy party hats so Ryan fashioned one out of cardboard and tinfoil!How come birthdays aren't still this fun?I think I was having more fun watching him eat his cake than he was actually eating it. My face scares me a little!

Bear in his birthday suit!

Bear Turns 1

2008-03-17T15:04:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. With every baby time seems to move faster and faster! And while I'm so glad Bear is sleeping through the night, eating solid foods, almost walking... I'm a little sad that those few months where I was the center of his world; when he's let me cuddle him, feed him and just hold him and look at him are pretty much gone since this is my last baby... I think!

March

2008-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dora Super Spy

February

2008-03-17T14:40:00.001-07:00

I know I post ALOT of Georgia but look at that face! Seriously! Can you blame me?

Julia got an award for behavior... I know. I was shocked too. j/k... kind of! I love you Jules!

Band aides, stickers - same thing!

2008-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Claudia Turns 10

2008-03-17T14:26:00.001-07:00

Wall to wall girls!
This is Caludia at 9pm. Some of her friends were up until3am.

January Snapshots

2008-03-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's raining!
Julia picked out my dress (from her dressups) and Georgia did my makeup. If you look closely you can see my gorgeous blue lipstick!
Monkey see monkey do!

It got really quiet one day so I went to find Georgia...

2008... So Far!

2008-03-17T11:22:00.001-07:00

No, we are not dead! Sometimes I feel dead after a long day with 4 kids, which is probably why this blog has been on the back burner! 2008 has been CRAZY! It's only March and already I've run a marathon, Claudia had her 1st flute recital, turned 10 and had a slumber party with 12 girls and got her 1st boyfriend, celebrated Valentines Day, Julia lost her front tooth, Georgia learned to speak spanish and use the words correctly, I went to Santa Cruz with Ryan for the weekend, had a big ward Easter Egg hunt, had a party for Bear who just turned 1, and I'm getting ready to take a road trip to Oregon to visit Jessica right after Easter Sunday. The girls are off track so they are all home ALL day!!! So here are some pictures to document the reason for my endless exhaustion...

AZ Marathon
I can't believe I haven't blogged about this yet. I think it was so physically and emotionally overwhelming that even trying to convey the experience in writing is impossible. I can't even think of the words to describe how I feel about that accomplishment... so I won't try. I'll just say that besides the birth of my children, it was THE most fulfilling day of my life so far.

We couldn't afford for my family to come so I flew to AZ by myself on Thursday night. Alli of course was there and my mom also flew in to support us. My brother Jeff, who works for a company that organizes relay marathons, was there working at the Expo and so Missy (the first marathoner in our family) got to come and brought her 2 cute kids too. I have to admit that I was looking forward to the "break" without my kids, (I just had to laugh that I considered running a marathon a break!) until I saw my cute niece and nephew and really started to miss my family. I think I probably called Ryan 10 times that day crying cause I missed them and wanted them to be there to cheer me on and hold me up at the finish line.

Friday night we all got in the car to go to dinner. I started feeling sick so when we pulled into the Peter Piper Pizza parking lot (which I thought was a weird choice given we were mostly adults) I told them I needed to lay down for a minute and to call me when the pizza was ready. So a few minutes later I got up (still feeling a little gross) and walked into the restaurant to see my entire family standing there. I seriously started crying. I'm crying right now just thinking about how much that meant to me. Ryan packed all the kids and drove the 12 hours just to surprise me. He had it planned for a couple weeks and I never even suspected! I didn't feel sick after that.

Then Jessica surprised us and flew in which was so fun! She is the best. She helped my girls make posters for Alli and I and helped Ryan with my kids which I know couldn't have been that fun considering she didn't have to bring hers. Not only does she crack me up more than anyone else, (Jeff is a close second) she is the kindest, most selfless person I know and I love her so much. I am so glad she came because it wouldn't have been the same without her there. She always brings something special. Okay - enough chit chat... Here's the good stuff!

This is our "before" picture. Notice the makeup.

They finally showed up to cheer us on around mile 20.

Those last 10 miles were a killer but we pushed on and when we finally turned the corner and could see the finish line we grabbed hands and cheered for ourselves so loud when we crossed.... then silence. The whole gang had got stuck in traffic and missed it. They felt so bad and cried but Alli and I didn't care. We were just so glad it was over! This is our reenactment since no one was there to take pictures of us crossing the finish!

We couldn't walk the next day - kind of like after you have your first baby. We went to breakfast and some guy said to my mom that we looked like we just ran a marathon and I must admit it was really fun saying "That's because we just did!"

I seriously can't wait to do another one. Not cause I love to run, but man - I love to eat like I'm training for a marathon.... so I guess I need to keep training!

Snow Trip

Christmas Sunday

2008-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

December Snapshots

2008-01-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2008-01-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

November Snapshots

2008-01-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat

2007-11-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Fonseca's Halloween Party

2007-10-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

Chaz Lesley
Tami Marsh and Shelley Lesley
Kristin and Del Claridge
Jill Smith, Nicole & Michael AlfonoSusie Fonseca

Chaz, Ryan, Ken Adams, Michael Alfono
Michael Fonseca and Joe Morris

The Trunk or Treat

2007-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

The other day I was changing Bear's diaper and Georgia reached for the parts on him that she doesn't have, so we had a brief, generic chat about private parts, where they are, who has what, and how we don't touch "privates". Later that night in the bath tub, Georgia told Claudia and Julia that she has "PIRATES" and we don't touch "PIRATES". The next day we were at Walmart looking at the costumes and Georgia informed me that she wanted to be a PIRATE for Halloween. Hmmm.... So we settled on a cheerleader instead! I'm still a little curious as to what she wanted to dress up as!

The "Humpkin" Patch

2007-10-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Georgia told me we had to go to the Pumpkin Patch to get our Humpkins! So here we are!

Sawing Pumpkins

2007-10-31T15:48:00.001-07:00

This is how it's getting done from now on! Why didn't I think of this sooner?No, I didn't take the picture while she was talking. She made this face on purpose!But, while this is the most scary picture of all, it's just Georgia being Georgia!

The Reason for the Freezin'

2007-10-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Grandma Marge turned 80! (and it felt like it was 80 below! We even had to buy warmer jackets while we were there!) I can't believe she's that old because she still has just as much fight in her as when I met her 12 years ago. Erin made a beautiful slide show tribute to Grandma's life and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room... I mean, I seriously had to fight back the ugly cry. Thanks alot Erin! What a fabulous lady and a fabulous life she's had... and is still having. I just hope I have as many people care about me when I'm 80 as she does. It was so great to visit with everyone and actually see all their beautiful babies in person instead of just on the blogs! All the great-grandchildren had so much fun together. I hope we can get together more often because I really enjoy all of you so much!

Grandma used to bounce Claudia on her leg and sing "To market, to market" when she was a baby. I think Claudia could almost bounce grandma now!

This is what happens when I break out the camera!

"I'm a birdie!"

Yes Georgia, your adorable, gigantic head is still there!

While this looks like a temper tantrum, it is really just another one of Georgia's great poses!

And this is what happens when Claudia gets a hold of my camera!

Grandma Liz, Georgia and Heather and Davids little girl, Abby.Georgia and Jill's little girl, Brooke.Claudia and Julia were sooo excited to see Joseph! Check out the awkwardness of Claudia's hands!... and face for that matter!I guess they could technically get married! Joseph is Michelle's son so they aren't related by blood!But these two are. So no wedding here! Ewe!

I made Ryan take the camera for a few minutes to take some shots of me so my kids will remember what I looked like when I was young... ish!!!

Grandma Marge and most of her great grandchildren. After Georgia fell off the chair onto her face I had to hide behind the chair so she wouldn't cry anymore.Did I mention I've been to the E.R. twice this month for her! She's split her head open and had to get a staple and she jumped off my bed and landed on her lip splitting that as well!Erin and Liz invited me to Gardner's Village for "Witches Night Out". Can I just say that hundreds of women dressing up like witches to wander through boutiques, in Utah nonetheless, is the most random thing ever! But it was so much fun! I'm totally going to take Claudia next time! It cracked me up!

And finally the morning we left we woke up and looked outside and it had snowed. I had just enough battery left in my camera to snap this picture!

This Is For You, MOM!

2007-10-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

The trip wasn't all bad. We did get to see Jeff and Missy's new baby boy, Jeffrey Cannon and Georgia had so much fun seeing Caitlin.

Is this not the cutest picture of Jeffy!
I just love the big eyes! He looks so much like Caitlin did at this age!

Bear and Jeff are only 5 months apart! It's such a huge difference now, but I just know they're going to be great buddies!
Look how happy he is to have another boy in the family!

You might think Bear is so sweet trying to kiss his new cousin but he was actually trying to eat him.

I don't know why everyone says Caitlin never smiles for the camera! Aunt Cocobunns must have the magic touch!

As of right now - I think Jeff and I could switch babies and it would make more sense!

Our Trip To Utah

2007-10-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

This pretty much sums it up!

Every time we return from driving to Utah I swear I will never, ever do it again... and yet, once again, we drove with 4 kids the 12 hours there and back... We got the Explorer all packed up around 9pm on Wednesday, got the babies buckled in, got Claudia and Julia cozy in the back, hooked up the DVD player for some entertainment, said a prayer, turned the key and... nothing. Our car wouldn't start. After a few hours and several expletives (from Ryan of course) he left to rent us a van. I brought all the kids inside and fell asleep. Around 12:30am Ryan came home, packed the van, got the kids back in the car and we headed on our way! This time I mean it... I will NEVER EVER DRIVE TO UTAH AGAIN. (That is unless Grandma Marge has another big birthday bash, another baby cousin is born, or we just need to see relatives we haven't seen for a while!)

My Babies

2007-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just can't believe I'm the mother of 4 kids!

Conference and Cupcakes

2007-10-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

My mom came over for conference a couple weeks ago and the girls had so much fun decorating Halloween cupcakes with her! I think I see a tradition in the making!

We love you Grandma Beth!!!

If you look closely you'll notice Julia did Bear's hair! Poor baby bear!

Playing Catch Up

2007-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Ok - I know it's been a while - a long while and I have some MAJOR catching up to do! It's so overwhelming to me but since you are all DYING to see pics of my gorgeous family I guess I'll just have to show them off!!! Twist my arm!

Claudia had her appendix out in late September. She was such a trooper. I think the fact that she couldn't eat anything until after the surgery bothered her more than the pain in her side! Here she is right before they wheeled her away. I must admit I got pretty emotional cause you just never know! I wanted to stay and watch but they wouldn't let me so Ryan took me out to dinner at Outback. (I felt sooo guilty... but in my defense, the cafeteria was closed and you gotta eat, right?!)

After the surgery Abby and Emileigh got to get out of school early and visit Claudia. That made her day! They both got in the bed with her. It was so cute. What great friends she has!

Claudia was so upset about having to have the "stupid surgery" because she missed her first field trip, her soccer game, and a pioneer trek with all the girls from achievement days. What a weekend to get sick!

She moped around until about 8 o'clock when all the girls headed over after the trek and sang her a song, and all the girls from her soccer team "t.p.ed" and "heart attacked" our house... not to mention my great friends who heard she was sick and brought her gifts! It was like Christmas... and she has a cool scar!

And I have to ask... what's with the super speedy healing of 9 year olds anyway?! She came home on Friday night and was begging to go watch her soccer team play the next day, and got so mad at me when I told her I didn't think it was such a great idea to go to church that Sunday.

Why I Shouldn't Blog in the Middle of the Day

2007-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

'Nuf Said?

Lady Killa

2007-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

What a Flirt!

I think he looks just like me!

The Office Premier - Sept. 27th!!

2007-09-26T21:42:00.001-07:00

2007-09-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're" Rosalie - Image is important to you, you want to show off your best assets, and you have a lot of them- you think! You are also intelligent, which many people might not expect since you seem to be all about looking pretty. But deep down you're caring person that wants what most people in life desire: to be loved. >

Firsts

2007-09-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen anyone so excited!

I think she wiggled this tooth for a year!

The First Day of School

Claudia started 4th grade and Julia started 1st grade. That morning Claudia was complaining that her stomach hurt. I told her she was just nervous and to buck up and have fun seeing all her friends again. 2 hours later I got a call from the office that she was sick. She continued to throw up for the rest of the week! I felt so bad... until she gave it to me!

She's since recovered and caught up on her work and as far as I can tell, Julia is having a great time! She loves to tell stories and so far she's been sent to the office, been in a fist fight with a boy, had to put her head down and miss a recess, and cheated on a test. I wonder if the teacher would call me if these things were true? hmmmm...

Bouncers, Baths and Barbies

2007-09-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Although he's looking very serious in these photos, this is Bear's most favorite thing to do... BOUNCE!

Who knew a barbie could be this much fun!

What would we do without sisters?! I wonder if there will ever come a time when he will actually have to entertain himself.

Staples and Stickers

2007-09-14T15:31:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we were at Claudia's first soccer game and I see Georgia walking toward me and crying that she fell backward and bumped her head on a rock. (This frequently happens due to the immense size of it.) She looked fine, but I got up to get her. As I turned her around to see where she was hurt, I was horrified to see her entire back covered in blood! With a facade of calm, I searched for the source of the uncontrollable bleeding fully expecting to find her brain oozing out!

Okay - I forgot how much heads bleed! It was a small gash about 1/3 an inch! Worried she might have a concussion, I took her to the ER where they gave her the "all clear", one little staple (easier on a 2 year old than stitches) and lots of stickers, which she put on right away and would not let me take them off even for church the next day. And yes, she even bathed in them so you can imagine how pretty they looked with her Sunday dress!

She had so much fun telling EVERYBODY "I have a staple in my head!" She got it removed yesterday and they put it in a little jar for her which she now carries around everywhere... even to bed! (and after a week of scrubbing, the sticky stuff from the stickers is ALMOST gone!)

just a side note: for all you who have read the Twilight series, blood really does stink.

Dance

2007-08-17T10:19:00.001-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Paint-a-Part

2007-08-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Who needs paper when you can paint your body!

Panties and Chocolate!

2007-08-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

She is almost potty trained! Yippeeee!

BathTime!

2007-08-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Could anyone love bath time more?

Bear will be 5 months on the 12th!

Oh Beyonce!

2007-07-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

This cracks me up EVERY time I watch it!
She seriously goes end over end!

July has been one long month!

2007-07-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

We played kitties and knocked down ALL the laundry that was just folded.We played with barbies.

We played with bandaides.

She just kept bringing them to me and asking me to stick them in various spots. This is Georgia as a dead person.We played with mascara.
Does this picture scare anyone else?

No wonder THEY are exhausted!

Family "Vacation" 2007

2007-07-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

I think the term "family vacation" is an oxymoron... at least until everyone can use a potty and feed themselves! But we made some memories and that's the important thing... right?

We started our trip at Grandma Liz's. They actually fell asleep like this!

But only after some silliness.

I can't believe how grown up Claudia is getting!

So here we are on the first day of our adventure. I think Bear knew what was coming!

Day 1: Monterey Bay Aquarium

"Cling-on" much! (you know... from Star Trek)

I love how they are both fake smiling! They BOTH hated the backpack!

Day 2 we took ALL the kids to see Harry Potter and swam at the hotel.

Day 3: Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Capitola

Alli and Sam met us at the Boardwalk! It sure was easier with 2 nannies to help! Thanks guys!

I totally look like the mom in this picture. They smashed me soo bad - I still have bruises!

I LOVE it when this happens!CapitolaSorry Alli but I had to add this picture. I think it's the only one I've ever seen where you don't look like a super-model!Day 4: Alcatraz and Pier 39

Getting ready to board the boat. Julia was sooo nervous!

She wouldn't even come out at first. Claudia was being the nicest big sister though and really tried to comfort her. (Plus I think she was a little nervous also.)

After some coaxing she made it out onto the deck, but wouldn't leave this chair.Finally we got her let us snap a photo and then she bolted back inside!I had to take this picture because I've never seen this happen and I'm not sure if it ever will again! Julia (again) was nervous about viewing the informational Alcatraz video (she must have thought we were going to see some real life bad guys or something!) so Claudia grabbed her and pulled her onto her lap. Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor!Mom, Sam, Austin and Alli met us at Pier 39 later.

We ended up cutting our "vacation" short because I was completely exhausted!

Flowers

2007-07-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is Julia's favorite song from her Kindergarten promotion. I love that she's completely surrounded by boys who could care less about singing!

Sorry for the shaky video. I had Bear on my chest in the carrier and Georgia was going crazy trying to get out of her stroller!

The 4th of July

2007-07-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the day over at the Nelson's which is quickly becoming a super fun tradition! I think this is our third year in a row over there and we just love them... and their pool!

106 Degrees!
I think this picture says it all!

Georgia walked around all day with these floaties on - even while she ate dinner!

I love this picture because I'm in it! I swear if I die, Ryan's going to have a heck of a time convincing Georgia and Bear (that would be Baby Ryan but I'm sick of calling him that) that I did really exsist!

The Crew!

Bear is now almost 4 months old! I can't believe how cute he is!

Look How They've Changed...into Gangstas

2007-07-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here are Julia and Claudia looking so sweet and innocent (and in Claudia's case, a little muffin mannish!) on their first day of Kindergarten and 3rd grade.

And this is what a year will do to a kid!
This is their GANGSTA pose. They're flashin' signs and all!

p.s. notice Claudia's lanyard she earned for reading a certain amount of books this year. She hasn't taken it off in a week!

Sleep Reading?

2007-07-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Claudia has recently discovered the Harry Potter series. While I know she enjoys the story, I think she is more excited about how thick the book is, as many of you can attest to after receiving numerous phone calls updating you on the exact page she's on!

Julia Graduates From Kindergarten!

2007-07-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

a> Doesn't she look soooo sweet! This was the outfit she picked out to wear. I did curl her hair but after running around for 2 hours in 90 degree heat, you can't really tell!

Words cannot express how happy I am that Julia graduated from kindergarten. Not because I didn't think she would, but it means in about 8 weeks both Claudia and Julia will be in school ALL day! I am going to cry tears of joy!!!! Don't get me wrong, I've loved (okay tolerated) having her home most of the day, but for those of you who know my wonderjul Julia understand how much I deserve a little R & R!

This is Jenna, Julia's best friend.

Julia is Six!!!

2007-07-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Julia and her sidekick!

Claudia and her sidekick!

Father's Day

2007-07-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Things we love about Daddy:

He works so hard
He takes us to work with him
He snuggles with us all the time
He's the smartest guy we know
He calls us funny names like "butterball" (Claudia), "snugglebuddle" (Julia)
He kisses mommy all the time
He turns up his music in his truck really loud and we all rock out
He's really strong and handsom
He builds things for us
He makes the best pancakes

Okay - okay - ! Where's my mother's day list? I had to stop the girls - they could have gone on ALL day!

I love Julia's face in this pic!
I'm so glad my son has such a wonderful role model! There are so many traits I hope he's inherited from his dad.

Thirty What!!!????

2007-06-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

okay - seriously???!!! I'm thirty what? Today I was driving with all my kids sans husband and I just started cracking up. I had adjusted the rear view mirror to put on some makeup and I could see myself and 3 of my children in the back seat and Julia was in the front. So I could see myself and ALL my babies. Do I really have 4? That is crazy! I remember being 9 like Claudia and 6 like Julia - where did the time go???? And who is this woman starring back at me????

GLAMOROUS

2007-06-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago we were all just sitting around watching t.v....except for Julia. She was watching Claudia, or I should say starring at Claudia. After a few minutes of feeling self conscious, Claudia turned to Julia and asked her why she was starring. Julia looked up at her sister with such admiration and said...

"You're just so beautiful! I can't take my eyes off you!"

And with that, Julia ran upstairs. A few minutes later, it was just too quiet so
I went to see what mischief was afoot... and this is what I found!

This is her "BEFORE"

And this is her "AFTER"

I guess she thought makeup would transform her into her sister, Claudia! It's funny because Claudia could care less about makeup and what she looks like! I'm seeing a big battle in about 6 years with this girl! However, being a fair-skinned red head, I do sympathize. She lucked out there!

Random Happenings

2007-05-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago we had a girls night with mud masks and pedicures! Ryan came home and crashed the party so we made him a girl for the night.
I think he was too tired to protest.

I heard Georgia get up from her nap the other day and she was whining to Claudia about something. I was working on my blog (surprise!) and wasn't paying much attention to the noise. Then...it got quiet. Too quiet. This is where I found Georgia.
Apparently nap time wasn't over!

This is Julia's wart. I asked her to think of something interesting to put on the blog. This was her answer. I guess it's interesting in a grotesque kind of way!

Julia decided to grace Georgia with her time and play dress-ups with her. In this first picture, Julia wanted to look like she was flying, so she had the great idea to put Georgia on the couch and stand behind it. Pretty creative.

Blabbermouth

2007-05-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Baby Ryan is almost 12 weeks old and has already learned how to whine from his three older sisters.

Memorial Day

2007-05-30T18:05:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that Ryan took a day off?!!! I can't either! We spent the entire day together as a family. We went to see Pirates, we went swimming at the Nelson's (who let us use their pool while out of town), and topped it off with some obstacle courses in the backyard. It was a great and somewhat exhausting day!

I just love Georgia's chubby legs! I guess they remind me of my own!

You've got to zoom in on Julia's face if you can! Hilarious!

Ryan's first dip in the pool was less traumatic than I thought it would be! After the initial shock from the cold water, he seemed to enjoy it!

I think Baby is darker than Daddy!

Already a tease!

Claudia and Julia got ahold of my camara. These are their "sassy" pictures as Claudia put it!

Georgia Turns Two

2007-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Georgia was so excited for her birthday party! Everytime she woke up either from a nap or in the morning she would yell "My birthday party is coming up!"... in fact, 3 days after the party she still thinks her birthday party is coming up!

Georgia looks dazed and confused! Too much sugar? I think so!

Actually I think we all look a bit out of it!

Georgia just loved her "princess dress" from Grandma Beth!

Two handsom hunks!

And three gorgeous gals!

She LOVED her cake!!!

But not as much as she loves her daddy!

Look at those eyes!

Ryan is putting blocks on the pedals of her Dora Hotwheel so she can ride it!

Ryan Sr.

2007-05-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

I just found this picture of Daddy Ryan at 5 weeks old. I was pretty surprised to see my son actually resembles his father a little. (the forehead for sure!) Up until I saw this picture I was wondering if they pulled a fast one on me at the hospital!

Dad and Susan Visit

2007-05-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dad and Susan came to visit last weekend. We had a great time just catching up, and spent Saturday afternoon at the zoo!

Here we are at the reptile exhibit. Georgia looks a little scared!

Dad's only grandson... for a few months anyway! Can't wait for Ryan to have a playmate Melissa! Hope you're doing wonderful!

I just had to put this picture in. Could she be any cuter!

Ryan's Baby Blessing

2007-05-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Open House 2007

2007-05-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is Mrs. Viglione, Claudia's 3rd grade teacher. Claudia wanted me to write that she thinks her teacher is the best teacher in the whole world!

Claudia's class learned all about pigs this month...kind of weird... but she is showcasing her picture of "Piggy Longstocking!"

This is Julia's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gravert. And I want everyone to know that she is the best teacher in the whole world because she let Julia wear her fabulous wig for 2 weeks without sending a threatening note home! The famous wig has since been retired... I mean hid. Julia continues to search high and low for it.

This is Julia's favorite bug, a praying mantis. I found out about this project the day before it was to be displayed, so I put Ryan (the creative one on the job). I was thinking styrophome and pipe cleaners would do the job, but found Ryan widdling in the garage!

We also discovered at Open House that she named this bug Rebekah.

Apparently her mother reminds her of a vicious, bug eyed insect that bites the heads off it's prey...

Shoes

2007-05-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Georgia put my sexy J Lo shoes on tonight and when I asked her who she looked like, fully expecting her to say "mommy", She replied' "Jesus. I look like Jesus."
OK!!???
We obviously need to have better lessons for Family Home Evening!

Claudia was trying to show her how to pose for the camara. Notice the complete awkwardness of this photo. The smile... the hands! !

Our little Prince

2007-05-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Look at his curly mouth!
Reber sisters, (that's you too Meliss) do you think he could play Edward in 18 years? I do!

He's got the brooding pensive stare down!

I'm not sure about the ears though - they are totally my elf ears. Do you think he looks a little like dad's (my dad) baby pics? I'm thinking yes... but I just can't pinpoint what it is! Probably the ears. I'm totally rambling. This is what happens when I'm around children ALL day!

He totally has Ryan's chin. You can kind of see it in this pic. The cute, defined crease - I love it!

I think he looks like his dad in this picture!!! j/k

He loves to talk to the motor on the swing. Men and motors... even at 7 weeks! He must be his father's son!

7 week STUD!

2007-05-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

First smiles!

He looks so jolly! I think I see a dimple!

But he is usually very serious!

Hmmm..... I wonder what is so perplexing!?

Georgia's Great Sunday!

2007-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Georgia's first blessing on the food.

"I did it!"

No matter how hard I try, she inevitably ends up like this every Sunday, and...

with church from 11am - 2 pm (nap time), like this too!!!

Jessica

2007-04-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Since you didn't pick up your phone this morning...

Happy 30th Birthday Jessica!!!! You look great!

2007-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

We dressed up the week after Easter because everyone was sick on Easter and I ended up at church all by myself! So we all looked really cute this week for no reason at all!

2007-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

CRASH!!! She fell asleep like this!

Abby gave this wig to Julia and she hasn'
t taken if off in 3 days! She really wants to wear it to school today!

Georgia loves to be in every picture!

First Trip to Church

2007-04-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

I think he looks like a stud!

Seriosly... how cute is this baby!

I mean really - look at this picture! He's so cute in a little old mannish kind of way!

And he even performs for the camara.

1 Month Old

2007-04-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

He's gained 4 lbs in 4 weeks and now weighs just over 10 lbs!

Sister Visit

2007-04-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

The only thing this picture is missing is Melissa.

We love you Missy!!!

Alli was our resident beautician!
She's doing Sam's hair.

Jessica wore her hair like this the whole time. It was a little embarrassing.

Even baby Ryan thinks I'm funny!

Grandma Francis dropped in for a quick visit! IT was so nice to see her!

Coloring Easter Eggs with Grandma!

3 Weeks

2007-04-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

At his 2 week check up he'd already put on 2 lbs.! All he ever wants to do is EAT!!

I think he has Jeff's mouth.

First Bath

2007-03-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I was expecting him to be alittle fussy, but he completly enjoyed his first bath. Even when I squeezed the water onto his face! He's already our tough little man!

2 Weeks Old

2007-03-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

One Week Old

2007-03-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

He's already a natural at posing for the camara!

One Week Old

2007-03-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Cute Pics

2007-03-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

First Day Home

2007-03-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

One Day Old!

2007-03-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Daddy Ryan is a little tired!

Sisters

2007-03-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Claudia (9 yrs old) is such a big helper. Not just with Baby Ryan, but with Georgia and Julia!

Julia (almost 6) just loves to lay down and snuggle with Ryan.

Georgia (almost 2) loves her little brother so much. So far she hasn't been jealous, just loves to kiss him and touch all his little fingers and toes and she is constantly telling me "he's so cute!" and that she "loves little baby Ryan". She's so precious!

Family Photos

2007-03-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

First Photos

2007-03-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

First Photos

2007-03-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

First Photos

2007-03-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

2007-03-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

One last photo before we left for the hospital at 3 am!

All drugged up and ready to push 12 hours later!

Claudia and Julia were so excited!

First Photo!

Ryan Jamison Hatch Jr.

6 lbs 12 oz

20 " long