Five Years

I am warning you now, this is going to be one of the corny, mushy posts. But, since this blog is also my journal and my families blog book every year, you are getting it anyway!

Mars-Bars,

Five years ago today was the most physically trying day of my life. I had gone into the hospital the night before to be induced, only to have them tell me I was already in labor. So, instead of waiting to start the pit until the next morning, they just started it and thought we would have a you by morning. Wrong. You were "sunny side up", and already being difficult. I progressed slowly, by noon on the 21st I was ready for my epidural. Finally at about 4:00 pm I was ready to push.

After 22 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing, a 102.5 fever and 2 vacuums, you finally made your grand entrance.

I know every mom says it, but you were the most BEAUTIFUL thing I had EVER seen.

Truly one of the greatest moments of my life.

I don't know how FIVE YEARS have flown by so quickly, but you are still one of the greatest blessings in my life.

You are so many things, and have such personality. You are sweet, gentle, thoughtful, accepting, genuine, loving and smart...and that's just the inside.

You are GORGEOUS, I love your curly hair (even if you don't), your round little booty and your angelic face.

I love the way you make up your own song lyrics as you go, the way you dance like crazy when you think no one is watching, the way you make me laugh hysterically, the fact that you will be any ones friend, I love your tender heart, and the way you always want the rest of your family to be happy.

Our lives would not be the same without you. So, HAPPY FIFTH BIRTHDAY my sweet Princess Marlee, I love you more than life.

Love,

Mom

You have grown to be such a beautiful young lady!
These are just a few shots I got of her today, on her actual birthday.

Her party will be this weekend, so I should have some pics up next week.

The Third (and FINAL) First Day of Preschool

As most of you know, we had been debating for several months as to if we should put Marlee in kindergarten this year or not. Well, when we moved to the Springs that debate was over. In the school district we moved from the deadline to be 5 was Oct. 1. Here in the Springs it is Sept. 15.

Marlee's birthday is 6 days past the deadline and they make no exceptions. So we found a preschool for her here and she will start kindergarten next year. She started on Wednesday (Sept.8) at her new preschool and so far she loves it. When I picked her up Wednesday we had this conversation:

Me: How was school?
Marlee: Good.
Me: Did you make any friends?
Marlee: Yup, a little girl asked me to be her friend AND she wanted me to hold her hand at recess!
Me: Awesome, did you?
Marlee:Yes
Me: Cool, what's her name?
Marlee: (looking at me like I'm an idiot, and shrugging her shoulders) I dunno...

I love kids because they don't care about that. They meet and they're either friends, or they're not!

Here are some pics we snapped before she left for school...

(and is it just me, or does she look about 12!?!?!?)

Part II - The Reunion

On Monday we made the trip from Provo to Boise. The girls did really well in the car. We stayed with Myca and Jared and just kind of hung out the first few days. I took the kids to the park with Nena and their kids. Went out to lunch with my friend Staci that I used to work with, saw Dr. G(who I worked for) and got an adjustment which felt awesome.

Thursday Collin flew in and met us. Friday, the boys all went golfing and then we floated the Boise River, The kids had a blast! Marlee cried at first that she didn't want to go down the "waterfall" but once she went over the first rapids she was fine. Kenna on the other hand climbed to the front of the boat and screamed "AGAIN, AGAIN!" I held her off the side of the boat dragging her legs in the water for quite a while...she's nuts.

Saturday all the girls went and got pedicures and then we all went to Sandy point to play of the beach. All the grown up kids played volleyball almost the whole time. It was a blast. We got to see Scott and Jenn (Collin's BF from high school) which was great. Jenn is majorly pregnant with baby #6 and I was glad she got to make the trip!

After that we had an amazing dinner at Myca and Jareds. I always enjoy my time with the Earl's, we have so much fun together even if we're not doing anything at all. Never a dull moment. I miss them all already!

Of coarse, I didn't tale my camera out til the very last day...so I missed everything we did except for Sandy Point. Oh well, there is always next year...

Grandpa warming up Tayden and Kenna Daydre and Marlee Lysh, me and Myca after volleyball

Hendrix and Marlee... these two were INSEPARABLE! It was really cute. They would ask every night for a sleepover and at the exact same time make these sad little puppy dog faces. Who could resist?Collin and JennScott and Corbin man-hugging

and is it just me, or does it look like Scott is in route for a booty grab?

Trip - Part I

I know, FINALLY an update!!!

We are successfully moved in, although not unpacked. We lived in our house for 4 days before I left for our family reunion trip with the girls. My sweet mom didn't want me driving all the way from Denver to Boise alone with the kiddos so, she made the trip with me and then flew home when we got there. The first night of the trip we stopped in Grand Junction to see my grandpa. We don't get to see him very often and he always cracks me up. He is old, feisty and cant hear worth crap, so it always makes for an interesting visit. We went out to dinner and he said "ok I'll give you two choices.... Hooters, or V.I." Hmmm....V.I. Grandpa, definitely V.I. Then he did a funny little booty shake in the middle of the road...yikes.

Saturday, we made our way to Provo. We were supposed to stay at Tiff & Ryan;s, but they sold their house quickly and needed to get out so we got a hotel. It ended up being a lot of fun that way. We hung out there and went swimming both nights. Then in the mornings they came for the hotel breakfast. I always love getting time with them. Sunday afternoon we had dinner at Chels' house. She is my old roommate from hair school. She has a daughter that is 6 weeks younger then Marlee and one about the same from Kenna. They had a blast together. It was the first time in years that me, Chantell, Chels and Tiff have been together. Man, I miss my girls!!!

Between Tiff, Chels and myself we have 6 girls! I think Chans boys felt a little overwhelmed!

(I have seen this look before... I think they were flirting... I'd love to have Landon in the family!)

I love that they get along so well, I wish we lived closer...

I had to throw this one in....you have no idea how often I see this face...