Tolboe Family

Burnham Missionaries

2012-01-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that I now have 2 siblings serving a mission. Sister Brianne Burnham is finishing up her last 4 months in the Detroit Michigan Mission. Currently in Chelsea, Mi.
Check out her Blog Here:
sisterbrianneburnham.blogspot.com

Elder Sean Burnham just left the MTC and entered the mission field in the Raleigh, North Carolina Mission. He is currently serving in the Cary, NC area.
You can also check out his Blog Here:

elderseanburnham.blogspot.com

These two missionaries are so loved and adored by, their nieces and nephew. We love getting their letters and hearing all about their teaching and spiritual experiences. Keep up the good work you two!!!

Update on Brookie

2012-01-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn is going to be turning 8 in 4 months!!! I can't believe my little baby Brookie is that old. Brooklyn is getting so tall and is only 12 inches away from passing me up! Only in 2nd grade but has the attitude of a 13 year old, we are all in trouble. She is often too smart for her age in many ways.

Brooklyn is excelling in math and reading. Her teacher is very impressed at how well she is doing and how easy it comes for her. I hope this trend continues!

Brooklyn is very sociable and is a little butterfly in class, which from my experience can be a bad thing sometimes. I love that she has many friends and is NOT shy at all!

As Brooklyn continues her ballet training she is working extra hard this year as I have moved her up a level. She loves to dance and wants to try out for the Nutcracker next year.

I am sad that Brooklyn is growing up but I am so excited for this new stage of life. She understands our jokes and she can come up with some pretty funny ones herself. Her personality is really starting to bloom.

Dance Party

2012-01-22T17:22:00.001-08:00

In our family when we say "lets have a dance party" it is almost as exciting as Christmas morning. My kids love getting their booty shakin' on! Here is a video of Landon and Claire.

Cotton Candy Party

2012-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn got a cotton candy maker for Christmas and so she wanted to have a party with her friends. On Martin Luther King Day (no school); she had her friends over for cotton candy and games!

From left to right: Kearstyn, Hannah, Brooklyn, Kylee, Paige, Courtney

Detroit Auto Show 2012

2012-01-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Here is proof that there is actually some cool stuff happening in Detroit, Michigan.
Christan took Landon to the Auto Show with a friend and his daughter. They had a great time!

Cars in the air

The new age Big Rig

Crazy New Minivan from Chrysler

Whats up hampster homie

And of course some Porsche

Toyota

Landon found his new car

Caddilac ATS

BMW concept car

Christian's dream car, the Audi R8 spider

Landon taking his girlfriend out on a date

No snow in Michigan

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

There have been a couple of unusually warm days here in Michigan...but no one is complaining.

Claire and Landon take every chance they can get to go outside.

Claire taking her minnie mouse and baby for a ride. Don't forget the Hello Kitty boots!

A big CHEESE from Landon

Landon's Bowling with Santa

2012-01-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

Landon's preschool class had breakfast and bowling with Santa. He had a great time playing with his friends, especially the twin girls in his class, Shay and Chloe.

Landon's best bud Jake, I hope they are in the same kindergarten class next year!

Videos from Christmas

2011-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Christian and Dmitri playing with Landon's helicopter.

Just Dance blackmail...

Claire Dancing at the bowling alley

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was so much fun! We were lucky enough to have Aunt Jenna and Uncle Dmitri at our house to celebrate Christmas. They drove from Virginia to be with us. Since we couldn't go home for Christmas, having them here made the holiday more memorable and filled with love.

On Christmas Eve we went to see Aurthur's Christmas and then came home to play some Just Dance!

While Dad cleaned up from a delicious dinner made by ME, we got the actors ready for the reenactment of the First Christmas.

Men are so sexy when they are doing the dishes!!!
Well at lest mine is xoxo Mary and Joseph and one of the Three Kings holding baby Jesus.

The two other kings presenting their gifts to the Christ Child.
Ending the night with the right spirit and the memory of our Savior's birth was perfect.

Beautiful Family

2011-12-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the the Tolboe Family

Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

While listening to a variety of Christmas Music we decorated the Christmas Tree.

A cute little Claire ready for Church

Good Old Saint Nick

2011-12-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas isn't complete with a trip to Santa! So we took the kids to the Sterling Heights Christmas Festival (waited a long time... but with great company) and got to see the jolly old elf.

While we were waiting there was singing for the kids.

Now you see it...

2011-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn has been begging me to let her cut her hair.
We tried to wait and grow it out to donate to locks of love, but after measuring every month and only at 6 inches we couldn't wait for another 4 inches!

Before

After

A little shorter than we wanted but that is OK, hair grows...

Now here is to less shampoo, easier hair-do's in the morning and less static hair in the winter.

Cleavland Rocks

2011-12-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame was close to Kirtland and on our way home so we stopped there to get our "ROCK" on!

As you can see Landon was a little embarrassed by his crazy family.

There we saw everything from Michael Jackson's glove to Elvis's Car. So many outfits of famous singers and bands, the only downside was you couldn't take pictures of any exhibits. So, you will just have to use your imagination when I say Christian wanted to look at Rihanna's outfit a bit longer..."close your eyes Landon"

After that we had to say goodbye to the Summer's and promise to not make it so long between visits this time.

Kirtland, Ohio

2011-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

After our fun in Erie, Pa we took the short drive to Kirtland, Ohio to the Church History site. There we were able to see where the early pioneers lived and built the first Temple. Even though the Community of Christ owns the Temple now, it was great to go inside and hear all the history about the first temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints.

Claire and Lyv walking around the saw mill.

The Newel K. Whitney Store served as the
home of Joseph and Emma Smith between September
1832 and February 1834. Joseph Smith III
was born here on November 6, 1832. The store
served as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints during the time that
the Smith family lived here.
Many significant events occurred here including
the organization of the School of the
Prophets, the First Presidency receiving the keys
of the kingdom, and receiving of the Word of
Wisdom, Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.

It was wonderful to feel the spirit there and get an idea of what the early pioneers sacrificed for us.

In the store there were fun things for the kids to look and and learn about the Prophet.

After a great day in Kirtland we ate at the BEST Mexican restaurant and rolled ourselves out the door and into our nice comfortable beds at the hotel.
Another perfect day on our Thanksgiving weekend trip.

Summers For Thanksgiving

2011-12-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we had the pleasure of spending the holiday with our friends from Medical school, the Summers. They are doing their residency in NY and so we met half way in Erie, Pa at an indoor water park.
The kids played great together and us adults had a blast reminiscing!

Landon and Jack

Brooklyn and Sam were big kids now and disappeared the whole time riding the slides like a pro!
Us adults each had our turn to catch some thrills from the water slides. Feeling like a teenager again !!!

Happy Thanksgiving from all the kids
Jack, Claire, Brooklyn, Sam, Lyv and Landon

Claire and Lyv were so sweet together. Claire liked watching over Lyv and being her little Mommy.

Our little cuties peeking over the wall on the bunk beds.

Claire and Lyv tired from a day full of swimming.

We had a great trip and loved spending it with "Family."
We might have to make this a tradition.

Harvest Party

2011-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Landon's preschool class had a little Harvest Party and they sang the cutest songs!

For the Grandparents viewing pleasure!

I am an Acorn

Turkey Goes...

Leaves

Little Turkey

Scarecrow

Landon with his teachers
Mrs. C.J
Mrs. Diane

Flower of the Month

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

For my Birthday (in July) Christian got me a gift from the local garden center, a Flower of the Month club card. I get to go and get a bouquet or plant each month! Fresh flowers every month, what more could I ask for. I love flowers and plants. Here are the last 2 months of flowers.

October

November

December is a poinsettia plant or a bouquet of your choice. Can't wait!

Love my gift, I would love this every year...hint, hint.

Halloween Day 2011

2011-11-02T11:25:00.001-07:00

Halloween Day started early, getting Brooklyn ready for her school Halloween Parade and party! I think I had more fun dressing her up than she did! She was so excited to go to school and show her friends her hair! I was pretty proud of my inventive handy work!

(there is a cup in her hair)

Our Bride of Frankenstein

Every year Brooklyn's school has a costume parade around the block of the school. This year we waited inside to see her.

Brooklyn and Claire having some pizza at her school party

Look Mom I ate the candy all gone...

Then after some rest and dinner we got dressed up again and headed out for some Trick-or-Treating.
I love Claire's face in this picture.

Everyone ready to get some CANDY

Happy Halloween

Halloween Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

For the second Halloween event of the season, we attended our ward Halloween party. To follow our family Halloween tradition of dressing up, we were all scary, bloody Doctors.

Christian got a lot of strange looks from a couple of ward members, and his Young Men didn't even recognize him.
SO GREAT!

Brooklyn was such a great sport and got all into her costume. She was a phlebotomist with vampire fangs.
Also had her arm amputated!

Our little shy Landon, would have nothing to do with the blood or scary part of being a Doctor.

Claire and Landon were the cute part of our family costume.

Here is to another successful Family Halloween Theme!!!

Halloween Parade at the Library

2011-10-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Halloween always has multiple events for the kids to wear their costumes. The first of many was a costume parade at the Library.

Optimus Prime and Minnie Mouse

Claire and Emma

Groovin' with her chips

2011-10-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

On the way home from one of Brooklyn's soccer games we were all rockin' out in the car and I caught our cute little Claire dancing along!

Moments that Matter

2011-10-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

I need to play in the rain with my kids more and get some spaghetti on my face...

Claire's 2nd Birthday

2011-09-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, Claire loves Minnie Mouse. So, from a little help from my awesome cake decorator friend I was able to pull this baby off. Claire loved it and wanted to eat her right away. She kept asking me if she could lick the cake. I think she stole about 10 licks all over the cake by the time we cut into it.

Patiently waiting for skype to get set up so we could share this day with family.

Claire was so excited when we started singing to her she was squealing and clapping her hands!

What a cute face!

"hmm let me see...how do I get this thing blown out?"

Landon and Brooklyn were helping

Have at it little girl!

Happy Birthday Claire, you are so loved and adored by all.

*Claire can say most any word, Brooklyn and Landon make her say anything and everything. They especially like making her say fort...because it sounds like FART.
* Her favorite foods are fruit, yogurt, goldfish, pretzels, carrots, broccoli (she thinks cauliflower looks like ice cream), and her favorite Chocolate Milk.
*Claire cries every day we drop Landon off at Preschool
*She LOVES books, when it is quiet and I can't find Claire she will be in a room reading books to herself. When she tells a story or pretends to read she smacks her lips so matter of fact. I have been trying to catch it on camera but haven't yet.
*Claire thinks she is 5 and will try to do everything that her older sibling do. When we go to the park parents are always looking at me when they see Claire climbing on the jungle gym or going down the highest slide. They say, "is she OK" Yeah, yeah I know she is a dare-devil.

I could go on about this adorable little girl, she is so loving and my little cuddle bug.

Now a little trip down memory lane...

Newborn baby Claire

1 year old

Happy Birthday Baby

Claire's photo shoot

2011-09-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

The morning of Claire's birthday I was feeling so overwhelmed and really sad that my baby was already 2! She is growing and changing everyday, I feel like I need to just put video cameras all over so I can just capture every sweet memory that my kids make so I can remember them forever!

Here are some of my favorite shots

Priceless... Landon is such a sweet big brother

I love the scrunch in her nose

Saved the best for last

The Blue Dolphins

2011-09-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I am officially a soccer Mom!!!
Brooklyn had her first soccer game on Saturday and we all had a blast!

It looks like Brooklyn is going to sit on the ball in this picture, but she is just stopping for a pass. With this pass she took the ball all the way down to almost score a goal.

Coming in at half time for some water and high fives.

With the ball again heading to the goal.
We are so proud of our little or should I say BIG soccer player. Brooklyn is the tallest on her team!
Man I love my job!

First Day of School 2011

2011-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have a 2nd grader!
Brooklyn looked so grown up as she posed for her first day of school pics.

I let her pick out her clothes for the first day and when I saw her come out in her ever so cute outfit I was so proud :)

Brooklyn and Paige

My little Man Landon was excited to start Preschool...up until the part where he had to say goodbye to Mom. :(
He held on to me so tight, his teacher had to pull him away from me as he was crying. Then Claire started crying.

Thankfully he was all smiles when I picked him up.
Nothing a little M&M's wont fix

Garden

2011-09-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here is our beautiful lush garden.
That I planted by MYSELF, and weed by MYSELF.
I did have some help with the watering.

Out of this large, green garden we have had not one single vegetable grow!
The STUPID animals around our yard keep eating all of them.

I put up a fence and this is all I have found since. I hope they grow fast before winter comes.

I was so excited when I saw these, but then the next day I saw a squirrel digging in the pot and they were gone.
Stupid animals

Out on the Boat

2011-09-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

So I was going to put all these pictures on the California trip post, but there was just too many.

Water Ski Trip

I was so happy that I got up the first try after not skiing for 5 years.
My legs were so sore the next day though...

The look on Brooklyn's face is priceless. She lost Grandma on one of the big waves!

Yeah! Go Brookie and Ryan

Look Mom, no hands!
Claire was so brave and even after swallowing half the lake she still wanted to go again!

Landon and Ryan

Landon trying to stand up

Claire's wind blown hair.
She's helping bring in the boat after a long day on the lake.
Great trip!
I LOVE CALIFORNIA

Chicago

2011-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Christian had to present at the Podiatry school in Chicago, so we decided to tag a long with him. After he presented on Friday we headed to Legoland Discovery Center. A really cool place filled with LOTS of Legos, rides, games and movies.

City of Chicago made out of legos.

Hagrid

Batman

Our little lions

Cute little lion

After a fun day at Lego Discovery Center we headed to our new hotel downtown. (we stayed in North Chicago the first night) We headed to the famous Giordanos pizza place for some stuffed crust pizza.

SHH don't tell anyone I didn't like it.
Saturday was a long fun day spent at the Shedd Aquarium. There was so much to see and do we were there ALL Day!

They do actually love eachother

Click on image to enlarge

The View of the City from the Willis Tower.
(formerly known as the Sear's Tower)

Our Family standing on the Sky Deck

That's a long way down... 110 stories down.

Then on the way home we were in traffic for 2 hours!

This is what I think about Chicago traffic....YUCK!

California Dreamin'

2011-08-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

You can't go to California without going to the beach! So that is what we did our first weekend there! We hit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! The water was freezing, but the kids had fun in the soft sand and warm sun.

Sara and Brooklyn, the beach babes.

What a good Uncle!

We had a visit from the sweetest dog ever, Mylee. She just sat there and let the kids pet her,as she drooled all over them.

Our next trip was to Jamestown, CA. It is an old rail town where a lot of movies were filmed. Like, "Back to the Future III" and much more.

They dressed up in pioneer clothes...I told them not to smile. They were really having fun, I promise :)

After Christian flew in the real fun could begin...

We went to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Which is a Sea World and Six Flags put together.

Yes there is MORE...

You can't have summer without some WATER SKIING!!! I got right up (of course) without skiing in 6 years.

pictures coming soon...

We celebrated my amazing and very handsome brothers.
Ryan received his Eagle

And Sean went through the Temple to prepare for his mission. He will be serving in the Raleigh, North Carolina mission (Spanish speaking)

right: Ben Walker -called to South Carolina
left: Sean Burnham-Called to North Carolina

We had such a great time in California BUTT

we had to come home...
This is how I found Claire one day just happy as can be playing the piano and singing along.

That is the END of our very busy but very fun California Vacation.
Miss you everyone!!!

Camp out on the Tramp

2011-07-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

You can't have a camp out without s'mores.

Look how cute that little marshmallow face is!

Everyone slept soundly all night, Dad, Brooklyn and Landon that is. Claire was to little to handle the tramp and my back couldn't handle the trampoline either.

A great start to an awesome Summer!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July! Mostly because summer is my favorite season and maybe because that it means that my birthday is almost here...hehe

Our celebration this year was low key and filled with friends. Just the way it should be.
BBQ at our house, kids running around having fun and Dad getting to play piromaniac.

My kiddos are getting so big

Landon with a really big sparkler Mom found. Super cool!!!
Brooklyn's design
And her pose for the front of Maxim.....UM what the HECK!
I don't think so, where does she get that from?

This boy never leaves us with a dull moment.
Love ya dude
(fill in your own words for this picture)
What came out of my mouth right after I took this picture...

"Who the "bleep" gave Claire FIRE!"
no one was harmed in the events of the night

So cool Dad!

A little too loud for Lando

Dad's Home...yikes

2011-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Christian spent the afternoon with the kids while I ran errands and this is what I came home to...

Brooklyn's monster face

Never thought you could have so much fun with a leaf blower!

Lights, Camera, Dance 2011

2011-06-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn had her Dance Recital on June 18th
She was beautiful and did an amazing job.

We were so proud of our little ballerina.
She danced to a song from Tangled.
I will post a video later.

Last Day of 1st Grade

2011-06-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

The GOOD:
Brooklyn had a great school year! Her teacher Ms. Crisan was so amazing. She made lots of friends and can't wait for school to start again next year.

The BAD:
Brooklyn's best friend Ava is moving to California (ironic I know) Here are some of their best times.
Twin Day

We will miss you Badallo Family. Have fun in California!!!

Crazy Hair Day- a little late

2011-06-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

When I was going through pictures to post for the last day of school, I found these pictures from Brooklyn's Crazy Hair Day!I was pretty proud of my work of art!

Picture moments

2011-06-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

There are really no words for this post...just some pictures of a cute little girl.

Love you baby Claire bear

Last Day of Preschool 2011

2011-06-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Landon had a great year meeting new friends and learning with his preschool class. He had some great teachers Ms. Kim and Ms. Simasko.

From left to right:
Landon, Randon, Jake, Julie, Bryan, and Bryce

For their last day of school they had a party at the park!

Landon and Randon enjoying some yummy oreo dirt cups.

Landon and Jake(here on the swings) have become great friends. They are so funny together and I hope their friendship lasts through the next 2 years we are here.

Thank goodness we have one more year of preschool before I have to send my little boy to Kindergarten. Even though he is more than ready to go now...

he better grow a little before then :)

Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade 2011

2011-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

A PARADE!!!
There is something about parades that I love. The weather was perfect and the company was great. Christian was on- call but got to spend most of the day with us, which made it even better!

Waiting for the parade to come...

Landon and his buddy Tannerthe HOT, I mean very brave fireman.

Claire was such a cutie and loved the parade. She finally got the hang of it at the end and was up there getting all the candy she could.

click to enlarge

1 down 2 to go...

We also celebrated our 1 year anniversary of moving to Michigan! I can't believe we have lived here for 1 year. It has flown by and been a great first year of residency. Blessed with so much more than we even knew could come our way.

Trip around Michigan with Jammy and Papa

2011-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

When Jammy and Papa Tolboe came to visit we took them to a trip around Detroit. Our first stop was The Henry Ford, in Dearborn Michigan. The Henry Ford is a huge place to visit which includes; a museum, a place called The Village, where there is and old town and working farms. School houses and churches. Also some old model-T cars that you can ride, and horse drawn carages. Last there is the Ford Factory. You can take a tour of one of the assembly plants where they are making a Ford-F150. Everything was so interesting and the kids loved every minute.

Mom forgot the camera so these pics are from Christian's phone, sorry the quality isn't the best. Also you can't take any photos while in the plant.
Vanna White

The bus ride back to the car form the factory tour.
(told you this thing was big)Brooklyn's Birthday party was on Friday...see earlier post. So on Saturday we went to Downtown Detroit.

We went to the Heidelburg Project and they have added some things since we went their last. See this post.

Our favorite stop was the Motown Museum
Funny tour guides and lots of fun information. Patrice and Rand were reliving the "good ole days!"

"Stop in the name of love"

More to see downtown, including the Fox Theatre

Comerica Park

Having Jammy and Papa come visit was a blast and everything was perfect!
Thanks for coming out to see us and where we live.
Miss you already

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

I have the Best job in the world.
It may not be the cleanest, the most relaxing or the most glamorous. At times it is extremely exhausting and monotonous.
BUT, I wouldn't change it for the world...well maybe if I had a cook and a maid.
Just kidding, I love my children more than anything and they are my greatest accomplishments.
I thank my Heavenly Father each day that he has entrusted me with such special spirits.
Look how lucky I am:

Hula Hoop Stud

2011-05-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Landon was watching Brooklyn hula hoop and thought he would take a try at it.
Well see for yourself...

Lucky Number 7

2011-05-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

When I look at this big grown-up girl I have to take a minute to catch my breath. I can't believe it has been 7 years since this baby girl came into our life.

Brooklyn has acquired a few nick names in her 7 years. Brookie, Brooke, Rosie, Rosalinda, Nookie, Brookie-Nookie. All terms of endearment.

Being the oldest is quite a hard job and she is doing outstanding at it. We have to remind our self that she is only 7 and she can't or shouldn't do some things. She is so mature and grown up for her age, it is a little too much to handle.

Brooklyn had a Spa birthday party and it was a huge success!

Brooklyn was the hostess and welcomed her guests. She gave them their complimentary sandals and the relaxation began.

We had lots of help from a handsome little man

And some very cute customers!!!

After some pedicures the girls had pizza and then we gave them a cucumber mask. The giggling was infectious!!!
from left to right

Kearstyn, Paige, Elise, Brooklyn, Ava, CourtneyAnd a Spa party couldn't be complete without a nail polish cake!

Getting ready for the big 7 candles

Happy Birthday to our big 7 year old.

Landon's Soccer

2011-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for soccer???
YEAH!

( you can see Landon in the green shirt yelling)

Landon started a little soccer program for the spring and he is so cute out there. He was really shy at first, but then once he warmed up he was the fastest, little guy out there.

Here he is warming up

The wind-up...

And the Kick!!!

The frog jump. If you look real close you will see Landon trying not to smile. LOVE IT

While Landon is playing soccer, Claire is usually trying to go with him,

OR doing this with her friend Lilly.

UM, do I have anything on my bum?
Gotta love those wood chips.

Bubbles

2011-05-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the kids in my big bath tub.

When they turn the jets on, the tub gets covered in bubbles. When Claire is in there with them we have to be careful not to loose her.
Claire loved it so much she cried when they had to get out.Claire kept putting bubbles on Brooklyn and Landon

Kentucky Derby Party

2011-05-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Christian and I were invited to a Kentucky Derby benefit party. I was a little nervous to go to a nice fancy party but after I found out that there was a hat contest I couldn't resist...

There was a silent auction and Christian won a ....wait for it....a weed whacker. Whatever, he kept saying that we needed one. At least we won something.

A much overdue fun night out together!!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T18:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter from the happy Tolboe Bunnies

A fun breakfast of Bunny shaped pancakes.

Claire has very curious about the egg dying. She was wondering why we weren't eating them.

Landon waiting patiently for his egg to dye.

Good Morning my little chicks.

The kids got lots of seeds for our garden and some tools to help. Claire found the Cadbury Eggs and loved those!An egg hunt at the park on Saturday...

Landon's 4th Birthday

2011-04-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Landon is 4!
Our little man may be the smallest in his class but he has the biggest personality.
With his wicked cartwheels,
Mad hoola hoop skills, and infectious laugh. Landon has filled
our house with entertainment and love these past 4 years.
We love you little man!

Basket ball cake for our MVP

The kids loved the marshmallow game and Landon was a champAfter about 20 hits from 12 kids the pinata still wouldn't break so Dad had to take a whack at it.

Pictures of LOVE

2011-04-05T12:37:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge

Hand-On Museum in Ann Arbor

2011-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today we drove up to the Hands-On Museum in Ann Arbor. This place was a combination of the Science Center in Iowa and the Children's Museum in Stockton. There was a lot for the kids to do and see.

A rock wall

Landon could climb up like spiderman but he didn't know how to get down...hence the look on his face.

A bubble cage

Walk-On Piano

Our patients... Diagnosis: too much FUN!

Here is Brooklyn playing a laser harp...it is kind of hard to hear

Warming up

2011-03-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

At the slightest rise in the mercury my kids will beg to go outside and play.

Landon showing off his bike riding skills.

All WORK no PLAY...

The way I took this picture it looks like Claire is climbing uphill.

"What guys? Just doing some spring cleaning."

I better be getting paid a lot for this one.

Claire loves to be outside and feel like she is a big kid :)

OH YES, He's 30!

2011-03-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Christian's surprise party

This amazing man has made it to 30 years old.

There is a lot he has accomplished in these wonderful 30 years...

We will start in 2003...that is when he did the smartest thing ever and married the hottest girl EVER!

Next in 2004 he became a father to a beautiful baby girl and it just got better with each kid! He is great Dad to three awesome kids, that absolutely adore him and think he is the funniest guy.
Every time they hear the garage open they run to the door... Claire is the first one there..

He graduated from BYU and then off to Medical school without skipping a beat. He has always been very driven and goal oriented.

After 4 grueling years in Iowa at Podiatry school and 2 kids later he convinced us to go to Michigan for 3 years.
Each time he comes home in his scrubs, or has to answer the phone "Dr. Tolboe," he just gets hotter and hotter.

He may think that he is just doing his job, but if his family or the little old ladies at the clinic have anything to say about it, we say he is awesome.
And very good looking!!!Clarie was wanting to see the cake but as soon as Christian picked her up she started crying...probably the site of the the fire! haha

We love you Dad. Happy Birthday
XOXO
I am glad you are getting older and it's not me...

I emailed Christian's family and asked for some cute stories...memories or anything they wanted to tell about Christian on his birthday. Here are some cute stories and thoughts from his Mom and sisters:

When he had just started to play soccer he was playing goalie and the ball was coming toward his goal. Everyone was shouting at him to get ready because he had his head down. They were all running toward him and he looked up and pointed to the ground at a gopher he was watching! Also, a friend on his team got kicked and it kinda hurt him so Buddy turned on the player who had accidentally kicked him and chased him all over the field with his fist in the air because he had kicked his friend.

Buddy was fascinated with fire. Whenever we went to a ward camp out he would beg to sleep by the fire. He would poke at it with sticks all night. When he would go on camp outs with his dad an on our ward camp outs I would always make him wear old clothes because he always came home with little burnt holes in his shirts from getting too close to the fire and poking sticks in it making the sparks fly. Whenever we had our 4th of July Fireworks he always had to be in on the lighting part of it. He was ALWAYS right there, and way too close. His dream job was to be a pyrotechnologist at Disneyland.I used to tease him about being a pyro maniac. For years he always thought he had to carry a lighter around.

When Buddy was 12 he went to work for a man we know named Larry. Larry was building a house by himself that ended up taking 17 years. He had Buddy get up in the tight areas and do the wiring for him. He would also have him mow his pastures and work on his corvette with him. Buddy had a love/hate relationship with this job and with Larry. It was hard work and he had to get up at 5:00 in the morning. He would come home covered in dirt...COMPLETELY covered. But he learned valuable lessons at that job. I think he was there until he was 16. Larry had dogs that Buddy loved. He always wanted a dob but didn't ever have one because his dad is allergic to them. Buddy had a way with animals. When we would be out where there were ducks to feed he would get the ducks to come up so close to him that he would pick them up.

He used to love to watch the surgery channel. He just thought it was so cool. From a really young age he either wanted to be a pryo guy or a surgeon. One day he was at his dad's office and I don't know how it happened exactly but a lady in one of the treatment rooms saw him and got him to talk to her. A few minutes later she had talked him into massaging her FEET! I don't know who would ask a little boy to do that or why, or why he did it but I'm sure it was just because he was trying to be nice and helpful to her.

Buddy joined ballroom dancing because some girls asked him to. Then the drama coach at the high school got wind of it and asked him to be in a play. Then the dance teacher at the high school found out he danced and she wanted some boys in her dance class so she asked him and he told his friend he would if he would so they both did. Then his dance teacher told me that she can't keep him from talking and acting goofy in class. I told her..."What do you expect! He is 17 and in a room with a bunch of have naked girls!!!" He was his sisters partner in her senior dance production performance and I think they both had tears in their eyes on the night of the final performance.

Buddy had a job in high school and during his first year of college at the Modesto Court Room. He loved to play raquet ball and really got good at it. Men would come to the club early in the morning and talk Buddy into leaving his desk and playing a game with them. When we were out for dinner, at the mall, doing whatever...so many people would walk by us and say" Hey, Buddy!" Everyone knew him. He was just such a fun kid and all the people loved him. Buddy had the coolest pager. I could go online and type him messages when he was in school and then he would know his work schedule etc. He ALWAYS had in his pocket, his pager, gum, soft lips lip balm and a lighter. He came home from school almost every day and cooked up 6 corn dogs before he went to work....or who knows how many bagel bites. And he loved Jones Soda and tried all the flavors. He had his own little fridge in his room that his nice mom would keep stocked. Ü

Buddy was always so sweet and tender to me. He would come out and take the groceries in for me without me asking and always had a hug for me and was never embarrassed of me in front of his friends. He would hold my hand in public and we would dance together in the family room. We would talk about lots and lots of things. He was my only boy and the best I could have.

From Jenna:

I remember all the trips we went on over the summer and tagging along with bud-- and how miserable i was without him when he went on the mission. on all our trips it always seems that he had some kind of interaction with an animal. it was either a squirrel stealing his tootsie roll pop, fake ducks in the lake, or seeing if he could pick up an animal by luring it with food. He teased me alot but i always that he was the coolest big brother. My friends all got older and eventually realized he was attractive -- it was hard to get their attention after that. But he always thought of things that were "so cool". And my favorite were times we spent together that made me feel like he loved me or trusted me. Bud loved to try new things -- the boy thing to do-- and i loved watching him! He'd light things on fire (telling me never to tell mom and dad what he did -- it was only a few years ago that i found out that one of those things was gasoline), jump into the pool off the arbors, stay in the ocean with me for hours on a surf board (which gave me the worst sunburn in my life but it was only his second worst ;) ), make movies, and that one time when he thought someone broke into our house and nearly killed Kelly in an effort to protect me.

My brother is the best! I drove him crazy with how much I'd follow him around and there were plenty of times when he would challenge me to wrestle (he'd have to stay on his knees) and somehow i'd always end up hurt! But he was a trooper! My best friend and my hero cause i always looked at him like he could do anything! i still believe that :) but in a more realistic sense. Life was the best when we were kids -- now that we dont get to see each other nearly as much! But when he came back from the mission -- after my mom introduced us -- he was ready to protect me from all the guys and for the first time in his life! asked me how to ask the girl out that would eventually be his wife! Happy birthday bud! I love you! You're the sibling that i have the most memories with so hopefully we won't live far from each other forever. You're the best brother EVER!

Love,
Jenna

From Kelly:
1.In high school, it took Bud longer to do his hair than me to do mine.
2.On the way to school, we would belt out singing Celine Dion's " It's all coming back to me now" together. He never wanted me to tell anyone, but I think it's about time the truth came out! HAHA!
3. He was in a homemade movie that ended up being shown in the state theater called Jacque Formage.
4. He got so mad at me once for not getting off the phone with a boyfriend that he kicked a hole in his bedroom door that is still there today. He was probably in 7th grade at the time.
5. Great ballroom dancer

From Erin:
We used to make him play Barbies (he was Ken, of course) and we used to put bows etc... in his hair.

He had one of those "My Buddy" dolls(o: He also got a Cabbage Patch Kid when we got ours and named him "Tom". He went through a phase where he named everything "Tom" (goldfish etc...)

He got really mad at me and Kelly one time when we were young and called us "bellybutton head" as an insult. I told my boys this recently and they think it's absolutely HILARIOUS!!

He got these super cheap and ugly "gold" chains from the prize bucket thing in 3rd grade and then wore them for his school picture. I thought it was the most annoying thing ever! Unfortunately, I thought everything he did back then was annoying. Now that I have my own boys I think the stuff he did was kind of cute and funny.

He has always been a pyromaniac and always had candles and incense burning in his room. He would always be next to the fire on ward camp outs and come home with holes in his shirt.

I'm sure you know about the movies him and his friends used to film at the house and about the time he broke Cort's nose. You know about his temper and the hole he put in his bedroom door (my mom insisted that he use his own money to buy a new one but it's still there to this day). He showered more times a day and went through more clothes and towels than any of us girls.

Detroit Michigan Temple

2011-02-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

This Sunday after Church we went to a baptism at the stake center which is in the same parking lot as the Temple. The Temple looked so pretty in the snow, we took some pictures in front.

Getting 3 kids to look at the camera at the same time is a JOKE! Except for our model Brooklyn. :)

Take 1 :Take 2:
(Mom getting Claire to look at the camera)

Take 3:
Landon look at the camera!

Take 4:

I think that is Claire trying to smile???
And Landon is telling Dad there was a loud car driving by

Take 5 :

Someone from our ward was leaving and offered to take our picture!

PerfectLoving our time out here in Michigan. Great memories!
With lots of love
xoxo

BYU or Utah

2011-02-22T11:59:00.001-08:00

So my family is both BYU and University of Utah fans. My brother and sister have both gone to BYU. Christian graduated from BYU and his family is hard core BYU fans so he doesn't have a choice. I was a U of U fan until I became a Tolboe and then decided that I didn't care either way because I never went to either one so I would just side with my husband.

For Christmas we got some BYU and University of Utah gear so we decided to take a family picture. I think it turned out pretty cute!

Snow Storm for WIMPS!!!

2011-02-14T12:01:00.001-08:00

Brooklyn measuring the snow

Well Michigan was talking about this snow storm of the century that was supposed to hit Michigan last Wednesday. People were stocking up on food, schools were closed and it seemed like Armageddon....

The snow level on our back porch

We have decided that Michiganders are a bunch of WIMPS. We did get a lot of snow...8 inches but it wasn't enough to cancel school. They were even going to make the residents stay at the hospital and not let them leave...yeah right!

Dad cutting a path on the driveway with the snow blower...thank goodness he borrowed that thing!

Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-01-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Now I need to give a little background to the song of choice here. About 3 months ago on the way home from church Christian asked Landon what he wanted for lunch and he started singing "Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, what comes after Chicken Noodle Soup?"
Out of nowhere we had no idea where he got it but it sure was funny. Ever since then we sing it to Landon as a joke...THEN Christian was going through some of the songs he had downloaded from my brother and came across this song.

Oh and as an extra bonus we caught Landon grooving to this sweet tune!!!
or click on the word here
HERE

Sorry I don't know why it is sideways...

Toothless Wonder

2011-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn's front tooth was loose forever and she couldn't eat and kept whining about it, so finally Dad "helped" it come out. Then our cute little girl turned into a funny looking character from one of her favorite books...

Our own little Junie B. Jones. Brooklyn got this book for Christmas and has been reading it while her tooth was loose. Then when her tooth was loose we instantly saw the resemblance. After school one day I told Brooklyn to go change her clothes to take a picture. By the time I made it to her room to help her pick out an outfit that matched Junie B Jones, she had already put together this outfit!
What a little cutie.

So incredible

2011-01-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Landon has the cutest personality, once he lets you get to know him. Landon took this and about 20 other pictures of himself with Dad's camera.

I am lucky enough to spend every day with him and watch him learn and get so smart. He soaks up everything around him like a sponge.
He remembers the lyrics to the songs on the radio, which I need to be careful which station I listen to. He also is expanding his vocabulary and I don't know where he hears these words. His favorite and most recent words are Incredible and Amazing. He told me the other day that when I made dinner it was incredible. If he keeps this up he is going to make his wife a very happy woman.

I have started working with Landon at home working on his letters and spelling and writing his name. He loves writing his name:

Roller Hockey

2011-01-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

The city has offered FREE skating and roller hockey lessons.
When I heard FREE I jumped at the offer. The kids have loved going and there is no pressure to be amazing, just to have FUN.

First the skating:

Notice the awesome knee pads on Landon

Then Landon's favorite part... the hockey! When he can give that puck a whack. Look at that swing!

Sunday

2011-01-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

Here is quick picture of Claire in her new dress from Jammy (Grandma Tolboe)

Makes you wanna JUMP!, JUMP!

2011-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Who can say NO to this face???

Out of all three kids Claire is the one that begs to go out and jump the most!

But Brooklyn is a close second!

Landon just likes to run into the net and fall down like a stunt man.

Happy as a clam even when it is 25 degrees.

More jumping for Claire

I love how the snow looks under the Trampoline.
I also love the fact that I can send all 3 kids out to jump for some quick piece and quiet and they are tired when they come back in.
Santa you are the best!

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas!!!
Christian was on-call but he was with us the whole day... except for the 2am call- in and the 6:45 hospital rounds he did before anyone was up. We had Dad all day and we were so lucky.

The kids got up at a lovely 8am and we were very glad.
They saw their stockings and what Santa had left IN the house but didn't see the BIG gift until they read the letter from Santa.

With a little help and some clues Brooklyn spotted the Trampoline right away! She was so excited saying "I asked Santa for a mini trampoline and he actually brought a big one!"
"He fit it in his sleigh!"

Landon was a little hesitant, but soon enough we were all jumping in the bitter cold, and loving it.

After soaking in all the great gifts we were blessed to have we headed over to our friends house for some yummy Christmas breakfast.
BUT WAIT
It gets even better...
Earlier that week we got news from the missionaries in our ward that they were being white washed out (moved to another area quickly) and Sister Burnham and Sister Corbridge were coming to our ward!!! I couldn't believe it, my own beautiful Sister was going to be serving part of her mission in my ward!

So, as you could guess we ended up having family for Christmas after all. Brianne came over with her companion to make their Christmas calls home and to spend time with her favorite sister.

Sorry no pics of Brianne, I know, I know I will get some soon though.
That about wraps up our Christmas Day, a great day spent with family and making memories.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Because I am such a slacker you will be getting your card late this year so here is a preview of the cutest family out here in Michigan.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a wonderful family's house for Christmas Eve dinner and festivities.

(Christian was on-call as you can see, but we were lucky enough to get him the whole night .When I say the whole night he did get called in at 2am but made in back in time before the kids woke up)

Can you see the love?

What's better than Jet's Pizza and good friends?

The kids reenacting Christ's birth

If you click on the collage to enlarge it you can see that Landon was a shepherd, Brooklyn was a wise man and Claire was the cute girl kissing baby Jesus.

After a fun night at the Corless's we went home to open our Pj's and get ready for Santa...
He had a big job ahead of him.

Christmas Eve Give XOXO

Fire Station

2010-12-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

A fun trip to the fire station was a hit with the kids, especially Claire!

The firemen dressed up for the kids and scared them all.

Claire has a thing for firemen I think! She wanted them to hold her and she wouldn't keep quiet until she was up in their truck.

As you can see she was smiling and clapping the whole time she was up in the truck and didn't want to get out.

Landon was just a stud and kept it cool

Active

2010-12-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Claire at 14 months
29 1/2 inches
22 lbs

At Claire's recent doctor appointment the doctor asked me to describe her; I said "Active!!!"

An active lifestyle: a lifestyle characterized by frequent or various social, intellectual, and (particularly) physical activities
This totally describes my little girl. Not to mention cute too.

She is always on the go. Jabbering away to tell Landon what to do or tell me what Landon just did to her.

Claire's vocabulary has grown tremendously in the past few weeks.
She can say: Santa, Uh-oh, Ball, ME, Dog, Mom and Dad of course. And she is really good at yelling for Landon and Brooklyn...just like Mom (oops)

Claire has only one speed, GO!

She is either on or off. She is a great sleeper and is so good at taking naps. I love it! She loves to be independent and walk wherever she wants. The lady's in the library just love to watch her walk around like she owns the place.
Her favorite place is outside and now that it has gotten really cold outside she is felling like a caged animal. We have about 6 inches of snow in the ground and she LOVES it. I will post pictures of that later.

Claire has 8 teeth and they all came in the last 3 months...not fun.

I have to document my little girls hair. Claire has so much hair and it has some curl!!! Christian laughs at me every time I put a little gel in it and try to make it curly, but I can't resist. I have always wanted my girls to have some sort of wave or body to their hair, and I think Claire got it. Not much but enough to make me happy.

Being a Mom right now is extremely hard, but the most amazing job in the world. I am blessed to stay home and be with these cute kids that give me their unconditional love. I hope I can soak it all in and keep it forever. Watching Claire learn and grow is so fun. She is such a lover and I always love to steal kisses from those soft chubby cheeks. She gives great kisses on the lips too, but don't tell the boys.
Love you my little Claire-a-Boo

XOXO
MOM

Breakfast with Santa

2010-12-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Landon's preschool had a breakfast with Santa and so I decided to take Brooklyn out of school for the morning so she could tag along in the fun. Claire would have nothing to do with the old guy so I had to be in the picture.
(sorry)

The food was gross but the company was great!

A trip to Monroe

2010-12-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

Check out my Sister's Mission Blog about the trip to took to go see her!!!

Sister Brianne Burnham

Mom and Daughter Date

2010-12-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Last year it was Beauty and the Beast. This year we went to the Nutcracker! Brooklyn chose the restaurant, so Olive Garden it was. When she unrolled her napkin and found 2 forks she looked at me puzzled and asked why? I said "at "fancy" restaurants they give you 2 forks, one for your salad and one for your meal. And even sometimes at nicer places they give you 3 forks."
She replied with, "And at really, really fancy restaurants they give you 10 forks!"
NICE Brookie

OH and then when we were getting ready to go she told me thank you for taking her out to eat and she said that she couldn't believe that we went to a fancy restaurant with 2 forks, 1 knife and NO spoons!
I love you Brookie

We had perfect seats, first row in the Balcony. I am sure Brooklyn wanted to be closer, but for a Ballet you want to be able to see more than their feet.

The Sugar Plum Fairy
(did a great job I might add)
Cecchetti training of course!

Nutcracker Prince

Clara

Watching the Ballet brought back many great memories. I wish I could be young again . . .

Avalanche Bay-part 2

2010-11-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

Avalanche Bay was a lot of fun as you can see!!!

I love Claire's face in this picture!

Mom and Landon coming down the water slide.

Brooklyn was so brave and went on all the water slides except 1 . I was so amazed, but like Mother like daughter. I was just like that at her age.

I had to wear that shirt over my swim suit on this thing so the water wouldn't pull my suit off!
It is a lot harder than it looks.

Thanksgiving in Boyne Falls -part 1

2010-11-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we thought for sure would be a bummer, but Christian luckily got Thanksgiving off and we took full advantage of it! We checked out some places an found a great deal at The Mountain Grand Resort in Boyne Falls Michigan.

This place was awesome, not to mention the huge resort with 3 hotels and so much to do, the indoor water park was the BEST.
I will get to that part ...

Not much snow but there are a couple of ski lifts and also a zip line.

Waiting in the lobby before our delicious Thanksgiving dinner

TOO MUCH TURKEY, TIME TO GO TO SLEEP!

A great trip and one we will remember. We might just have to make this a tradition for the next 2 years!!!

I will be posting about the water park next...

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

The kids and I made these cute little guys for teachers and neighbors. So much fun and way easy. Check them out at Our Best Bites

Now we are off have some fun HERE for Thanksgiving!!!

Detroit Zoo

2010-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Nanna came to visit and like always we had a BLAST!
The kids were spoiled and so were Christian and I.
One of our activities was a trip to the Detroit Zoo.

Our favorite animal was the polar bear. There was an underwater walkway that you could watch the polar bears swim.

Don't you love those little chubby cheeks....NOT on me.

Next we visited Amphibiville... Yes I said Amphibiville.
"bring it on down to Amphibiville"
for those SNL lovers!

Landon and the crocodile

Some lizards as well

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2010-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Just trying to stay in the right spirit.

School Halloween Parties

2010-10-31T17:32:00.001-07:00

First, Landon has his preschool party

Claire had fun dancing

Landon passed out his treats

And then had to show Mrs. Simasko how to shoot webs

Beanie bag dance

On to the next party...
Claire and Landon waiting for the the Elementary School Costume Parade

Brooklyn as Wonder Woman

Parade

Brooklyn's friends

Then we are on to the Ward Trunk-or-Treat...

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Super Hero Family
Wolverine
Jean Grey
Wonder Woman
Spiderman
Cat Woman

The Forbidden Lovers

Spiderman shooting his webs at the ward Trunk-or-Treat

And that is the end of our Halloween activities.

Carving

2010-10-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

Christian started on the carving while Mom was roasting the delicious pumpkin seeds.

Landon's scary face

I don't know what face this is?

Christian's pumpkin

Jennilyn's Pumpkin

All our pumpkins on the front porch. Including the spiderman and witch.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

How to pick the right pumpkin:
(by Claire)

1. Tell your brother to clear the way with the tractor.
2. Scope out the merchandise. Color, shape texture.
3. Once you spot one try to pick it up to see if it is too heavy...4. WOW almost lost it!!!5. MAN, this is a heavy one. Mom, can I get a little help here my veins are popping out of my neck.
6. Tell your DIVA sister to hurry up, and go get the cart.

7. While you are waiting, pose for some pictures.
8. And then ask the locals where the food is... man this makes me hungry.
9. Get the pumpkins loaded up and tell the kids it's time to go.
10. Better yet how about you push me?

A fun day at the pumpkin patch

Family Home Evening

2010-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

It is so nice to be able to count on Family Home Evening to give us some time with Dad. A time to learn about things that make us better people and help us show our love for each other.
Christian has had some long hours since he started residency and this month has slowed down a lot! We can count on him being home at 5:30pm every day and I love it. I will enjoy it while it lasts, because I know it will change next month with a new rotation.

Wooly Bear

2010-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is our new pet:
Wooly Bear
(that is the kind of caterpillar he is.)

This is Wooly's house

Landon and I found this little guy when we went to his field trip at Blakes Apple Orchard. So, we brought him home.

After some research on the Internet we found out what he eats and how to take care of him.

This is the only pet we will have for a while.
Fine with me

Randomness from Landon

2010-10-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

The kids love to take a bath in my jetted tub, so when Landon was begging me to take a bath I said yes so that I could get dinner ready.
Later Christian came home and I told him to go say Hi to Landon...

This is what he saw!

No, there is nothing wrong with the water in Michigan.
The kids have these water changing tablets that they like to use in the tub, But you are only supposed to use 1 at a time. Not the whole bottle. So I guess Landon learned what color you get when you mix all the colors together.

More of Landon:
Landon likes to break dance at home. He watched this boy on Ellen one day and now he is all about practicing his dance moves.

Click on the link to see this boy he is so cute!
6 year old dancer

Here is Landon's stall:

And The Robot:

Thanks for all the ways you make me smile little guy!!!
Mom loves you.

What's new with Claire?

2010-10-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

To my sweet baby,

If you only knew how happy you make me? Every morning you wake up happy and you make everyone around you happy. You love to cuddle and you call everything a baby. Any stuffed animal you find you will carry around with you and hug and kiss it. Every time you see another baby you literally attack them with hugs and kisses, until they cry.

Claire, you are one busy bee, and you don't stop until it is time to sleep. Now that you can walk you are always getting into everything you can, exploring everywhere. I can see your little mind always learning and growing every day. You stare at your reflection in the car and say "baby" all the way home.

You can say Baby, Momma, Dada, and Ba. Oh and your word for bottle is blalblalblal (go ahead and say that!)
You are definitely not a shy girl. You will go up to anyone and make googly eyes to anyone that you see. Just so they will pick you up and smile back at you.

Also who can resist these chubby legs? I just want to eat them up.

Please stay my happy girl forever.
I love you baby girl.

Claire walking

2010-10-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

I finally got the video of Claire walking,
BUT it is sideways, sorry.

Blakes Apple Orchard

2010-09-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Family Time

Our Saturday with Dad was just what the doctor ordered!!!

We headed to one of the many apple orchards out here in Michigan and spent a short time walking around the place and waiting to see if we wanted to spend the money to let the kids do the activities or if it was going to rain.(I think this is the worst family picture ever!)
Brooklyn and Landon look like they are not part of the family. Especially with Landon's happy face. Claire has a nice stink face and Mom and Dad are the only one's smiling.

Claire has started walking and she is very fast on those little legs. But Oh so cute!!!

Mom and Brooklyn being silly.
I am glad she is so outgoing and not afraid to be silly.

More proof that Brooklyn is not shy. She posed and told me to take a picture of her.
Then posed again for another shot!

Climb aboard the Apple Express

Claire by the HUGE scary straw man.

We decided to get some delicious apple cinnamon doughnuts and cider instead! Much cheaper and tastier. OH and right when we were done eating it started to rain. (good call MOM)

Claire's 1st Birthday

2010-09-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

What a huge milestone as a Mom . . . Your baby turns 1!

It seems like with each kid they grow up faster and faster. It seems just like yesterday that we were living in California while Christian was in Michigan and anticipating his arrival so I could have this baby girl. Then just in time she came to this world and brought more joy to our lives than we could all imagine. Little Claire bear has been the best baby! She was a great eater, sleeper and she is always happy. Claire may be the busiest of all my kids but at least she is happy doing all she is doing. As our "speed" crawler she likes to keep up with the big kids. But now that she has started to walk I know she will try to run instead.

Brooklyn and Landon made a Happy Birthday sign for Claire.

Her homemade cake was made.
I couldn't resist making her a bear cake...I just had to.

Our little princess waiting for her song and cake.

She couldn't wait to dig into that delicious chocolaty bear.

Just doing a little taste testing.

Claire did not waste any time getting to business.

This cake stuff is serious business, but...

It is always nice to share with your sister!!!

Brookie? Do you want a taste?How about just a KISS

As I sit here in a quiet house while all my devil's; I mean angels are sleeping I can't help but count my blessings. The days are long, the hours are endless, the pay is non-existent. But nevertheless the blessings are countless!
*The smile on your child's face to see you when you pick them up from school.
*Or the happy girl that wakes you every morning with a sweet little baby kiss.
*My little man that likes to rock out to the radio with me and have a dance party.
*A ever so giving and loving daughter that is so strong and is always there to help me out.

My list could go on. The Lord has blessed me with three amazing children that I get to enjoy and make my world a better place. There is no where I would rather be than holding those sweet babies in my arms when they call me Mommy. . .

Thank you

Brooklyn, Landon and Claire XOXO