Backyard Camping

Mark has been super excited for camping season. We decided to go camping when he got home from Las Vegas so that's the first thing we did. It got to late to go where we had wanted too so we camped in our very own backyard. WE HAD A BLAST! We now have a fire pit and we got to roast marsh mellows for the most important part of the camping experience.

Marki and Levi were loving the idea of sleeping in their own tent so we put their tents up plus the family tent. I stayed in with Oliver for the night and at about 2:00am Mark brought the kids in since it was pretty cold. When they woke up they were upset that they were in the house. At least Marki was upset. She let her dad know that it wasn't cool to move her around. She told him she wasn't cold at all and next time not to move her! I guess she'll be our little camper for sure.

Can't wait to go in the mountains this year. Mark and I had the most fun ever camping last year. I don't think we've ever laughed so hard. Hooray for camping!!!!


Marki and Lee helping Daddy with the tent.
Our fire pit.

All the tents.

Ki and Oliver.

Smores!!!

Marki's tent.

Lee's tent.

Nothing is better than falling asleep with smores stuck to your face:)

It's Official!

Our dear friend Hilary is done with Chemo! Hooray!!! And she rang the bell at the Cancer Care Center on her way out the door:)

I have told you before Hilary, It's no wonder why Marki adores you so and wants to be you when she grows up. You are such a strong wonderful person and we couldn't love you more! We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Hilary and I will be walking the half marathon "I run for chocolate and champagne" race coming in June to benefit breast cancer. Let's get out there and find a cure!

T-Ball

"Batter Up" We are so proud of you!

Top L-R: Coach Mark, Michael, Caleb, Abagail, Kayla, Luke, Coach Doug

Bottom L-R: Patrick, Zarihan, Chandler, Wyatt, Quintin, Mark Jr.

Mother's Day

Marki made a "bag o goodies" for me at preschool. Of course she and Levi ate the goodies. I did get the stick of gum!

Oh, what a wonderful Mothers Day! My brother Damon bought my family lunch at his hotel because that's just the wonderful brother he is. Thank you Damon! It was great! Then, my mom, the kids, and I were off to Ann Morrison Park to play. It was such a beautiful day. We played for quite a while and took a walk along the green belt.


One of the many great things about my kids is the dozens of flowers they pick and give to me each day. Whether it's dandelions, weeds, or flowers from our neighbors yard (oops), it is a daily ritual and I love it. You are all such blessings.


Who's Next?? Levi with his black eye.
Olli O

Having fun.

Olli enjoyed his day at the park. Nana is holding Olli.

Lee sliding down the pole.

The great Balancing Marki.

Levers.

My big boy.

Climbing.

Tree huggin.

Watching the river.

Lee watching a dog swim.

Rolling.

Olli's first Popsicle. Given to him by his sister.

My favorite part of the day was right before bedtime when Marki, Levi, Olli and I were dancing to music in the living room. You little one's are such fun! You are the best babies anyone could ask for. It is a privilege to be your mama. I love you!

Poppy

Happy Birthday, Poppy! We hope you have a wonderful day! I wish we could be there to celebrate with you. I'll get cards in the mail for you and Gwen. Love you and hope all your wishes come true!

Levi says he wants you to take him fishing when we come to Glaicer park. Marki would like to go camping and make smores. Oliver would like to explore. He likes to look at new things. Happy Birthday!

Come home safe Daddy!

My kids are used to my husband being gone for days at a time due to work. However, I think because Marki knows her daddy is not at work she has been very weepy. Mark is in Las Vegas with my brother and the morning he left Marki crawled in bed with me and said in a very sad voice, "Daddy is in Vegas today." 15 minutes later she was crying telling me she missed her dad. Levi tries to console her telling her that it's okay, Daddy is at the fire station putting out the fire. Too cute. Well tonight, day 2of 4, Marki woke up screaming that she wasn't going to see her dad again. I tried calming her down but she just had to talk to her dad. She called him and he sang to her their song. She went to bed after that. Now I'm worried about what she had said. I don't know why she would say she wasn't going to see her dad again. It's freaking me out! We pray you have a safe flight Mark. Come home safe. We love you.

"Little Orphan Marki"

So beautiful!
She is now finished with hair and makeup.

I tried to get a good shot here but it didn't turn out like I wanted.

Posing

It's cold outside. She was not happy to be taking pictures out there. Sorry.

This pose was Marki's idea.

Posing.

Posing.

Posing...

It's a hard knock life!

Levi???? Is that you or Marki? You can tell she is super tired and wanted the pictures to stop.

This last picture I think is Levi dressed up as Marki in a Marki wig. It has to be....

Okay, I really turn into mush looking at these pictures. Marki's spring recital is almost here and today was her picture day. So of course, I have to take about 1000 pictures myself. This is the most excited I've been for a recital. Why? Well, Marki is dancing to "Annie" her favorite musical. It couldn't be more perfect. She even auditioned for a solo part and got it! We are so proud. It really truly is the cutest dance ever. Kami is so talented and I just can't say enough good things about her dance school. Stay tuned for a video from her dance. It will be worth watching!

Good luck Marki, Daddy and I will be beaming with pride as we watch you, our little ballerina/tap dance girl, show her stuff. We have had the pleasure of listening to you sing your heart out to "It's a hard knock life" in the car, shower, and just about anywhere you go. We can't wait to see you sing and dance it on stage.