The Dyer Bunch

Happy Valentine's Day AND Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

Snow Day!

2010-02-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

Evan in Deep Ellum....

2009-10-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

after pics we went to get some pizza...

My 20th High School Reunion...

2009-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am the main planner of my high school reunions...this past weekend was our 20th...it was loads of fun...but glad it's behind me....so much stress goes into planning these things!

Here is me and two of my bestest friends in the world, Joy and Deana.

Happy 17th Birthday, Emily!!

2009-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Emily's 17th birthday...so we went to Chuck E. Cheese...here she is making a wish before blowing out the candles on her birthday cake :)

The Great State Fair of Texas '09

2009-10-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Big Tex looking all spiffy...

Daddy and Tommy feeding the animals...

The overated fried butter...

I love this guy...

Ian kissing Selena Gomez...

Coming off a spinny ride..

John playing the ring toss trying to win a guitar..

Yum! Em and Emily with their turkey legs..

The Midway!

Texas size nachos...

Tommy and the tiger he won..

Not sure about the canoe ride..

I took this picture right before he bit me..

Do you wanna go fasterrrrrrr?

Avery having a fun time..

Happy 10th Birthday, Avery!!

2009-09-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Avery...eating ice cream while the 4th grade sings "Happy Birthday" to her...

8 years later...

2009-09-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was 9/11/09....eight years since the terrorist attack on our country...8 years since 4 plane crashes would ultimately kill 2,993 people (hijackers included).

I remember the day pretty well...I had dropped the boys off to school and was headed home with baby Avery in tow. We were listening to the radio when the first plane hit...and they broke in with the news. I remember exactly where I was...sitting in my car at the stoplight at Lakeland and Garland Rd. I rushed home to turn on the television....and just watched in horror...another plane...then another...and then another...I watched in horror as the first tower fell....not really even comprehending the fact that that building was filled with people...until a few seconds later.....Not knowing what the rest of the day held, if there was more terror planned, I rushed to the school and got my boys...and rushed right back home to hold them tightly and pray that God would keep us safe.

Evan, then 6, had nightmares for months afterward, drawing horrific pictures of burning buildings...at the time of the attacks, he loved to watch the news...but starting on 9/11 we had to limit his television time...because it was affecting him so much.

It was a horrible day. A day not one of us should ever forget. A day that took away so much and showed that we are a vulnerable country. But we are a great nation, and I am proud to be an American.

So, to honor our firefighters and as sort of a remembrance..we took some chocolate chip cookies and a thank you note signed by our family to our neighborhood fire station yesterday.

Emily!

2009-08-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Emily is here! She is from Hong Kong and seems to be fitting in quite nicely here in our family. I think every day is getting better for her...

This is the kids on their 1st day of School...

Laying in the grass..

The night before school began, we went and got snocones...

Avery and Emily at the skating rink...

Emily playing basketball with some of her new friends (and some she already knew) that are also in the exchange program...

So instead of being borrrrrrred....

2009-08-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

So we decided to take the TRE (Trinity Railway Express) train from downtown Dallas to downtown Ft. Worth....The train ride was relatively inexpesive ($1.50 for the kids -Tommy was free, and $3.00 for me)...we jumped on the train and hurried upstairs where the views are awesome and they have tables...The train ride itself, took about an hour. When we got to Ft. Worth, we hopped off and ate at Subway. Was really too hot to sightsee...plus I really had no idea how far everything was from the station...so we got back on the train and rode it back. It was actually a fun little adventure....and it got the kids away from the video games, television, and computers...if only for a couple of hours...

Road Trip '09

2009-08-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

So at the last minute, we decided that we would go to Galveston for a couple of days...So we did...with six kids..the following are pictures from our little get away...in no particular order. (mainly because when I upload this many pictures to my blog, it is too much of a hassle to make sure they are in order....yeah, that's right...sheer laziness...)..

Here are the kids heading to the beach....

Evan....who would rather be at the mall...He was sooo afraid that he was going to make his hair fade...

Tommy and I in Kemah on the carousel..

The Tommy paparazzi...also known as Emma...

Hey...I know that girl...

Lighthouse on Crystal Beach...

John waiting on a wave....

John reassuring Tommy that the ride will be fun....

Tommy playing on the beach...

Tommy posing...because that's what he does..

Ian and Emma singing on the Kemah boardwalk....embarassing the heck out of Evan...

Avery collecting shells...

Chasing seagulls...

Evan on the ferry...

Ian on the Aviator ride..

Emma and Ian right after Ian found $5 in the water...

Emma having fun...

Dolphins!!

Crystal Beach destruction...

There used to be houses here before hurricane Ike..

Daddy and Tommy playing in the water..

Brent and his Crackberry...

Crabby!

Tommy on the biggest slide ever...

Avery on the Wipeout at Kemah Boardwalk...

Pelicans are amazing birds!

All in all, I think a good time was had by all....and now that it's been a couple of weeks since we got back....we're looking forward to our next get away :)

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

Facebook...Good or Evil?

2009-02-18T05:05:00.001-08:00

It's not that I haven't been up to anything...because believe me, I have been busy...and it's not that I haven't been taking pictures...because I have. It just seems that when I do have time to sit down at the computer...Facebook is sucking up all my time. Sad, isn't it? I mean, I must let everyone know exactly what I am doing at the time because after all..everyone wants to know, right? I must comment on others status' or at the very least give them a thumbs up to let them know I am thinking of them...I must wish "Happy Birthday" to those who are having bdays that day...and I simply must look at everyone's pictures...even the really old ones...even if I didn't even know them at that time of their life..because, well...I have to. I need help. I use Facebook to shout out my love for my husband to the world..I have friends on there even as far back as kindergarten...from pretty much every aspect of my life..school friends, PTA friends, best friends, moms of some of my students..there are even some old boyfriends...Aunts, Uncles, siblings.....even my Mother. So, forgive me if I have been slacking, I cannot help myself. Surely someone out there is creating a 12 step program..and surely I have met the first requirement...the 1st step is admitting I have a problem....and oh boy, do I have one.

So...I will try to get a blog together..I have to take Tommy to the dr for a checkup this morning and Evan to the orthodontist..tomorrow I have to work and Friday the cats are getting neutered...so maybe sometime in between, I will post about what has been going on in our busy lives..

Love to you all! Oh..and if you need me, just look for me on Facebook :)

Under Construction

2009-01-14T16:14:00.001-08:00

Sorry guys for the look of the blog...I am working on it...just can't sit for long so it's gonna be a work in progress :)

Thanks!

December...

2009-01-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit overwhelmed at the thought of being so far behind on posting...we have had so much going on and so many pictures...that I am just going to just upload pics and posting them in no particular order..I apologize....and will try to get back on track for the new year...

Deana at the White Rock Marathon..

Avery at the cabin...

Tommy making a wish at Build a Bear for his birthday..4!!

Nonie at the cabin..

Tommy and his girlfriend, Ivy :)

John's choir concert..

Ian's band concert...

Evan marching in the Cotton Bowl Parade...

Grandma and Grandpa Dyer with Brent and Tommy at the Arboretum..

Tommy and Cousin Reece up to no good...

Emma's orchestra concert...

Ashleigh (Josh's girlfriend), Josh, and Avery ..

So there ya go...I will try and be better about posting in 2009 :)

Happy New Year!

I know I know I know...

2008-12-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

it's coming...the BIG post...we still have ONE more concert and then you will see just how darn busy we have been...I apologize to those who have been missing my blog posts...but you will see...it's been a busy month!

See ya in a day or two..

~Amy

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

So Thanksgiving wasn't exactly what we planned...but hey, when you have kids...especially little ones...does anything go as planned? We were supposed to go to my mom's for Thanksgiving...but given that Tommy has been sick for pretty much 2 weeks straight...with his latest diagnosis being mononucleosis..yes...mono..we opted to stay home. We decided this yesterday, after going to the pediatrician for the 3rd time in less than 2 weeks...So my wonderful and always flexible husband ran to the store yesterday...and after fighting the crowds for 3 hours...he came home will all the fixin's to make a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner here at home..

So word on the street (according to my husband) is that McDonald's is THE breakfast place on Thanksgiving (since dinner is busy being prepared in most kitchens..)...well, I beg to differ...I say Taco Cabana is THE place to go for breakfast on Thanksgiving...I would show you the breakfast tacos that go inside this box, but they were inhaled before I could grab the camera..

Oh Look! It's a kitten climbing my leg to get a piece of turkey! Don't see that much around here...just kidding..there is usually a cat or two on my head...(notice the cute apron that I am wearing....me, domesticated...who would've thought??)

Here is the carved turkey and stuffing...Brent forgot that I was blogging about Thanksgiving and cut it before I could take a picture...But let me tell you...it was the BEST turkey I have ever had!

Just Keepin' it Real as The Pioneer Woman says...lol, this is my gravy boat..

PROOF! That I am not the only one who feeds the animals from the table!!...

We also had homemade cranberry sauce, chipolte sweet potatoes, creamy rosemary mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie...

Oh...and that sick boy???? After pretty much scaring the heck out of me this week with his high fevers...he seems to be on the mend today (knock on wood)...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Holiday Cards...

2008-11-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Just so you know...I have good intentions...just so you know...I am thinking about getting out a Christmas card this year...but on the slight chance, that I get distracted with life and all that it has to offer...I just wanted to put it out there...that, I do have good intentions :)

Life with a 3 year old...

2008-10-30T17:12:00.001-07:00

Tommy- "Mommy, can I have a poptart?" (as he hands me the box of poptarts)
Me- "No, Tommy...we are about to have dinner. Maybe after you eat your dinner."
Tommy- "Pweeeezzzz"
Me- "No, Tommy. Now go put these back in the pantry"

a few minutes later...Em comes in the kitchen and says that she thinks Tommy is hiding behind the curtain with the poptarts...

So I grab my camera...and wait...I can hear him opening up the package of poptarts...

Me- "Tommy, are you behind that curtain?"
Tommy- "No, Mommy...You can't see me"
Me- "Tommy, what are you doing?...and, yes, I can see you"

So he pops his head out with his devilish marker filled face (he had been playing with the markers without permission earlier)...

Me- "Tommy, what do you have behind the curtain?"

Tommy- "Nothing, Mommy."

Me- "Are you sure, Tommy? I think I smell poptarts..."

Tommy- "Oh. OK MOMMY!"

and then the "you caught me look"...

Even after having all these kids, I still have not mastered the art of hiding my smiles when I think they are doing something funny even when they are doing something that they shouldn't be doing...but I bit the inside of my cheeks and tried to let him know that I meant business...made him put the poptart down and go play till dinner was served...

Just one of the many many fun times in my day :)

Roses, kittens, and birthday wishes....

2008-10-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Friday, my sweet husband came through the door with these lovely roses...pink..my favorite color :)

And today is John's 11h birthday...and although we are having his party on Saturday...we had a family cake tonight..hehe..equipped with trick candles...

one of the fun things about having a birthday so close to Halloween (besides having "Buzz Lightyear" as a brother)..is you get to have fun cakes like this...and despite it's scary look, it was rather tasty....

Cuteness Alert! Cats love my husband...I mean, really...they LOVE my husband...in fact, these kittens follow him wherever he goes..here they are playing on his chest while he works his crossword puzzle...

This one is "Tails"...

and this one is Sonic...both named after Tommy's favorite cartoon characters :)

Update on Us...

2008-10-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

To say we have been busy...well, that's putting it mildly...now that school is in full swing, I am working a new job..and we have some sort of event every week...Half the time I feel like I am meeting myself coming and going...
Here is Miss Avery in the 3rd grade program...
And here is Emma dancing with her friends at the 6th grade dance...

Ian at the 6th grade dance...

John making Cheesecake Sopapillas... that were super yummy!

Evan in his ROTC uniform...isn't he handsome?

Lol...and Brent is gonna kill me for this...but yesterday we went to his office to organize it and clean it...he tried to warn me...but I just didn't believe it was that bad...

and after we finished....We really are an amazing team together :)

Other things that we have been busy with...let's see...I did the Susan G Komen race...we had our carnival this past weekend...John's bday is coming up this week...just busy busy! Oh! and to top it off...we have two new kittens (photos to come)...because we couldn't just take one. *sigh*..it's my life...crazy, but it's mine :)

THE Great State Fair of Texas

2008-10-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the State Fair...when we first got there, we saw Big Tex...and Tommy freaked...and although I do agree...Big Tex is pretty creepy looking...I just didn't really understand why he was so upset...but we got away from him pretty quickly and took his mind off of Big Tex with some cotton candy..
The kids rode a couple of rides...Avery decided to ride a funhouse ride..

Tommy wouldn't ride any ride rides..but he did enjoy the little hands kids area where he could ride a tractor just his size..

Avery in yet another funhouse (she went through this twice!)..
and she couldn't resist insisting getting her picture as a flower...

The boys enjoyed the fast spinny rides...I just prayed the whole time..

Look..chicken fried bacon...(too salty in my opinion)

Lol..and this picture is for Shannon...she missed seeing the Killdares while she was there earlier in the day..so I took this picture for her..

but we didn't stay very long..cuz Tommy apparently doesn't share the love of the bagpipes..

We saw all kinds of animals and pretended to drive all kinds of cars...at one point I got into a minivan and Tommy hopped in the back...and when some other people opened the back of the minivan to look inside..Tommy promptly told them to "Get Out...this is our car!"..funny boy.

Good thing the fair only comes once a year...my bank account couldn't take much more!

Fall is here...now if someone would tell the weather...

2008-09-27T14:34:00.001-07:00

I love having an Arboretum pass...it's the best :) On Friday, Avery, Kijah, Tommy, Ralonda, Haley, and I all went to check out the pumpkin patch..

Here is Tommy "pumpkin hopping"

Oh photo op! ...

and then...he saw that I was taking his picture and he had to strike one of his famous "Tommy" poses..

and then terrorizing the other kids in the hay maze...

and here he is as Super Tommy...the pumpkin master..

(back of cape...Grandma Dyer made for him...it has a big "T")...

the squirels there at the Arboretum are fearless...

I finally got the girls to sit still for a picture...Avery in the middle, Kijah on the right, and Avery's new friend Veronica (and her little sister to the left)

Tommy just had to go see the spitting frogs...

Avery getting a "little" wet..

Avery Turns NINE...

2008-09-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

Yes...nine...where has the time gone? I mean..I am still 28..how did she turn 9?? I somehow talked her out of having a big party this year....her invite list was 12 and growing for the world's biggest slumber party...and instead she opted for a "Mommy and Avery" day...we went to the American Girl Doll store at the galleria...and we got "Allison" a doll that looks like Avery. We also got her (Allison's) ears pierced and a bed for Allison to sleep in...then we went and ate sushi (Avery's choice)...on her actual birthday (last Tuesday)...I took the whole 3rd grade ice cream....which made her the most popular girl in 3rd grade that day :)

Here is Avery after we got Allison...unfortunately I did not take my fabulous camera, so you will have to settle for my fantastic phone photography skills...I might be a little biased...but you gotta admit, my little girl is gorgeous :)

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok...so not the most creative title to this blog...but, hey...I am exhausted! Vegas isn't the kind of vacation you take to get rested...lol, now I know. In fact, I wouldn't even recommend going for only a weekend, or you just might end up in my shoes...sensory overload..that coupled with husband withdrawal...is, well, sad. It's rare that I get to spend such wonderful quality time with my husband...and today we both hit the floor running and headed to our jobs...but with a whirlwind or fabulous Vegas memories...Here's a fun sign from the "old" part of Vegas...which, by the way, is such a fun people watching place :)
If you go to Vegas...you simply must see the fountains at the Bellagio...they are amazing.
Here are the little water rockets coming up out of the water...to shoot the water as high as the hotel...while the music plays.

Here is Brent picking Marie Osmond's nose...

Caesar's Palace was pretty amazing...and if and when we go back, will probably be where we stay.

Las Vegas Boulevard with the mountains in the background.

Brent and I in the casino...(lol, it's hard to get pics of us when it's only us two). I think my favorite part was going to see Zumanity (a Cirque show) at New York, New York. It was awesome. And we will definitely go see another Cirque show if we go back.

All in all, we had a great time...and I am so thankful to my mom for coming here and taking care of the kiddos. I love you, mom!

well I went ahead and uploaded it...

2008-08-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

for some reason every once in awhile I get a "corrupted" file on my data card...lol..no, Evan is not corrupted..hehe..but the pic of his first day was...this is how it came through...kind of odd, huh? But gosh, he is handsome :)

1st Day of School 2008

2008-08-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well I have started back to work this week as well....so I am a bit late posting these..

Avery started 3rd grade!

John started 5th grade!!

Emma and Ian started middle school (6th grade)!!

No pics of Evan...the one and only he stayed still for (reluctantly)...did not turn out..so no pics of Evan on his first day of 7th grade...but don't worry Evan fans ...I will get some candid shots soon :)

Tuesday is Tommy's first day of school, so I will add a new blog for that..

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!

He still takes my breath away...

2008-08-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Especially when I am going through pictures and I come across ones like this...

and a more recent one...

I am one lucky lucky girl to have such a wonderful husband and best friend.

Summer Vacation 2008

2008-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

First we headed to New Orleans and stayed http://www.lepavillon.com/. I didn't find out until after making our reservations that it is in the top 10 most haunted hotels in the United States. Much to our happiness (well, most of us) we don't have any paranormal sightings to report...although we did go looking!

John and Avery at the hotel's peanut butter and jelly get together that they have nightly...

The French Quarter..

After eating here http://www.labayourestaurant.com/being Evan wanted his picture taken on Bourbon Street...

For breakfast we had beignets at Cafe Du Monde http://cafedumonde.com/main.html

John and his powder sugar fingers..

Then we headed to Perdido Key and stayed here http://www.perdidokeyresortmanagement.com/

Here is a picture of our beach house..

Brent drawing in the sand...isn't that sweet?? :)

Tommy LOVED the pool..

Evan at the beach...

Tommy liked the beach...he just didn't dig the sand on his hands..

Just say no to crack...

On Wednesday morning we got up early to go to the NAS to see the Blue Angels...and just as they were revving up their engines to start the show, the rain started..and the show was cancelled...we were really bummed...but we did go to the museum..Here is Ian "playing" on an anti-aircraft gun..

Emma found a Japanese flag!!

After we toured the museum we went to the IMAX and saw the Deep Sea http://www.imax.com/deepsea/ it was awesome!

Back to the beach...Avery exfoliating in the sand..

Here is John in the waves...I swear, this kid couldn't get enough of crashing into the waves...he is quite the little daredevil in the water..

Oh...and what would a vacation be without Tommy and his silly faces??

Em and her daddy :)..

Let me tell you...trying to get all six of them to just be still and smile at the same time...pretty impossible...but here ya go..

And while on vacation, Ian turned 12. Tommy picked this Spiderman cookie cake out for him..lol...and trick candles :)

All in all, we had a pretty good time. Some of the things overheard on vacation 2008...

"Where's the bridge??" (we were on it)

"Owwww...I got stung by a jellyfish"

"There should be a sign that says NO DRIVING ON BEACH"

"Chip Chop Chip"

"Look, Emma! A hot Asian!"

"Can I have a Mellow Yellow?"

"It's a Hot Pocket inside of a Hot Pocket...it tastes just like a Hot Pocket"

"I want to see a ghost!"

"I don't want to see a ghost!"

"I can't believe you bought trick candles!"

"Michael Phelps ALWAYS wins!"

"Oh my dangit"

What's better on a hot summer night...

2008-07-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

Than a Sno Cone from Aunt Stelle's???? As a child we always went to Aunt Stelle's in Oak Cliff..so after dinner we decided to take a little trip down memory lane...and YES the sno cones are as good as I remember..

Long Live Aunt Stelle's Sno Cones!!!

Simon...

2008-07-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

Because I am wayyy too busy to go back and edit my previous blog...but I wanted to share this picture..here is Simon. lol..as soon as he sees my camera...he is posing..such a cute kid..I am sure I will get more pics of the boys today :)

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 a ha ha ha ha ha

2008-07-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

So I have become the count...counting heads that is...ten heads...In my house I have Evan, Emma, Ian, John, Avery, Tommy, Jacob, Joseph, Simon, and Aiden...

So we went swimming...Here is Tommy with extra floating devices..

and although this is super blurry, and I had no time to change my shutter speed...I think that you can see that they were having fun..of course, there is always the wise guy (John) who doesn't jump in with the rest of the group...

Jacob trying his best to splash me with his cannon ball..

Tommy loves his "Haho" aka...Emma..

Sweet Avery..

and although I didn't get a picture of it...it was funny how Tyson was the ever vigilant lifeguard...pacing the pool and making sure everyone was safe...every once in awhile he would jump in and pull the kids on the pool noodle..he's a funny dog..

Cooking for 10 kids and 2 adults..is interesting...I was not sure I would have enough...but I did! The funny thing about this picture is that I had set the table, and until everyone came running...I hadn't realized I still needed two more place settings...so the big boys ended up eating at the breakfast table..

after dinner we all went up the park nearby and played...here is Evan at the skate park..flying through the air.. lol..it looks like he is kicking the guy beside him, but in reality, the guy is on the other ramp..

They Say It's Your Birthday...na na na na na..

2008-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today is Brent's Birthday..he is shhhh...38! So to celebrate...we had balloons..

and a Happy Birthday Sign..

and a homemade cake..hey, I never said I was a pastry chef..Oh! and look at the hat we picked out for him to wear..

and what birthday wouldn't be complete without a favorite bottle of scotch?
Happy Birthday my sweet husband!!

Heh..More swimming with Tyson..

2008-07-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

I am telling ya...this guy is a hoot..this afternoon the kids all jumped in and were playing "keep away" (with eh em, MY soccer ball, that is not supposed to be in the water..)...anyway...and look who jumps in to get a piece of the action...

And he apparently loves getting his picture taken, I swear he is posing here..

I am in love with a guy named Tyson!

2008-07-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

It's funny..I didn't realize that rottweilers like to swim...but this guy does..Let me introduce you to Tyson. He is pretty darn wonderful..Today after our walk, we decided to jump in the pool with our clothes on...and it was hilarious, when Tyson decided to join...Here is Tyson and Avery..

And here he is swimming with Stella and Avery...

More Spraypark Fun..can you handle more??

2008-07-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

Here is Tommy jumping at the spraypark..

Lol..and here is his backside when he is done jumping..

Then I yelled, "Hey, Tommy! Pull em up!"

Tommy caught drinking the water..again..sigh..this is after I said at least twice..please don't drink the water....I just keep telling myself when he does things like this..that he will have a great immune system...

Avery and Stella..

Ivy..she wasn't sure at first whether she wanted to play...but soon she got into it..

Silly Stella..

It must be a lawyer thing...

2008-07-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well Brent didn't really want an "Obama" shirt...but he did want this one...so I ordered it for him as one of his presents for his upcoming birthday...hmm....must be lawyer humor :)

Look what I just ordered...

2008-07-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

Jonas Brothers Concert...

2008-07-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

So last night, Avery and I went to the Jonas Brothers Concert...thousands of screaming girls...and I just happened to be sitting right in front of the loudest one...My right ear was seriously aching last night...she and her other preteen friends were obviously dropped off..because there was no parent in sight...*sigh*..and I was there to have a good time with Avery, so I shoved pieces of napkin in my ears to muffle the madness..so despite that crazy girl's screams, we had a pretty good time. Avery's not overly into the whole boy scene yet, although she did confide in me that she thinks Joe is cute...I only got pictures with my cell phone since the rules state that cameras were prohibited...tell that to the thousands of people who were taking pics...anywho...if I can figure out how to upload the pics on my computer via Verizon ..I will add them to this post later..

Happy Birthday, America (and Grammy)!!!!

2008-07-07T06:55:00.001-07:00

We woke up Friday morning and went to the Lakewood Parade...Hey! There is Sheri and Taylor walking in the parade!!

Tommy getting into the flag waving..

Oscar having fun wearing his patriotic scarf...

Then Tommy got hit in the face by flying candy.. here is Brent making it "all better"..(such a good daddy! <3)>
Later that night, we took the boys to see fireworks at the country club...here is how they passed the time until the show started..it's all fun and games till someone gets hurt...

Evan just chillin' at Ralonda and Jon's before the fireworks..

Ian and his hair..

On Saturday, we went to the cabin. Here is Avery and Tommy before the parade...

I would've taken more pics, but I realized I left my other battery pack at home.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Flashback Friday

2008-06-27T07:04:00.001-07:00

This is me at 3 years of age... and this is Brent when he was 3 ...

and together we made this little monkey...who is now 3 years old..

Not quite sure who he is more like...I like to think of him as the perfect combination :)

Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam...

2008-06-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend we went to Kansas for Brent's 20th High School Reunion...we do this trip at least twice a year..and I always know we are getting closer when I start to see these signs on the side of the road..

When we got there, Avery wanted to make sure we documented her trip in her Flat Stanley journal..this is F. Stanley hanging out in Grandpa's garden trying to steal some broccoli..

I didn't take any pics of the Friday night reunion events (I mean, come on! I had just been in a car with SIX kids for the last nine hours)...we just went to http://www.zigandmacs.net/ and mingled..

On Saturday afternoon we had the family picnic, but before that, we had a tour of Lawrence High School..Here is John in the science lab under the emergency shower...silly boy :)

Here is Brent with the "Chesty Lion"..

at the picnic, the kids had fun playing on the playground...lol, if you look really close...you can see John's hair sticking straight up!..

Although the weather was absolutely perfect...Tommy decided he would give this fabulous look a spin..we were so proud..(check out his drooping pants..that's his Dallas flair-it's sure to catch on in Lawrence..)
Oh! Look! It's Chesty Lion again...oh no..that's just me! Here we are heading out to the Saturday night event..

Hehe...Brent won the prize for the "Most Kids"...

And the rest are random pics that I took while we were there..Tommy and Avery..

Tommy and Emma..

John in a tree..

and Evan in a tree..

Avery swinging on a rope in a tree..

Brent doing his usual pastime..reading..

Brent getting miffed at me for taking his picture doing his favorite pastime and then commenting on it..

Emma and her usual position..

Then Jan told the boys to go clean the corn like good Kansas boys should..

Bryan, Robin, and their baby, er..I mean dog, Lightening...

How many monkeys can you spot in this tree?? Connor, Evan, John, Ian, and Avery...Yep..there was lots of tree climbing going on while we were there!

And the goodbye wave, we've all grown to expect and love..

Goodbye Kansas...see ya soon!

Tick Tick Tick Tick

2008-06-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I was taking a picture of Evan, Ian, and Avery for the ex husband..cuz, well let's face it, I am a nice ex-wife :) and it reminded me of this picture that I took of the three not that long ago...or was it? Gosh, time is flying by, huh?

Flashback Friday

2008-06-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

It's Flashback Friday! If I can remember, I will try to do this on Fridays...lol, Brent and I were going through pictures this week since his 20th reunion is coming up next weekend..so I have pulled quite a few for this theme...we will start it off with 5 photos, but more than likely,the next Flashback Friday's won't contain as much..although, as I am typing this...I am thinking of the 2 LARGE rubbermaid boxes that are filled with pictures...so we shall see..

This is my first grade class...can you find me? I will give you a hint...I am wearing the jeans that look like they might be on backwards..nope, they are on right..it was the 70's man...crazy cool..

Awww..my sweet hubby on his 13th birthday...His mom loves to make him birthday cakes and then take the picture on the deck :) Wish we lived closer!

And here is my mom and a date at Senior Prom...Doesn't she look like a movie star? lol, notice the peace sign that she is throwing...from the story mom tells..she was home by 10 with this date and then off with college boyfriend afterward (he didn't do proms)..gosh, Mom, this guy was a hottie! but, alas...she didn't care for him much...

I love this photo..it's my dad when he was in Vietnam-his Christmas card...lol, um, yeah..that's a grenade in his hands.. Gosh, he was handsome!

Last but not least for our Friday Flashback..here is a picture of Brent and his brother Bryan...how cute is that?

Alrighty...be on the lookout for more Flashback Fridays!

Lions and Tigers and Kids- Oh my!

2008-06-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we went to the Dallas Zoo..We played and had lunch in the children's zoo..and spent most of our time there..Here is Tommy running though the water..

And Aiden..

And Simon..

Then we headed to the Koi tank...

The zoo lady was nice enough to let the kiddos feed the fish...here is Avery dropping the food and Joseph watching the fish eat it..
Lol..when we went to the reptile house, I told Joseph to stand still for just a second so that I could get his picture...I am not sure if his not-thrilled face is because I made him stop for a second for a picture..or the huge white snake behind him..
Avery and Peanut ...
I love this smile..

and baby Jayc eating his mama's nose..

It was a fun day!

More fun with the cousins..

2008-06-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the Arboretum today...lol, this is the statue that I always tell the kids was made after Brent and I kissing :)..

lol..Avery pointing at it in disgust as I tell them that it's me and Mr. Brent..hehe..

It was so hot that we immediately headed to the "spitting frogs"...and of course, they loved it! Little Aiden getting wet..

Avery was quick to hop on one of the frogs..then let everyone know that there were signs saying to not get on them...sigh..

Tommy, soaking wet..

Joseph having fun..

and Simon...

Avery again..

Five little monkeys in a tub..

Hanging out on the porch of one of the fun little houses that they have there to play in..

Then we came home and I made a yummy dinner and we ate by candlelight...lol, even drank milk out of wine glasses. Then we all swam with the pool lights on. They are all fast asleep now. Tomorrow the Zoo! And yes, there will be more pictures..

Drive In, Spraypark..kids kids everywhere!

2008-06-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Let's see..we went to the Drive In (http://www.galaxydriveintheatre.com/) on Friday night to see Kung Fu Panda..here is Ian, Tommy, and John playing around in the back of the suburban before the movie..

oh..and I couldn't leave this picture out..lol, Evan and his current look..

Emma waiting patiently for the sun to go down so the movie will start..

Then on Sunday, I picked up 3 of my little cousins..and Monday morning we went to the spraypark/playground in Lake Highlands...here is little Aiden playing on the monkey bars..

I think that Tommy might be getting tired of me taking pictures of him..lol, this is him telling me to stop taking pictures...

Joseph, Simon, and Aiden waiting for the bucket of water to fill up and dump on their heads..

hehe...the water falling..

Joseph..

and Simon...

My sweet neighbor, Dianne, met us at the park with her kiddos, Peanut (Channing) and Jayc. Here she is with sweet baby Jayc.

I love this baby..

Jayc and Peanut

Then Miss Avery came home last night after being at the lake with Mimi..here is Avery making breakfast (pigs in a blanket) for everyone this morning..

lol...apparently Tommy is LOVING sleeping in now that school is out..I took this picture at 9:30 this morning..

In other news, I got an exciting call last night...almost 10 years ago, I signed up to be on the bone marrow donor list...and looks like I might be a match with someone! We went over and updated my health history, and I am supposed to be contacted in the next week or two to come in and give some more blood samples. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing ever if I could help save a life??

Hope everyone is having a terrific summer!

MORE end of year stuff..and 1st Day of summer...

2008-06-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ian received a trophy for getting 100% on his Science TAKS test ...

Savannah, Avery, and Bella at the 2nd Grade Luau...

Kijah with silly Savannah in the background..

My friend, Marci (Kijah's mom)

Awww...they look so sweet :)

Tommy and the karaoke machine..

Then yesterday we went to the Arboretum. Avery playing in the frog fountains..

Stella..

And Bella....

Tommy loved it..

And then Emma decided she had to get in as well..

Silly girls in a fun cottage..

and then we saw a bunny..

More end of year stuff...

2008-06-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Ian's 5th grade party...I was asked to take pics, and as much as I would like to share the 400+ pics I took today...I will spare you and just share some funny Ian ones..

Ian dancing..

Ian dancing again..ok, so he wasn't the only one dancing...lol, even I got out and did the Macarena, Soulja Boy, and the Cha Cha Slide (now that's fun!!)..

A very wet (and dirty) Ian...

Oh look...they gave the whole 5th grade several tubs of spaghetti to throw at each other..

Oh! Ian got it that time!..

And last but not least...I have to say a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to sweet little Savannah who worked so hard and was recognized for PERFECT FREAKING ATTENDANCE at the attendance awards this morning..Savannah getting her award...

Yea!!! Savannah! Avery and I are sooooo proud of you!

Alrighty...well tomorrow is a clean the house day...sorry no pics (lol)...but Wednesday is Avery's end of year party and Ian's awards ceremony...See ya then!

Happy Birthday, Reece!!

2008-06-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

My nephew, Reece, turned 1 this weekend..isn't he a doll???

Eating his cupcake..

And Tommy enjoying his...

My gorgeous sister, Zela holding Reece..

Aunt Jan and Z..

Aunt Jan, Uncle Sonny, and Mimi..

Tommy loves swimming...we had to finally take him out kicking and screaming..

Reece and Mimi..

Daddy Russ and baby Reece..Reece wasn't really into the swimming part of the party..

But I bet next year, he won't want to get out!

Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime

2008-05-30T11:31:00.001-07:00

Tommy loves the spraypark...

Weekend Wrap Up...

2008-05-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

I love three day weekends...Especially laid back, not over-scheduled ones...On Friday, Brent and I just hung out...Stella and Ivy spent the night, Evan went skating...just a usual Friday night...On Saturday, Evan's friend Jacob came over and they went to the skate park, Avery had a birthday/sleepover, Brent put in recessed lighting in the bathroom (such a handy man!), Ian went to Adrian's, Brent and I decided to make a grilled vegetable muffaletta (see this month's Rachael Ray)-and it was yummy!

Brent making the pesto...

On Sunday, I painted the living room (still need to do that second coat..will show pics of the finished product!)..and Avery had her friends, Savannah and Hannah over for a sleepover...and when the neighbor kids hear our kids swimming..lol, that's when the doorbell starts ringing..Here is our sweet little (well, not so little anymore!) Joseph..when we first moved in this house, he swore he could swim...I ended up jumping my pregnant-fully clothed self into the pool to save him....lol, he can swim now..
awww...who doesn't love a weenie dog??? Look at those adoring eyes staring up at me..

Hannah, Avery, and Savannah..

My sweet girl..

On Monday, Em and John came back home...so before dinner, everyone went for a swim..Here is Tommy and Haho (that's his nickname for Em)...he loves his big sister!
Those silly boys and their rabbit ears...and the hair..gosh, the hair..

And if the weather clears up, I am going to take my camera to the skate park and get some pics of Evan, since that seems to be the only place I can get pictures of him these days. He loves that place! Hope everyone else had a great weekend!

My Mantra..."I'm gonna miss all of this one day.."

2008-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

“Cleaning up the house before your kids leave for college is like stringing pearls with no knot on the end of the string.”

But really...would it kill them to be a little neater? To pick up their dirty clothes..to not drop food/trash around the house? To bring in their stuff from the car or outside? I am afraid if I start yelling, I may not quit...ok..breath in breath out breath in breath out...ok, much better :)

In Remembrance on this Memorial Day..

2008-05-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

On this Memorial Day...I would like to take the time to remember all of the brave men and women who have given their lives so that I can have a better one.

This is my dad, Tommy and I dancing in 1994. As a young man, he went and fought for our country in Vietnam. While there, he was exposed (sprayed) with a chemical called Agent Orange. The US sprayed this from the air to deplete foliage to help the troops on the ground see the enemy better. My father died, September 15, 1998 of complications caused by Multiple Myeloma Cancer. This cancer is one of the many things that Agent Orange is linked to..

And this is a picture of my grandfather's grave. He is buried in Italy. He was killed during World War II. He never got to see my dad, Lester, because he was killed shortly after Lester was born...

This is one of the last love letters he sent my grandmother..

It says..

April 4, 1943

My Dearest One,

Will write you tonite to let you know that I'm O.K. and hoping you are the same. Honey I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but have been very busy these last few days. So you'll have to forgive me.

Glad to hear you got the money I sent you. Was wondering if the boat got sunk. It did take about 30 days now I get it half that time.

Listen when Jr. gets here you can contact the Red Cross office there and they can get word to me right away. They have special communication for such purposes as that. Honey I do know you feel blue but you'll have to be brave. We know that this can't last forever and just you always remember that this soldier loves you with all his heart and am counting the days that I can hold you in my arms once more. Keep smiling for me and like I told you, everything will be O.K. "Nite" to the sweetest wife in the world.

Your Daddy,

P.T.P.

Just to clarify...

2008-05-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

For those of you that might be confused when reading my blog...I have three dads...Tommy is my biological father, he passed away in 1998. Lester is the dad I grew up with who adopted me when I was four, and he passed away in 1995. And Joey (married to my mom, Susan) is my only living father. And I have two moms. Susan "Grammy" is my biological mother. And Diane "Mimi" was married to Tommy. Honestly, I don't like the term "step"...if anything, that word should be changed to "Bonus"....because they have all played a huge part in making me the wife, mother, friend, etc that I am today. And I love them all so very very much.

Does that clear it up? yeah well... I just consider myself lucky to have such a great extended family :)

just playing with my camera...

2008-05-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Jenna says..."How you doin??"

This is Chloe...she's a very curious cat...

Today we took Nonie (my grandmother) to the doctor, but before we went to the appointment, she and Tommy sat on the swing talking about nothing in particular..

While Nonie was at her appointment, I took Tommy and his toys out in the courtyard to play..

Then I noticed the bees nearby..

Fishing Stuff..

2008-05-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

So we went to my parent's house on Friday night for the annual fishing tournament that the kids participate in every year...
We got up at 5:30..see the fog on the lake behind Ian and Avery...

Here is Em fishing...she got a trophy for the biggest bream..

Evan fishing (he caught the most)..

Princess Avery fishing..

Tommy and his silly faces...

Can't imagine where he gets those from...

John and Avery wanted to visit the old abandoned cabin...aka..the witches cabin..

inside...

Mom & Dad...

While sitting on my parent's deck, a cardinal flew up in a branch in front of me, so I grabbed my zoom lens and took this picture...

lol...and then took this one..

and just because it is soooo beautiful down there...I took this one..

after the fishing tournament, the kids played football, then we had our big fish fry..came home..and hit the beds. Then the next morning Evan got bit by our neighbor's dog..and I had to take him to the ER..but that's another story for another time..gotta go take a certain 3 year old to get a haircut :)

Love,

Amy

End of Year Crunch Time

2008-05-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

There is never enough hours in the day for a mom like me...I feel like every day is filled with something...whether it be grocery shopping, laundry, going to appointments, field trips, etc etc...this time of year is especially busy...when you add awards, end of year parties, gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Birthdays..etc etc..and well..I go to bed each night basically exhausted and going over my "to do" list for the next day in my head, while simultaneously thanking God for all of the wonderful people in my life. Today I am packing for 8 to head to the cabin. The kids participate in an annual fishing tournament...I can't wait to see how many they catch this year! lol...John and Ian (the ever conspiring teammates) asked me last night if they can put all their fish together so they can beat everyone...and I had to explain that when they get older, they can do that...just not in this tournament .

Last night was the Talent Show at Hexter...Avery played the piano..

and afterward, Avery's friend, Savannah came over for a rare school night sleepover..apparently they talked a bit late into the night..this is the next morning...they made their way downstairs, then crashed on the area rug under the blanket that Brent's grandmother made for us...(please disregard any dirt on my rug...I swear I vacuum it EVERY day!)..

after they got dressed, they wanted to have their pics taken with their webkinz..

(there were more pics of them with their different webkinz -they each have several-..but I thought I would spare you all...)

Anyway, it's been an eventful week..I was even held hostage in my grandmother's house yesterday by an overly agressive pitbull...but that's a long story..and we eventually escaped by taking my grandmother's car from her garage .. Tommy has his little friend, Ivy, over today..and I need to take them outside to soak in this beautiful day!

Love and Peace,
Amy

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2008-05-11T11:26:00.001-07:00

Woke up this morning to breakfast in bed...yummy blueberry French toast, fresh fruit, oj, and coffee :) (and a Sunday Paper!)...

I am also now the proud owner of one of these..

How excited am I??? I can't wait to start taking pics with it!! I think I will take the Tomster to the Arboretum this week and try it out...I am such a lucky girl!!! woohoo!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

April Update

2008-04-26T16:40:00.001-07:00

Because my hubz was complaining that I haven't blogged in awhile...here goes...(you know I love you, babe! ) **AND Jen was complaining that I haven't updated my Blogger** Here ya go! Love you Jen!!!

Let's see..at the beginning of the month I had the wonderful bladder lift surgery...now when I laugh, run, or sneeze/cough I don't pee on myself anymore...it's amazing! May 13th I will get the green light to exercise again...and I am actually considering jumping back in the game with Boot Camp! Just have to figure out the logistics of juggling everyone...something I have to do in pretty much everything I do. The week after surgery, I went to Science Camp with the 5th graders. We had such a fun time. I love singing camp songs, and just being silly (the girls in my cabin taught me how to do the Soulja Boy and chickie chickie dance-cuz I am cool like that .) I got to know most of the 5th graders, which was really neat. I took tons of pics and can't wait for all the kids to see them at their end of year party. Gah, writing this blog is getting me all teary eyed..just thinking of the fact that Ian will not be in elementary school much longer..don'tcrydon'tcrydon'tcrydon'tcry..

Here is a pic of Ian scaling the climbing wall..

Then Brent and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on the 11th (see previous blog on myspace.)

and this past weekend we had our family service project...we collected hygiene, snacks, and first aid items for the homeless. We filled around 40 bags and delivered most of those to the Austin Street Shelter. We kept back a few so that we can hand them out when we see people that might need one. For upcoming months we are going to the retirement home up the street and visit the elderly, pick up trash in our neighborhood and around the lake, collect old blankets and towels for local animal shelters (already have a collection drive going), and a garage sale and donate the money to Jonathon's Place (a place for abused children)...we are still brainstorming on other ideas..it was cool to watch the kids work as a team getting the bags together...and then afterward talking about it.

And this month Evan turned 13 and Josh turned 18!!...where has the time gone??

Well that's all from the top of my head..I am sure there is lots and lots more going on in my crazy world, but American Idol is on, and I am blogged out, and I just wanna get in bed with my uber sexy hubby and snuggle and critique the final six' singing ..

Love and Peace,

Amy Lou

So I go upstairs last night to make sure the kids are in bed...

2008-03-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

And I am greeted by two wide awake boys handing me a contract...

So, I told them this morning, that we would make some revisions, and present them with a counter offer later today.

Being a parent can be so darn amusing!

and another for the blackmail book...

2007-07-03T11:49:00.001-07:00

Tommy said ..."I am a Robot Bird"

2007-07-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

After putting his new "Cars" underwear on his head..he ran around the house saying, "I am a robot bird!" He is constantly amazing me with his cute imagination!

Christmas 2005

2006-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Laugh Often...

2006-12-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

Kids December 2006

2006-12-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

Simone

2006-11-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Who says rottweilers can't wear pink??

2006-10-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Oscar camping in his new sweater..haha..he wasn't too sure about it :)

2006-10-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sam and Jen

2006-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Brent's turn at slingshot...

2006-10-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Boys with their toys..

2006-10-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ian and his bike :)

2006-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan and his pinecones

2006-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Tommy and Ryan playing "stomp the tree"

2006-10-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

2006-10-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

2006-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

2006-10-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Isn't this sweet of Tommy and Ryan? Two seconds later, they fell over and nearly rolled down the cabin steps...

Meet our newest member of the family..

2006-10-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Oscar Dyer

(weenie dog)

So Tommy likes to be the center of attention...

2006-09-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Right in the middle of Avery's bday party, Tommy decided to take off his clothes and diaper and climb on the table in front of all of Avery's birthday guests...yeah, behind the red cup...that's just Tommy :) hehe...can you say, blackmail when he becomes a teen? LOL

ZaSpa @ Hotel ZaZa

2006-08-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Laura, Cheryl, Me, and Tracey for Cheryl's 40th Bday!

Avery and Kendall

2006-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

at Libby Lu

Tommy and his Tiger

2006-06-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

A very wet John

2006-06-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Avery and the teacups

2006-06-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Fun at Disney World

2006-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Tommy watching Disney's Playhouse

2006-06-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Evan in downtown Disney with a Lego Man

2006-06-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Darth and Em

2006-06-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Brent kissing the tree of life

2006-06-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Avery getting her hair wrap

2006-06-28T13:57:00.001-07:00

Dance Dance Revolution (Brent won)

2006-06-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Magic Kingdom

2006-06-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Daddy, Tommy, and Dumbo

2006-06-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

Kids with Mickey and Minnie Downtown Disney

2006-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Em on Tom Sawyer's island

2006-06-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

One of the many spraygrounds at Disney

2006-06-28T13:52:00.001-07:00

Tommy, Me, and Mr Potato Head

2006-06-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tommy on Tom Sawyer's Island

2006-06-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Chef Goofy with Avery, Em, and Evan

2006-06-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

The Dyer Bunch

Happy Valentine's Day AND Happy Chinese New Year!

Snow Day!

Evan in Deep Ellum....

My 20th High School Reunion...

Happy 17th Birthday, Emily!!

The Great State Fair of Texas '09

Happy 10th Birthday, Avery!!

8 years later...

Emily!

So instead of being borrrrrrred....

Road Trip '09

Happy Father's Day!

Facebook...Good or Evil?

**Under Construction**

December...

I know I know I know...

Thanksgiving 2008

Holiday Cards...

Life with a 3 year old...

Roses, kittens, and birthday wishes....

Update on Us...

THE Great State Fair of Texas

Fall is here...now if someone would tell the weather...

Avery Turns NINE...

Viva Las Vegas!

well I went ahead and uploaded it...

1st Day of School 2008

He still takes my breath away...

Summer Vacation 2008

What's better on a hot summer night...

Simon...

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 a ha ha ha ha ha

They Say It's Your Birthday...na na na na na..

Heh..More swimming with Tyson..

I am in love with a guy named Tyson!

More Spraypark Fun..can you handle more??

It must be a lawyer thing...

Look what I just ordered...

Jonas Brothers Concert...

Happy Birthday, America (and Grammy)!!!!

Flashback Friday

Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam...

Tick Tick Tick Tick

Flashback Friday

Lions and Tigers and Kids- Oh my!

More fun with the cousins..

Drive In, Spraypark..kids kids everywhere!

MORE end of year stuff..and 1st Day of summer...

More end of year stuff...

Happy Birthday, Reece!!

Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime

Weekend Wrap Up...

My Mantra..."I'm gonna miss all of this one day.."

In Remembrance on this Memorial Day..

Just to clarify...

just playing with my camera...

Fishing Stuff..

End of Year Crunch Time

Happy Mother's Day!!!

April Update

So I go upstairs last night to make sure the kids are in bed...

and another for the blackmail book...

Tommy said ..."I am a Robot Bird"

Christmas 2005

Laugh Often...

Kids December 2006

Simone

Meet our newest member of the family..

So Tommy likes to be the center of attention...

ZaSpa @ Hotel ZaZa

Avery and Kendall

Tommy and his Tiger

A very wet John

Avery and the teacups

Fun at Disney World

Tommy watching Disney's Playhouse

Evan in downtown Disney with a Lego Man

Darth and Em

Brent kissing the tree of life

Under Construction