Uncle Matt Came to Town!

Uncle Matt (Chad's uncle) came to visit us while on business. Our girls couldn't wait to see him because it had been a while since his last visit here. He came Wednesday evening (Feb. 11th) and dinner was waiting for him when he arrived. Then of course we had to watch American Idol and make fun of some of the weird contestants that somehow made it into the top 36 like headband boy! (what's his real name Matt?) ha ha :)Cleo was still under the weather but Matt was so excited to see her for the first time.As you can see from these pictures that there was an instant bond between the girls and Matt. They love him and the visit was way too short. He came over in time to see them off to school Thursday morning.

Lily was happy to spend a little more time with Matt. He took us to Chillies for lunch before he had to leave. It was a great visit Matt. You are welcome any time :)

Bye Bye Katie...Miss You!

Katie stayed one more day after Izzy's party and went to church with me. Hey Katie...Don't we look HOT? ha ha!Chad stopped in for lunch. He heard we were making chicken enchiladas and couldn't help himself.

Katie's daughter Nani
Chad showed the patrol car to Katie's kids. I think Kea enjoyed it the most :)Nani trying to act excited...yay!Chad heading to work...again!I'm glad we sat the kids down and took these pictures before they left. Don't they look like a fun bunch? I love how my dog Kona felt apart of the gang!I love Kaitlyn's eyes in this picture!Izzy's new doll. Lily with that amazing smile :)

Cleo didn't enjoy the camera here. She was not feeling that great! Her two bottom teeth finally broke through and she kept sticking out her tongue!

My Valentine's Baby is 7!

We are truly blessed to have Isabel. Looking back on these seven years, she has brought such joy to our family. She is a strong and determined little girl and we love her so much. When I look at pictures of her birth and what she went through it feels like a lifetime ago. I am so grateful to the nurses and doctors that took extra special care of my baby because life just wouldn't be the same without her in it. I am so thankful that Chad and I were chosen to be her parents. She is our Miracle!

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Chad Out-Singing the B-day Song!

This was a crazy day but one that will be remembered. Chad loved surprising Isabel and singing to her (it's an experience)! He didn't know I had the camera on video mode, he thought I was just taking pictures. Ha Ha...got ya this time Chad. Katie was nice to video Isabel opening presents and then the rain came down and Oh my HAIL! Yep, I said it HAIL! Lily started crying because of the thunder and kids were screaming. Jeff helped me move Kona into my bedroom and dry him off and then we found his son Anthony on the lawn enjoying the hail! Sorry Jeff :) Oh...and I forgot to mention how rough boys are. We had to break up two, YES two full on fist fights! Good thing Chad was still there! I had back up ;)

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Izzy's 7th B-day Party!

Isabel had her birthday on the 7th this year. She was born on Valentine's day but that's not always a convenient day for everone but Isabel doesn't seem to mind :)

It was so nice to have my best friend Katie visit for a couple of days. I have missed her so much and it was so nice to watch our girls play together. It did get a little confusing because every time I yelled for my Katie, Katie would turn her head too. I tried my best to say Kaitlyn but I couldn't get it right. It was more funny when Chad would do it. Katie said she keep turning around thinking I was yelling for her. So in this post, Katie=Katie Hopoate and Kaitlyn=my daughter :)

Does anyone want one? Katie and I stayed up late the night before baking away cupcakes and sugar cookies (Cathi...your blog has a great recipe! Yum). At the party, the kids decorated the sugar cookies. What could be better than that?

Isabel and CarrieLuana eating and frosting the cookie at the same time. At one point Jaime came to me and said that Luana is still eating cookies. Sorry Jolene...we lost track because there were cookies everywhere :) So if Luana was on a sugar high...my apologies!Avery and IsabelAustin and TaylorKaitlyn showing off her decorating skillsSo many kids came. I didn't think that many boys were interested to come to Isabel's party. Now I know! This is her last boy/girl party. It was a bit crazy!Lily happy with her cookie :) Katie's daughter Samara. So sweet! Chad was working but came just in time to surprise Isabel with her candles to blow out. We didn't do a cake this year because there was already enough sweets. Isabel loved her pan of cupcakes! Jaime sprinkled them and put red candles in them to make them extra special! Three little culprits took cupcakes faster than I could snap this picture. Isabel didn't seem to care. I taught my girl to share ;) Isabel and her daddyKaitlyn and Taylor doing head spins. Aaron is doing the worm. I'm so impressed.Katie was helping me by keeping the kids busy and had them dance and freeze to music. Lily is so funny in this picture....maybe something country?Opening presentsIsabel finally got her American Girl. She named her Isabella.Do you see the storm coming? We did! We tried to hurry and didn't make it. We quickly got the kids inside and the presents and the shoes were saved! The last present opened inside due to the storm.

At the end of the day, it was finally time to relax. Katie and I had the kids in bed except for the sweet little picture moment laying on my lap. Katie couldn't help herself :) Katie, thank you for coming...I really enjoyed having you and I miss you already!

Smartie Pants!

Kaitlyn is on the Honor Roll again for the 2nd quarter in 4th grade! We are very proud of her and hope she continues to work hard and keep her grades up :) We love you Kaitlyn!

Read Read Read...You little stinker!

School Daze!

Kaitlyn's 4th grade play School Daze was so cute! She did a really good job with her part and we are very proud of her. I was able to capture it on video so Chad didn't feel like he missed it completely. He has been sick and couldn't be there. Kaitlyn was happy to show it to him :)

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It's hard getting good pictures in the auditorium but I tried anyway. This is the best I got. Kaitlyn is always front and center because...well, she came from me and you wouldn't be able to see her if she were anywhere else :)Isabel and Lillian loved the play. I could tell Lily wanted to get up and move those hips but contained herself...ha ha!What a cutie. She is growing up too fast. Am I really that old to have a 4th grader?Mrs. Earls gave Kaitlyn the microphone for the picture. I thought that was cute!My girlies picking flowers again! (Grandpa Dan's fault!)Isabel took this one. Not bad, she managed to keep my head in the picture. You go girl :) Last picture before calling it an evening and heading home. It was a lot of fun being with three of my girls.

Dancing HSM3 Style!

Chad was so funny when I caught him dancing on this mat for the girls. I quickly got my camera and made him do it again which he wasn't thrilled about but the girls wouldn't let him say no. Ha Ha...it was all funny until Lily ran her head into the buffet table. She decided to not participate after that. It was still good family fun so thanks Condy for getting the girls the mat for Christmas. They love it:)

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Happy Birthday Jeff!

Happy 35 to my Big Brother! I know Jeff's birthday was on the 9th but I was slow on my blogging this time. Don't worry...this wasn't the way I told my brother. We talked on the phone and I wished him a happy birthday :) The girls and I went over to his house today to celebrate. We always have fun getting together with everyone and we are very blessed that we all live in the same town. It was also a nice surprise to have my parents and Aunt Joann come to visit.