This is for Sydney!

Hi Sydney!

Have fun at your sleepover! I'll see you soon! I love you! Tell Amanda I love her, too!

Love, Mom

Memorial Day

Although it was a wet and soggy Memorial Day, we had a great time being together. Mike and the kids always get up early on weekends and holidays, and today was no exception. I always try to sleep in a little, but I didn't get past 8:15am (sad face).

Mike decided that we needed to get out of the house and bought tickets to see the 'Narnia' movie. It was a good call, because it rained most of the day. The movie was good, but the little two didn't enjoy it all that much, although they did sit through the entire 2 hour plus show. Jim & Renae met us at the show and went to lunch with us at The Dodo! YUMMY!

The girls before the tri....

Then, we had to rush back home because the girls were participating in the Vista Kids Memorial Day Triathalon! Da-da-da-da! (Imagine trumpets blowing).
The Davis' did this last year with a few kids and this year it grew by about 30 kids! Our girls were so excited to do this! Mike had to miss it to stay home with Brandon who fell asleep on the way home from lunch. And, when I went to take pictures, I realized my memory card was still on the dresser at home. I had 2 back-up cards, but they only hold a few pictures each.

The kids went in age group 'heats'. Amanda did really well on the swim and was 3rd out of the pool. We wasted a lot of time in transition with putting on shoes. She did great on the bike, even though the 'bag' accessory was hitting her legs the entire time. She started out great on the run, but lost energy pretty fast after that.
She walked for awhile, but managed to gear up and run over the finish line.

Amanda is first on the left in this picture. She's in 5th place in this picture, but finished 3rd. They did four laps....

Sydney did great on the swim. She even did a lap more than she needed to. She did great on the bike ride and also ran really fast (Wow!)! Sydney's age group did a much shorter course, but it was just right for Sydney.

The kids were all so proud of themselves.

Dad and I are so proud of our girls!

We stayed after even though it was cold and windy while the kids played in the pool. We had planned for a bbq with Francis' who had to cancel last minute, so the girls and I stayed at the Davis'. Luckily, a couple of friends took pity on the girls and fed them a hot dog (since I didn't bring food-we were late getting there anyway-no time to think about bringing food). The girls didn't want to leave because they were having such a great time. A lot of people were asking about Mike and so we decided to go home and check. B had just awaken and they were debating about coming over.

The girls after the tri....do they look a little more tired? And cold? It was about 55 degrees and windy!

Afterward, I ran to the grocery store, Mike ran to pick up sushi with Brandon and the girls took their baths and played on the computer.

Finally, when I was downloading the back-up memory cards, I found some pictures from 2 Christmases ago. Look at our cute kids! I asked Mike if we can have another baby because they are so cute when they are little and he said....I can...with my next husband.

More on Brando's birthday

Birthday week continues! Monday morning we gave Brandon his presents! He got a RED 3-wheeled scooter with a Cars helmet and a Nerf torpedo ball! He was so excited!
Look out world!

Then.....he gathered all his loot together! He loves birthday presents! ha, ha, ha

Playing catch-up!

Oh, you can tell it's May! Such a crazy month....here is my update of last weekend's festivities.

First, I bought the kids a $7 slip and slide and Amanda decided to have a late night with a few of her friends. It wasn't warm enough for swimsuits, but it didn't stop them. Here's some pictures of our kids sliding....Amanda's late night was fun and a little scary because they spend the evening teasing the neighborhood boys and vice versa. Isn't she too young for this?

Our Saturday was jam-packed! The girls had their last soccer games. Grandma & Papa Gib came up to see the girls play. Amanda's game was first and she scored a goal! It was a beautiful kick that got air and went over the goalie's head! Way to go, Amanda!

Then, we ran to squeeze in lunch before Sydney's game. We enjoyed Sydney's game and the fact that it was finally warm for one of these games! Right after Syd's game, we had to have the girls at their cast call for their singing group performance. We rushed home, curled hair, got costumes on and I drove the girls to the performance.

Both girls had parts in the 'Disney Spectacular.' Sydney was a princess and you can see her behind the left mic. Amanda was Minnie Mouse and had a spectacular costume sewn by Grandma Gib! Thanks, Grandma!

Once the first performance was over. We ran back to the house for dinner (shredded pork sammies and cilantro-lime/lemon rice) and to have a quick birthday party for Brandon! His birthday wasn't until Monday, but we figured we do it all today and not make the grandparents come back up in the yucky workday traffic.

Grandma and Grandpa Gib gave him a matchbox car carrier in the shape of a semi-truck! Perfect as he is always trying to carry his cars everywhere with him. This makes it easy and he looks cool doing it! He loves to race his cars across the kitchen floor everyday and if you look right now, there are definitely matchbox cars on the floor!

Grandma & Papa Arv gave Brandon an electric guitar! He loves to 'rock-out' and has some great rock star moves!

Here is our traditional Mrs. Backer's cake! Brandon was all about blowing out the candles!

Then, the kids went back inside for an impromptu rock concert! So cute! I have video of Brandon 'rocking-out', but I haven't learned how to get it off my camera. When I do, I'll load it! It's priceless!

Then, Mike took the girls back to their 7pm performance and I said good-bye to the grandparents. Brandon and I hung out, cleaned-up and played! What a busy, but great day!

Happy Birthday Brandon!!!

Oh, our baby is 3 today! We are so blessed to have Brandon in our family! He is a light and a joy!

Warning: Bragging ahead...really it's just journaling, but it sounds like bragging!

Some of the things he likes right now are getting birthday presents, he likes to play at the park, he likes to run, he likes to watch Max & Ruby and Spongebob Squarepants.

His favorite book is Thomas the Tank Engine where you push the button and sing the songs.

He loves his sisters!

He loves his Daddy and follows him around everywhere!

He's got some rockin' moves and as soon as I figure out how to load video off my camera to my blog....I'll show you!

Brandon loves to hang with 'my boys' which are the boys in his playgroup.

He loves to visit his Grandparents and his cousins.

He can point out that his eyes are blue like Daddy's and Sydney's and that Mommy and Amanda have brown eyes.

He can sing his ABC's and knows the sounds the letters make.

He can count to about 13.

He does not like to brush his teeth or use the potty!

He loves matchbox cars and carries them everywhere!

He likes 'trees' (broccoli) and most veggies and fruit and he'll eat almost anything, including sushi!

He's really good about going to bed (thank goodness!)

He loves grapes!

He calls his sippy cup a ba-ba...

He has the cutest laugh and smile!

We love you, Bubba!

(I'll post about the birthday festivities later....it was a busy weekend!)

Sing, sing a song....

Amanda and I went to my Mom's Symphonic concert. I was telling Amanda that I've probably been going to the annual concert for 30 years...give or take. This year my Dad got to sit next to us as he's not in the choir anymore. Thanks to Rog & Coze for saving us seats...which we didn't sit in! It wasn't personal.

Mom sang lovely and it was a nice concert. I have to say that one thing that impressed me with the audience. The last song was the Star Spangled Banner arranged by their conductor. He didn't cue us to stand or anything, but as they started to sing, 'Oh say can you see?' Everyone stood, hats off, hands on hearts.

I don't know why it struck me so important, but I was so happy that people remember to honor our country and our certain traditions.....as Mike and I were in D.C. at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and saw the groups and groups of kids there on a field trip, I was so hoping that they would understand the importance and sacredness of what they were witnessing. I watched to make sure boys took off their hats and was so proud of my hubby as he did there as well as when we saw the funeral at Arlington....seriously, it brought a little tear to my eye.

I cringe as I hear Obama's wife criticize our country. I worry when I hear both of them say things that are contrary to the values our country was founded upon. I think people are being fooled by them. Not that they other two candidates are much better. I didn't mean for this to be a political post, but I'm proud of America and hope that people remember why we are such a great country. The best in the world!

Afterward, we met up with Janice, Matt & Jeff for a little dinner at Village Inn. Amanda pounded blueberry pancakes at 10 o'clock at night! Then, the sugar from her hot chocolate set in and she was ready to talk and party! We got the low-down on Jeff and Matt's women...be sure to ask! Do we hear wedding bells in the near future?

It was a fun night and thanks to Amanda for being my date! Mikey got to have a date night with Brando and Sydney at Taco Time and then they got slushee's from 7-11.

Where to go? What to do?

We've been talking about where to take a family road trip this summer....any suggestions?

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my cute Mom, Mom-in-law, and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends! I would do a nice tribute to my Mom and Renae today, but I cry all day long on Mother's Day and I don't think I could handle it.

Thank you to my hubby and beautiful children who made me a mommy!

I love you all with my whole heart!

Have a wonderful day!

Dumpster Diving!

I totally went dumpster diving tonight!

Nicole was driving us home from recipe group (at Natalie's tonight - really yummmy Mexican....lots of cilantro), and after dropping Elise off, I spied some blinds in their garbage. I told Nicole to 'STOP!' and when I got out to get the blinds, she said they don't work.....I was laughing when I told her that I heard you can use the slats of blinds to divide areas in your garden boxes.

She laughed and said, 'You just totally went dumpster diving!'

Then, when I got home and told Mike about my new experience and what I had brought home, he told me he wasn't sure he wanted to use that method......

Oh well....it was worth the laugh!

Terrible Twos? No...it's the Terrible Threes!

Looking at that cute face, how could he ever throw tantrums? Well, I have said it before when my girls were this age....we were great at 2 years old. It's the Terrible Threes at our house! (ok, and I'm not a fan of the year of 5 either). Brando has become sooooo opinionated about everything! From what he wears, to where we sit, how we play and argues with me about EVERYTHING!

I love him dearly and always will, but please pray for me to have boundless patience!

(right now he's screaming because I wouldn't let him sit on my lap while I'm typing, and had set him on a stool right next to me!)

Kindergarten Book Club

Last week, Syd was invited to a 'book club' at Abby's house. When I picked her up later that day, I was told by Abby that 'book club' was to be at our house next week and I needed to get invitations and have a treat for them! Cute, huh? I just laughed, thinking that 'book club' was probably a one time deal, but NOOOOOOOO, today Sydney came home saying that the girls would be at our house at 4pm for Book Club!

Good thing I had Mommy inspiration today and made cookies!

It went well today and they pretty much played, did their book reviews and had their cookies while I taught piano lessons. Nice when they can entertain themselves-and Brandon!

Washington DC-continued

Ok, I should be cleaning, but really...I'm so behind on blogging...

that it must take a priority today!

Here is a view of the Capitol from Washington Monument, I think...there was some revival going on The Mall. We saw a 'prayer' that was very 'enthusiastic' let's just say.

We went to the National Archives and after standing in line for an hour (I think..could have been longer), we got inside to see the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, andConstitution (no pictures) (Mikey correct me if I'm wrong). We kind of didn't stay in line and looked over people's shoulders because it had been such a long wait! We did look through the other exhibits and I feel like you could spend at least half a day here if you had the time. I think this is where we saw George Washington's denture teeth! They looked so uncomfortable!! They were some type of metal and the teeth were horse teeth and I think some were wood. Anyway, UGH! Poor guy! I can't imagine how he even kept them in his mouth! (they wouldn't let us take pictures).

Then, we went to the Air and Space Museum. This place is really cool and really crowded. I'm sure it's a favorite of kids. There were a lot of field trip/youth trips while we were in Washington. Probably getting them in before school let out. Wouldn't that be cool? Our kids just get to go to the zoo! Here we saw the plane that the Wright Brothers flew that started the era of flight. It was quite incredible. They have replaced the fabric, but the sign read that it is the actual plane.

We then met up with Doug & Cath and went to the WWII Memorial. This is a beautiful tribute to 'the greatest generation'. It is amazing how it was placed between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial and it doesn't detract, but definitely adds to the beauty of the view.

Inside the anchor pillars.Each of the pillars represents a state and a few others...I think like American Samoa.

The waterfall is in the middle and there is a shallow pool in a huge oval. People come sit, put their feet in the water and meditate or enjoy the sun. ? It would have felt great that day, but neither Mike or I wanted to put our sneakers back on after having wet feet...is that weird?

Can you see Cath & Eliza with their feet in? Cath is wearing a pink shirt in the middle of the photo...it's like Where's Waldo? How about Where's Eliza?

One of my favorite quotes on this memorial was that the women were also critical in fighting this war. Because 'it was everyone's war and everyone was in it.' This war touched everyone. Think about the war we are in now...we all may know someone who has been deployed or served in some capacity, but it doesn't effect us nearly as much as I think WWII did. Although, it may someday, right? We spent a long time here and it was quite peaceful despite the crowds.

Next, we went to the Vietnam Memorial. Mike's Dad's brother is on this wall. We found his name and I think it was quite sobering for Michael.

We then walked down to the Lincoln Memorial. I have always loved this memorial. About this time, our little nieces needed to get some energy out! So, a quick run around, with the twins trying to walk and Eliza trying to climb the pillars was in order! These kids were troopers!

Isn't this a beautiful picture? Good job, Mikey!

Then, we headed to the Korean Memorial. This is quite a moving memorial as these larger than life soldiers 'march' up the hill. 'Freedom is not free'

About this time, the our nieces needed to get home. And we were worn out, so Mike and I decided to drive to Iwo Jima's Memorial. Thank goodness for the GPS, because this monument is hard to get to, even though you can see it from the freeway exit! We couldn't even get out of the car! My feet were hurting so bad! It's hard to get old! Ha, ha! Anyway, this is beautiful and I was surprised how big this monument is.

It's nice to visit places to gain perspective...in more ways than one.
It was Green Week in American the week we were there, so many of the lights on the buildings were not on at night. It was kind of sad to not see the White House or Capitol Building all lit up. But, the biggest disappointment for me was that when Mike and I went to see the D.C. Temple, it was only half lit up! That stunning view you get of this building from the freeway was still beautiful, but not as stunning as I remember it. Mike was still loving it, though, since he hadn't ever seen it. We drove up to the Temple and hung out for a minute. What a magnificent temple.

Saturday night, we went to dinner with D&C and the girls. We sat out on a patio in the great weather and watched the girls scamper around. It was quite funny feeding the twins as they could the food we were trying to feed them, grab it and throw it on the ground! It was quite a kick!

Sunday, we just got up, had a great breakfast from Catherine and headed to the airport. We were exhausted, but happy and ready to see our kids again. Our plane ride was quite turbulent and so we weren't allowed to get out of our seats. The planes were also full this time around and so I was in the middle seat...yuck. As a result, my feet and ankles swelled more than I have ever experienced! They were still swollen Monday and still a little on Tuesday! By Wednesday, I finally felt myself again. Again...it's the getting old thing.

We had a fun surprise when we got home. Our kids had turned into 'geeks!' They came to the door with Harry Potter glasses on, pants pulled up to their chests so they were wearing floods and snorting. Even Papa Arv did this, and looked amazingly normal! jk. They also made us this cute Welcome Home sign. Thanks to Renae & Jim for watching our kids and for the dinner on Sunday night. We had a great time and can't wait to get back. We will love to take our kids there someday. Thanks to Doug & Cath for being such great hosts! It was so much fun to hang out with you guys.

So there! I have finished! Here is a picture of how much the kids enjoyed the gifts we brought them! Doesn't Brando's face just say it all?

My favorite stuff to do on a weekend

You would think my favorite thing to do on a weekend would be to lounge around a pool in some exotic location, sipping on cool, virgin margaritas...but, it's isn't. I love, love, love to spend time with people we love. This weekend, we spent time with a lot of people we love!
First, with our kids....
We went outside pretty early as Mike was doing some yardwork and I had just finished some housework. Suddenly, a spontaneous game of backyard soccer broke out. Dad & Sydney against Mom and Amanda. I'm pretty sure the Arvy game rules include hands, body checks and tripping as acceptable ways of keeping Daddy from scoring a goal!
Daddy also played 'Captain' of the swingset while Brandon played 'Spongebob'. The girls and I got to swing and giggle. Then, Brandon wanted to play croquet and we had to 'plug in' the gates and play a quick game. Really quick for Brando...and he was done while the rest of us where just getting started! Ah, the attention span of a 3 year old...
A quick run up to our family fav, Gandolfo's (pretty fancy place for Kville) to try their breakfast menu and we ran back to shower and get ready for the rest of our day of fun!

We went to Amanda's soccer game all dressed in our Sunday best! Amanda played a great game and managed to keep her ponytailed hair intact and beautiful enough to attend cousin, Kate's baptism! We left right from Amanda's game, she changed in the car and we made it to WJ in plenty of time....

We are proud of you, Kate! Thanks for letting us share your special day! I love to see my hubby, Dad, and brothers all participating in Priesthood ordinances. We were proud of Roger and felt the spirit on this special day! The kids had a great time playing with their cousins (including McKenzie) back at R&C's until we had to run to spend time with some more of our fav people!


Mitchell also got baptized on Saturday. We felt honored to be invited to attend with Staci & Kevin and all the cute family, including Kay & Bud. A quick visit and Mike & I ducked out before dinner to go out with the Murray dinner groupies (Irvines, Brousseaus, Solomons and their friends). Thanks to my Mom & Dad for watching our kids at Staci's!
When we were finished with dinner, the party was raging on at Staci's and we headed back to par-tay! We had a great time talking, laughing and watching Staci clean! We are sorry you all if we stayed too long, but it was a great night. Our kids played great and didn't want us to take them home....they even pulled out the sleep-over card!

More family time on Sunday as we had shakes at G&Papa Arv's. That's the new tradition and Sydney asks for a shake after being in their house about 30 seconds. We also stopped by Gibby's because everyone was there (except Mom who was at choir). We love the traditional popcorn, chocolate and giggles (Miley Cyprus).
So, thanks for a wonderful weekend! We love you guys!
(I promise to finish posting about our W.D.C. trip soon).