The Whiting Family

O Christmas Tree

2012-01-22T16:55:00.003-05:00

This year we decided to cut our own Christmas tree!

It started out as a fun idea and we learned a few things for the possible next time

we might cut down our own tree...like bring a chain saw.

The kids had a blast riding around while we looked for our tree.

This cat started following us everywhere we went

After quite awhile of sawing and help from an employee we got our tree

on top of the van while the kids complained about their hands and

feet freezing and made it home. :)

If you ask the kids if they want to do it again, they say "Yes!"

Downtown Sandusky Christmas Lights

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving the city of Sandusky had its Tree lighting ceremony.

We went with our friend Brandi and the Racker family.

The kids had a lot of fun!

The Rackers: Jenni, Nick, Stuart, and George

Jovie, George, and Kailyn admiring The Boy and the Boot

I don't know the complete story about it, Wikipedia has different possible origins for it.

But it is definitely famous here. the first statue in Sandusky was put up in 1895.

2011-12-17T22:58:00.000-05:00

It is almost Christmas, so I figured I should post pictures from Thanksgiving!

Kailyn's Kindergarten class had a Thanksgiving Day Program.

She said her line nice and loud! The boy that was supposed

to say it with her was "too shy"!

Imagine that!-Kailyn being the brave one!

She is still our sensitive, somewhat timid girl but has grown

a bunch in being able to show her confidence in herself,

which I secretly always knew she had!

15 adults and 16 kids = Thanksgiving dinner at our house!

It wasn't as crazy as it may sound, yet this is the only picture that I got!

It is Fall!!

2011-11-20T22:08:00.001-05:00

Halloween

2011-11-14T21:26:00.004-05:00

Scary Witch, Hello Kitty, Charlie Brown

Mouse Stuart, Sheriff George

Halloween Party Time!!

2011-11-13T23:30:00.005-05:00

My friend Callie and I were in charge of Trunk or Treat this year.

It was a lot of fun but pretty darn cold!!

I got a few pictures of the kids.

Poor Jovie, it's the best I got of her.

She preferred to be in the car (most of the time)

where it was warm and Toy Story was playing.

I love this picture of Boone

Most of the kids

Whiting Halloween Party!!

We have had it every year for the last 4 years.

It is a hit with the kids and mostly for them

but this year the adults went all out with costumes

Dustin and Katie Portela with Ashlyn

Callie and Randon Walters

Monica Victors

Me and Boone

Rinda, Jenna, and Ella Perdue

Carving Pumpkins

2011-11-07T15:47:00.002-05:00

Nonni and Papi's visit

2011-11-07T15:33:00.003-05:00

So, my mom and dad were able to come visit mid October.

I barely took any pictures though...what was I thinking?

It was so much fun to have them here!!

and a last minute SUPER SURPRISE !!

The kids are forever asking if we

can go to Nonni and Papi's house.

Boone will still say "I want Nonni" or "I want Papi"

We went to a pumpkin festival in Downtown Sandusky...

it wasn't all that, but the kids still had fun

Notice Jovie's flip flops mixed with hat and mittens

Looks like Boone is already taking the

opportunity to get sound advice from Papi.

Smart kid ;)

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-06T15:00:00.004-05:00

We went to the pumpkin patch with the

The Vanbeeks, Brandi, the Perdues, and the Rackers this year.

Here is a group shot eating donuts in the little cafe before going to the patch.

Jenni Racker, Brandi Sedlak, Me

Ella Perdue...seriously adorable

George and Jovie were in love with this pipe slide!

Boone looks like he is up to no good.

Me, Jenni, Brandi, and Rinda

Open house

2011-10-30T21:34:00.002-04:00

Kailyns seat at school in Mrs. Burch's class.

She's 3

2011-10-30T21:10:00.004-04:00

I know I am WAY behind in posting here..but I am getting there... anyway,

Jovie turned 3 on September 12th and when asked many times what type

of birthday she wanted, each time she answered

"A Tigger birthday!"

Same as last year! She loves her some Tigger!!

Jovie the goof ball, Kailyn the princess, and Boone the tough guy

School Days!

2011-10-07T16:16:00.002-04:00

Wait a minute!!! This girl is in school!!??

Sometimes I wish I could stop time.

Kailyn is 5!

2011-10-03T17:21:00.006-04:00

fake lips sent in grandma and granddads package

Hello Kitty Lunchbox from Nonni and Papi

It was a great Hello Kitty Birthday for Kailyn and she blew out all the candles!!

We hope your wishes come true!!

Lately...

2011-08-21T21:09:00.014-04:00

A lot has happened lately...

We went to California and stayed at Nonni and Papi's house.

We played with cousins

We cuddled with Nonni and Papi's SUPER SOFT blankets

This little guy turned 2 and had a party!!

Happy Birthday Russell!!

We met Kyle (and like him! ;)

Shanna and I threw a bridal shower for Katie

We had a Groom's Dinner

Grandpa and Katie

Drew & Kyle

And Katie and Kyle got married!!

One of the ring bearers

2 of the flower girls
Mom and Bride
Dad and Bride

There was a reception (of course)

(this sign is so random, there was a decoration covering it

but Katie and Kyle had to get a picture in front of it)

I love this picture!!!

And yes, there was a cotton candy machine

at the reception!!

Congratulations Katie and Kyle! We love you!

4th of July

2011-07-08T07:24:00.016-04:00

For the 4th we had some new friends over

for a BBQ, Rock Band, and some fireworks.

Rinda and Jenna

Stuart and Boone

Tough Boone Boy

Kailyn

Jovie

Trip to Michigan

2011-07-08T07:24:00.013-04:00

Our Friends, the Finkleas are in Muskegon, MI

(just 4 hours away) So we went to see them!!

The kids are still asking for their friends!!

We love you, Finkleas!!

At the Beach

Boone loves drinking from straws now!

Sweet Bryton

We all scream for ice cream!!

Minute to Win It Party

2011-07-08T07:24:00.009-04:00

Matt and Melissa Chorba hosted a Minute to Win It Party!!

It was a lot of fun...and guess what, Jeremy and I won!! WooHoo!

The Chorbas

Adam

Jeremy

Nina

Jenni and George

Nickel Plate Beach

2011-07-08T07:23:00.004-04:00

Ohio

2011-06-19T21:42:00.004-04:00

It's official!! We are now in Ohio!

It has been great!!

The Ward is fun!

The weather has been pretty nice.

The kids are adjusting well.

And Jeremy starts work tomorrow!

Following are the posts that will catch us up to Ohio.

Disney World

2011-06-19T20:29:00.014-04:00

Thanks to a Military Discount we were able

to take a family trip to Disney World!

We had a blast!

After a few days Jeremy said "Vacations are a lot of work!"

It was hard towing 3 kids around the Magic Kingdom, but definitely worth it!

My favorite quote from the trip:

We were eating breakfast in a restaurant inside The Magic Kingdom

Jovie: I see a princess

Me: Where?

Jovie: Right there

Me: Outside?

Jovie: No, inside.

Me: I don't see one

Kailyn: (giggles) Mom, I think she's talking about me.

Maybe you had to be there...but it was so funny.

Anyway, onto some pictures....

In our Hotel

On the Ferry

At the Polynesian

The Magic Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom

Epcot Center

What a Week at Disney World does

Jeremy's Graduation

2011-06-19T19:12:00.009-04:00

We were lucky enough to have Jeremy's family

(minus mom-We love you!!)

out to TN for his graduation!

Here everyone is waiting for the ceremony to start.

The 3 Doctors!!

When we moved to TN, we met the Sclaters and Finkleas

and are now friends forever.

No matter how they try, they can't get rid of us.

Congratulations men!!

The family!!

Jovie playing with dad's cap!

We had a luncheon afterwards with the Sclaters and Finkleas.

We are gonna miss these families!

Boone went to town on this chocolate dipped marshmallow

Love these girls!!!

After the luncheon we went to Historic Cumberland Gap to walk around.

And got a photo shoot of the Whiting Grandkids in.

Super cute, if I don't say so myself.

Then we saw a Willow Tree and

thought it appropriate to try to

take picture of Willow Jane in front of it.

Hillbilly Hoedown!!

2011-06-19T18:21:00.013-04:00

We have made some amazing and life long friends

the last 4 years in Tennessee. Some of our friends threw a

"Last Hoorah, Hillbilly Hoedown"

for all of those Med Students and Grads

that are moving away!! It was a blast!

We dressed up like Hillbilly's

We listened to some "pickin"

We played Corn Hole!

Nathan Hinckley and Ben Boyle

Rod Sclater and Jeremy

The kids cheered on Jeremy

Rod and Maddox

Shelby Ford and Nicola Morgan

Mandy and Taya Ausmus

Sue Ellen and Robert Cobb

Mandy, Sarah Boyle, and Teresa Turner

Here's the Group

Catching up... Easter in NY

2011-06-16T21:33:00.023-04:00

We were lucky enough to spend Easter in

Panama, New York with our friends, the Wares!

It was great! Dad Wares has this house and

barn on a lot of land with few neighbors.

The girls were outside playing all the time and we weren't worried!!

We of course celebrated Easter.

Before Church on Easter Sunday

Boone, Jovie, Courtney, Sophia, Kailyn

After church with Easter Baskets

Then onto the Easter Egg Hunt.

The girls got to collect eggs from the chickens!!

We went a little off roading and hiking in the woods. It was beautiful even though

It had been raining and raining.

The girls had a blast jumping in the mud that was left from all the rain.

Jovie took 2 spills one on front and one on back...

she doesn't like when her hands get dirty and

she can't wash it off... but after a little coaxing

she went right back to jumping and slipping in the mud.

Ryan made the girls swords.

Don't mess with Jovie

The men sat around and did some target shooting.

Even Boone joined in...Jeremy's is tough, Boone looks scared

One day we drove to Palmyra, New York

to see Church History Sites. It was a Great Experience!

I am so glad that we went and we got it all in on the same day.

Here is a picture of the Palmyra Temple from the Smith Family Home

Inside the Smith Family House

Into the Sacred Grove...

What a great experience to be in the sacred grove where

at the age of 14 Joseph Smith prayed to know which

church to join. In answer to his prayer Heavenly Father

and Jesus Christ appeared to him.

And the Church of Jesus Christ was restored to the Earth!

I know this is true.

I have prayed about it myself and took time

to sit alone and pray while in the Sacred Grove.

The Spirit was strong. I loved it!!

We also went to...

The girls learned how to fold the Book of Mormon

pages so they could be ready to be bound. They got to keep them.

We also visited the Hill Cumorah Visitors Center

I love this picture because after listening and talking

about our Savior, the girls went up to the statue of

Jesus and started touching the wounds in his feet.

And one day, we will have the opportunity

to meet our Savior, thank Him, and feel those wounds.

We are forever thankful to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

On the way back to the Wares house,

Jeremy and I decided to drive up to Niagra Falls.

It was only 30 minutes out of the

way and pretty fun to see and have dinner.

Why have people tried to go over these falls?

Crazy!!!

Primary Easter Party

2011-05-16T10:07:00.006-04:00

Here is Boone wearing his "My Peeps" t-shirt

and eating his very first Peeps.

I was so surprised that he actually ate the whole thing!!

Jovie making her little chick

Kailyn making her chick

Eating snacks!

Here is Jovie sitting with the Boyle boys, & Ellie.

Kailyn is at the next table with Tre..she loves Tre.

Water Day

2011-05-16T10:01:00.004-04:00

I have some catching up to do..

A few weeks ago we had a nice warm day

and the kids got to play in the front yard

with the hose and buckets of water!

It was Boone's first water day and he loved it!!

Shout out to Our Moms!!!

2011-05-08T18:11:00.005-04:00

Jeremy and I, we love our moms, they are the greatest!!

Which means our kids have the GREATEST Nonnie and Grandma!!!

The shirts say it all!! Happy Mothers Day!!

We love you 2 beautiful women!!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

2011-04-13T20:54:00.001-04:00

Child Labor?

2011-04-07T07:18:00.003-04:00

Jovie has a thing for walls. And really likes to color....

so when you combine the two..it's not too pretty.

We have had walls colored on before, but nothing like this until now.

Check it out!

Luckily it was all in pencil so Jeremy got out the eraser and put Jovie to work.

The picture below doesn't look as bad as it really was,

but is a totally different wall than the top picture.

Jeremy said he wanted Jovie to work on it for at least a half hour.

She started complaining that her arm hurt and I kept telling her to keep working

(in my head thinking "good, maybe this will get the point across.")

Once a lot was erased we went to Mr. Cleans magic eraser (love those things).

Thankfully, the walls are back to normal, I mean,

who doesn't want there whole deposit back when moving out?

The Wares

2011-04-03T20:17:00.005-04:00

Our friends Ryan and Rachel Wares and their daughters, Sophia and Courtney

came to visit us last weekend.

Here is a silly family photo.

I especially like that Ryan and Sophia have the same

funny face going on!!

Sophia and Kailyn were instant friends!!

Courtney and Sophia Wares...too cute!

All the kids, ready for church!!

Jovie, Boone, Kailyn, Courtney, Sophia

Birthday Bash!!!

2011-03-28T22:33:00.019-04:00

On Saturday we had a Yo Gabba Gabba birthday bash for Boone Boy!!

And THANKS!! to Christian and Shanna,

we had lots of fun Gabba stuff to decorate with

and give to the kids!

Here is the guest of honor

Party!!

Treats and Favors

The cake

The cookies

The Party Hats

Waiting for his cake

He is smiling here but really did not like the cake...

he kept getting the "shakes"

When we would put some in his mouth.

He is not really a sweets kind of kid...yet

Boone had the first hit on the piñata

then the rest of the kids

Then some dads had a turn and they broke out the candy

The group of kids

Back row: Kayson, Cade, Brayden, Maddox, Suede, Kailyn, Sophia, Tre

Front row: Britton, Boone, Ellis, Maddison, Jovie

And introducing the next DJ Lance Rock!!!

At least he says he really really hopes to be.

Boone is 1

2011-03-28T21:59:00.009-04:00

This handsome little man is 1 today!!!

We love you Boone!!!

You light up our lives!!!

Boone at 1

Teeth: 5

Diaper size: 4

Clothes size: 18- 24 months

Length: 31 1/4 inches

Weight: 24lbs 12.8 oz

Favorite Foods: Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Rice

Stands on his own, has the cutest laugh,

loves when his sisters play with him,

Likes to be thrown on beds and the love-sac,

is terrified of swings, and gets into everything!!

St. Patty's Day at the Park

2011-03-22T13:33:00.004-04:00

We decided to have a St. Patrick's Day play date at the park

We ate Shamrock cake-pops, green rice krispies,

and even a scary looking green cheese ball

...among other yummy snacks!

Brinley was ready to smile

Boone with girlfriend Presley Sclater

The Leprechaun left gold coins for the kids to find...the girls loved it!!

On the swings

Tre, Kayson, Brinley, Katie, Jovie, Kailyn

Look at all the kids!!

We were asked if we were a day care because of the number of kids!

Nope, just a bunch of friends and their kids!! Ha ha

Look at these great ladies!!

I am going to miss everyone when we move!!

You ladies are awesome!!

Thanks for the fun play date!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2011-03-17T17:55:00.003-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Hope yours is full of smiles!!

El Dorado Falls

2011-03-13T12:20:00.006-04:00

A guy at Jeremy's rotation told him about this waterfall nearby,

so we decided to take a family outing.

The kids were very excited.

Walking to the Fall

If it were summer I would have let the kids wade in the water...it looked like fun

throwing rocks into the stream

Say Cheese!!

Boone Boy

Coming to the picnic table

sandwiches, carrots, and Cheetos!!! The girls love them!!

And were showing off their orange tooth smiles

Boone ate while sitting in the stroller...what a happy little man!!

Silly sisters!!

Nashville

2011-03-10T16:00:00.009-05:00

Last weekend was a lot of fun.

We went to Nashville with our friend, the Englands.

We left early Saturday morning to go to the Temple.

We switched off watching each others kids and going to the temple!

While we were in the temple they had fun playing basketball with Jeff and Lorraine.

I stole these pictures from her. :)

(it's not working..I will have to add them later)

We went out to eat at a yummy Mexican Restaurant.

Me and Jovie

Brayden

Kailyn

Jessie

Boone Boy

Maddison

We stayed in a hotel that night where the men and Jessie could play

XBOX 360 and Lorraine and I could go shopping!! So fun!!

We will miss the Englands when we move away. :(

Baby Shower

2011-03-10T14:23:00.006-05:00

Jen Sclater, Sarah Boyle, and I threw a baby shower

for Laura Finklea on Feb. 19th

She was here for the weekend,

so we got to go to dinner with her and Austin,

have a baby shower, and hang out afterwards.

The theme, as you will see, was Lady bugs!

See those lady bugs on top of the cupcakes? Jen made those!!! She is so talented!!

The group!

The guest of honor!!

The Kids

2011-03-10T14:10:00.005-05:00

Poor Jovie...she gets hurt a lot!!

Sometimes I wonder if people think about calling child services.

(Mom said I was the same way, sorry Jovie)

This one happened when she came running over to me,

tripped on something and her eye hit the metal corner

of the bottom of the stroller.

At least black eyes look cute on her.

Kailyn has alway liked making funny faces

This is her favorite, I think!

Jeremy had fun making the Alfalfa hairstyle on Boone.

It's really all we can do with his little bit of hair.

And look at his teeth.

He actually has 4 now and it is so cute when he smiles!

Which is often!

Valentine's Day

2011-03-10T13:55:00.004-05:00

Here is what the kids woke up to.

Kailyn is really into Holidays, no matter how small.

She is always asking to decorate for them and once

one is over she wants to know what the next one will be. It is really fun.

The girls got dress up shoes, jewelry, some candy, and a Dora Book.

Boone got a dinosaur book!

We then had pink chocolate chip pancakes! Yummy!

Later in the afternoon, we made and decorated sugar cookies.

We found out that Jeremy matched with Firelands

Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

He will do a Traditional year starting June 27th, 2011.

We will definitely have s winter like we have never experienced before.

But will be somewhat close to family in Pittsburgh and friends in

Muskegon, MI. Look at the map...we are right on Lake Erie!!

Super Bowl XLV

2011-03-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

I have a lot of catching up to do...

On Feb. 6th my brother Chris went to the Super Bowl for the 3rd time!!

We had a Super Bowl Party to cheer the Steelers on!

Sadly, the below picture is the only picture I got of anything.

Once people arrived and the game started

I was focused on the game and didn't take any other picture! :(

The Sclaters, Sowbys, and Jessica Reid with her

girls came over to watch and cheer with us!

Snowy Welcome

2011-02-06T08:02:00.004-05:00

After being in California and Arizona for 3 months, this is what we came home to!!

It was a lot of fun! The girls were so excited to play in the snow!

But all we have are pool toys, so we made due with them and a snowboard as a sled.

After the snow melted...we were greeted with thick leaves all over

(we were gone for all of Fall)...so I put Kailyn to work!!

I see you!

Utah Weekend

2011-02-06T07:47:00.004-05:00

While Jeremy was driving from Arizona to Tennessee with

3 kids and towing the Corolla (amazing husband of mine)

He arranged it so that I could fly to Utah to attend my friend

Mandy Hatch's wedding!! I love Mandy and was SO

excited to be able to be there with her and Jared at the temple!!

Thanks Jeremy!!! You really are AMAZING!!!

Mandy & Jared!! All smiles in the freezing cold!!

I was able to stay with my sister Katie!!

It was so much fun being able to have a girls weekend with her!

She is so awesome! I love you Katie!!

Boone's first Christmas!

2011-02-06T07:27:00.005-05:00

Christmas morning...waiting to go see the presents under the tree!

Does he look excited or what?

Cute little kiddos

Oooh La La!

Opening stockings...grandma knows how to fill a stocking!!

They love having candy for breakfast!

Pillow Pets were all the rage with Kailyn and Jovie!

Thanks Nonni and Papi!

Jovie opening her Ladybug Pillow Pet

while wearing new clothes from Grandma & Granddad!

Uncle Dave holding Boone (except I promised Uncle Dave he wouldn't be in the picture)

Obviously, I kept my word. :(

New Dress up clothes from Grandma & Granddad

Boone

What a wonderful Christmas! Thanks to Grandma & Granddad for letting us be there!

And spending time with you guys! We love you!

Temple Lights with Grandma and Granddad

2011-02-02T21:18:00.004-05:00

The girls with Grandma and Granddad!

Mesa Arizona Temple

Our stay at the River House!

2011-02-02T20:44:00.007-05:00

Look at that sunset...if only I could do it justice.

Arizona has gorgeous sunsets!

Jeremy did a rotation in Kingman Arizona,

so the kids and I stayed at the River House for

a week and a half so we could see him a few times during that rotation!

Thanks mom and dad for letting us do that!

Watching a show

We played in the sand

We ate spaghetti

Aunt Alison and Baby Jane came to visit

Sisters

This is the nest picture I got of our 3 kids!

Ha ha...they each have great faces!

Tide Pools

2011-01-24T21:12:00.008-05:00

After Andreason Family Photos we went to the

Tide Pools with Aunt Alison, Jonathan, and Baby Jane.

That water was SO cold...can you tell by the girls faces?

Aunt Alison and Baby Jane

Andreason Family Pictures

2011-01-24T20:58:00.007-05:00

We took family pictures with my dad in December!!

Here he is, Grandpa Steve!!!

Grandpa Steve with his Grandkids

Jeremy and Boone

Penelope with Kailyn and Jovie....they love her!!!

Heil Lights

2011-01-24T20:49:00.004-05:00

When we were younger our family would go look

at Christmas lights on Heil St., so we went this year.

Not as many houses participate now but some

of my favorites are still going strong!!

Ballet

2011-01-24T20:40:00.003-05:00

Kailyn went to a trial ballet class with Brynn Orgill while in California.

She was incredibly excited when I told her about it and loved being there.

We are currently looking into classes here in TN. But in case she ever

becomes a famous dancer one day, I have pictures of the first lesson EVER!!!

Knott's Berry Farm

2011-01-24T20:19:00.007-05:00

While in California we were able to go to Knott's Berry Farm with Uncle Brad...

although there aren't any pictures of him (he hates being in them).

But it was fun and very different then I remember it.

At the Johnny Rockets in Knott's

Goofing off while waiting for Dad and

Uncle Brad to ride the Ghost Rider

Kailyn was a little scared of this statue at first but after a

little coaxing she was all about posing with her...she is kind of freaky though.

In line for the Log Ride

The girls checking out what was ahead for them.

Ward Christmas Party!!

2010-12-20T18:47:00.008-05:00

Raine, Mindy, Shaun

Kellie, Merrick, Brandon, Joey

Papi, Joey, Nonni

Kailyn

Stickers were at each table for the kids to play with

Jeremy, Boone

When Santa came in

Kailyn went here...

But we still got a picture with Santa

Boone was fine

then he started to notice the beard

And he didn't like that

November Activites

2010-12-15T22:34:00.030-05:00

November was full of fun!! So, to start off the month...

I was able to fly to San Antonio to visit Jeremy

while he was there completing a rotation!!

We met up with Jeremy and Lonya Hammond &

their son Cayden for a fun day at Sea World!!

The two Jeremys-woo woo!!

Jovie jumped from the couch and went a little too far,

nailed her chin on moms coffee table.

We took a trip to Utah and were able to see our great friends, the Finkleas.

Jovie & Ashton-so cute!!

Girlies
The kids

Jovie, Payton, Kailyn, Ashton, Jaxon
BFF's

We also went to the Yo Gabba Gabba Live show in Salt Lake.

We missed Jeremy so much that I even sent

a text of it to the screen during intermission

The girls loved it...they wouldn't even turn for a smile.

Katie, Boone, Nonni

We got to visit beautiful Aunt Katie!!

Grandma & Grandpa Lillywhite

Boone with his Great Grandparents

And Grandma Andreason

For Thanksgiving...it was a trip to the River House with mom's side of the family

Check out all those cars!!

Melissa, Aunt Kimberly, Aunt Lenore, Maddie, Hannah, Grandpa Lillywhite

Brenna and Aunt Jenny

Tanner, Shanna, Christian

Dad cutting the Turkey

Yummy Thanksgiving Dinner

Mom, Aunt Lenore, Aunt Kristin

Brody knocking the stuffing out of the pinata..

Go, Russell,Go!

The turkey was flying high for Bruce

Aunt Katie and Boone

Cody, Hannah, Clayton

Dave, Baby Wade, Melissa, Uncle Wade

the temperature and sprinklers left us icicles

Oskar

Oskar, Brenna, Kailyn

Brenna & Penelope

October Activities

2010-11-23T18:41:00.011-05:00

Since I promised my beautiful friend, Jennifer Sclater that I would post...here it is.

Long over due, I know!!

As we drove to San Antonio, we stopped in Round Rock, Texas to visit long lost friends,

The Hammonds!!

The kids:

Jackson, Cayden, Boone, Kailyn, Jovie

Me and Lonya!!!

Jeremy had a birthday!!

Once we got to California we went to the beach and ate at Ruby's on the pier

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Witches Tea Party!!

Me and my Witches!!

Pumpkin Carving with Aunt Shanna, Penelope, Oskar, Bruce, and Buster

Halloween and Trunk-or-Treat

Dorothy, Papi, and Snow White

Uncle Christian-Viking

Kailyn was SO excited!! Can't you tell?

Raine the Nascar Driver and Aunt Mindy-Cowgirl

We ate at Souplantation with Aunt Joy and Grandpa Steve

6 Months and Growing!!

2010-10-04T21:45:00.004-04:00

At Boone's 6 month check-up today

He weighed 19.8 lbs (85%) and was 28.5 inches long (96%)

so although he is a big boy, he is actually a little under weight for his height.

At least that is what the Dr. said.

Boone is so smiley and talkative..sometimes very loud!

We love him!! How could you not?

Go Steelers!!

2010-09-18T15:56:00.004-04:00

Let Football Season Begin!!! (okay so this is a week late, oh well)

Steelers play the Titans tomorrow!!

Chris is starting!! Good luck Bro!!

You will rock their world!!

The After Party!!

2010-09-17T15:34:00.002-04:00

While I was doing dishes after Jovie's birthday

party I heard the girls laughing and talking to

each other, so I went into the dining room and this is what I found.

(And yes, my girls like to run around in nothing but underwear

and diapers . Well, Kailyn is the one who is undressed

within minutes of entering the house and Jovie just follows suit.)

2 years of Jovie!!

2010-09-13T11:06:00.010-04:00

Jovie turned 2 years old on September 12th!!!

We love her so so much!! She is such a character

and we love having her in our family!!

She sure keeps us on our toes!!

We had Tigger themed party for her to celebrate!!

Jovie loves her Tigger

Some of the group

Britton, Kailyn, Payton, Tre, Jovie, Sammi, Suede

and the top of Ellie's head

Sammi, Tre, Payton, Kailyn, Ashton, and Jaxon

Oh Yummy!!

Aloha!!

2010-08-25T09:08:00.013-04:00

We had a Luau birthday for Kailyn and Payton Finklea!

Although the rain decided to pay us a visit,

it was still a lot of fun and the kids got in the pools and had some fun!

Our modest hula girl pinata (ha ha)

Jovie enjoying the grub

Me and Laura

Boone...normally he just chills and drools (as you can see)

A present from the Scalter Clan

The cakes!

blowing candles

The birthday girls

Kailyn- 4

Payton - 6

Oh and while we were cleaning up Jovie decided to streak and skinny dip...

I had to get pictures

Kailyn's 4th!!

2010-08-23T20:07:00.009-04:00

Kailyn is now 4 years old!! and has been for a week now,

I am just slow with posting.

She enjoyed her birthday!! We all had a lot of fun!

She got some sunglasses

a crown

and Sleeping Beauty dress up stuff

We then went to a place called Fun Expedition.

Kailyn and Jovie had their first experience playing

mini bowling. Jeremy was a great teacher!

The girls are smiling in this picture but

were actually terrified of the bounce house

Air Hockey- one of mine and Jeremy's favorite!!

We went out to dinner and then came home for cake.

Kailyn got an ice cream cake made with pink

bubblegum ice cream!! Happy Birthday Cutie!!

Little?

2010-08-14T21:12:00.005-04:00

Are you calling me little?

I Never Thought...

2010-08-11T21:26:00.003-04:00

I never thought it would happen with Kailyn...

I don't know why, maybe it is her timid nature

or her somewhat less adventurous personality,

but it seems that all it takes is me, dozing off on

the couch, while she is cutting paper with cute

little pink Hello Kitty scissors. And then waking

up to Jovie saying "mommy, hair." and holding it

up for me to see.

Yes, Kailyn cut her own hair (not Jovie's).

She was not happy ( can you tell?)..probably more that I got upset

with her than the fact that her hair was going to be short

She has continuously said that she wants her

hair to grow long like a princess.

So after the talking to I gave her I did

assure her that even princesses have short hair

and I may be bias but she looks so cute!

4 month check-up

2010-08-03T20:27:00.003-04:00

Today was Boone's 4 month check-up.

He is 17lbs (85%) and 27 inches(96%)!!

Growing like a weed!!! We love Boone!

He is so mellow, and always smiling.

He is sleeping through the night, learning to use his hands,

rolling over, talking his baby talk,

and has everyone wrapped around his finger!!

VOTE FOR OUR FRIEND ON SEAN HANNITY

2010-08-02T14:09:00.000-04:00

VOTE FOR OUR FRIEND ON SEAN HANNITY

Our friend here from Tennessee Nathan Hinckley (one of our Holler friends) entered a video that he made into a national contest hosted by the conservative talk show host Sean Hannity. This contest was being held to honor the Men and Women who serve our Country. This song is an original written by Nathan's brother Derek who is singing the song in the video. We are asking everyone to go to this site for the next 3 days, and vote once a day. Send this link to all of your friends and family and help support. They are a very talented family who deserve to win because of just that. Click HERE and vote for "My Hero" by Nathan Hinckley Thanks so much!!!

or copy and paste this link to vote... http://www.hannity.com/pages/Vote-for-your-favorite-video

Thankful for Kids

2010-07-29T21:02:00.004-04:00

Grandpa Whiting asked if our camera was broken and I took

that as a hint that I needed to post some pictures of the kids.

We love our kids, they make us laugh, a little frustrated, tired, happy,

and feel SO much love and joy it is amazing!! I am reminded

everyday, especially when I feel like this baby weight will never leave me,

that it is totally worth it to have these beautiful kids in our lives!

I decided that rubbing Boone's head is good luck.

The girls agree.

Boone loves baths

Jovie loves popsicles

Kailyn loves the park

(heat and humidity=pink cheeks)

5 years Baby!!

2010-07-08T19:29:00.003-04:00

Five years ago today I made the best decision in my life...

I married Jeremy!!

Happy 5th Anniversary baby!!

Get Away

2010-07-06T14:47:00.011-04:00

Jeremy ended up having last week off from rotations since

the Dr. he is rotating with was out of town. He said he had a

surprise in the works. I wondered what it could

be...would it be a family get away? Would he find someone to

watch the kids and he and I could go somewhere?

All I was told was to get a bag ready. So I did.

Kailyn, Jovie, and Jeremy came out of the room and presented me

with a stuffed envelope that said "Get Away for a Queen because that's what you are!"

(This is the part where everyone says "Ahhh.") And believe me I did.

I was told to drive to 81 S and then open the envelope to find

out where I was headed and then open the other envelopes

when I wanted to. Can you believe that I actually waited

until I got to the 81 S to open envelope #1?

Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa was my destination.

Once I got to the resort, which is about an hour from home,

I opened all the rest of the envelopes.

Jeremy said I deserved this because I was a single mom the

last month while he was in Nevada and

will be the next 2 months as he studies for Boards.

I was blown away...I don't feel like I deserve this.

I have a hard time spending money on myself but Jeremy

specifically said that the deal was that I needed to return home with all envelopes empty.

So here is the Hotel

Dinner for me!!

The next morning I laid by the pool

Went to the Outlets nearby

And went to the spa for a relaxing massage!!

Then I called Jeremy and asked him if he and the kids would come out

So they did. We went to dinner and then hung out in the Hotel room

This is what Boone does when Jeremy says "Boone" in a really deep voice.

Jovie climbing around

Oh yeah and we ate ice cream cake

The next morning we played by the pool

At first I wasn't sure how I felt about going

all by myself...I wanted my family with me or some girlfriends, but I trusted Jeremy

and went. And it was REALLY nice to not have to worry about

taking care of anyone else. I got to eat dinner without having

to cut up someone else's food or take someone to the bathroom

or clean up spills. I got to sleep through the night!

I don't know what I did to deserve Jeremy.

Whatever it was...I'm sure glad I did it. ;)

BBQ

2010-07-05T18:52:00.005-04:00

The Group:

The Englands, The Sclaters, The Whitings, The Pritchards

We lit fireworks

Lorraine and Jessie

My hottie husband, Jeremy

Ashley and Joe with Brayden

Love the Red, White, & Blue M&M's

The kids played outside

Maddox

Tre

Hopscotch

Kailyn

Jovie

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-04T23:56:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

E C L I P S E

2010-06-30T13:08:00.010-04:00

Mandy, Amy, and Sandy really out did themselves with the

Eclipse party!!

Amy's house looked awesome!!

and the treats were perfectly named and very yummy!!

A bunch of ladies were at the pre-party and most of

them joined us for the midnight showing of ECLIPSE!!

It was a much needed Girls Night and so fun with everyone that was there!

The newest Twilight Fan-Presley Sclater!

She is so small and adorable!

Sarah and I with Jacob!! Woo Woo!!

Back Row: Holly Jones, Sis. Williams, Cheryl Shoults, Robin Wilson, Me

Front: Amy Hinckly, Jen and Presley Sclater, Valerie Osborne, Nicola Morgan,

Mandy Ausmus, Sarah Boyle, Charity, Sandy Smith, Katie Osborne

Even the bathroom was decorated!!

The dolls were on the counter making sure that hands were washed. ha ha

Steve Franklin made this sign for the occasion!! What a great job!

The glasses were rimmed with a candy mixture and besides looking

really cool, it tasted really good!

There were quotes all over the house

We were all given a book mark that says

"Yes, I read teenage books about vampires! So deal with!" I love it!

Group shot at the movies!!!

Katie and Valerie Osborne

Amy Hinckly, Sarah Boyle, Mandy Ausmus, Sandy Smith,

Charity, Me, Cheryl Shoultz, Robin Wilson

Jeremy's Back!!

2010-06-26T09:16:00.003-04:00

I could not stop smiling last night once we picked

Jeremy up from the airport! I am so excited to have him home!

And I am not the only one. Kailyn wanted Jeremy to sit by her

in the car, so he did and once he was there, she just talked and

talked to him. It was really cute. And Jovie was laughing so

hard when Jeremy was playing with and tickling her.

We were able to have a nice time together as a family.

I am proud of my Air Force , hard working, loving, and

playful husband and father! He got many thanks from

strangers in the airports for serving in the military too!!

And I agree! Go Jeremy!!!

Keeping Busy While Jeremy's Away

2010-06-23T22:58:00.019-04:00

We have been trying to keep ourselves busy while

Jeremy has been in Nevada for a rotation

at Nellis Air Force Base. We have had

fun with friends but have missed Jeremy so, so much!

Lucky for us he will be home TOMORROW NIGHT!!!

WooHoo!!!

We are so excited to have him back!!

But for now, here are pictures of what we have been up to.

Beware, there are alot!

We went to the Knoxville Zoo with the Finkleas and Boyles.

These are not your normal zoo pictures but here you go.

The kids got Dora, Iron Man, or Spider Man popsicles.

Kailyn and Jovie of course opted for Dora!

We played in the water area at the zoo,

and there is also an egg gathering room.

the kids had a lot of fun.

Payton

Kailyn

Jaxon

Jovie

Kailyn and Payton...what cute girls!

I even got a picture where every kid is looking at the camera!!!

Jovie, Cade, Kailyn, Payton, Ashton, Kayson, and Jaxon

The girls got new pajamas from Nonni and Papi

and had fun modeling them for the camera!!

We have gone to the Splash Pad at the local

park a few times. Just about everyday the

girls have played in some sort of water!

It has been hot and humid here and water is the way to go.

Most of Boone's pictures from outings are him in the stroller, but he's happy!

Playing in the pool

Having dance parties while wearing their dresses from Grandma and Grandpa

We also went to the water park, which the kids loved!!

2 New Toys!!

2010-06-03T09:04:00.004-04:00

These are our 2 newest toys.

A Honda Lawn Mower. We are both excited about this one!

A Bosch Mixer. I am excited about this one!

Memorial Day

2010-06-01T21:09:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a fun Memorial Day!!

These are the best pictures I could get of all the kids...a work in progress.

Bye Bye Daddy!!

2010-05-30T21:43:00.004-04:00

Jeremy left for his Audition Rotation at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

I got pictures of the girls wearing Jeremy's AF hat.

I am always reminded of how great Jeremy is in all aspects of his life.

I am so incredibly blessed to have him as my husband!

Jeremy, we will miss you!! Knock 'em dead!

Jovie wasn't in a smiley mood. ha ha

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2010-05-21T18:20:00.003-04:00

Kailyn: Daddy, how many are you?

Daddy: 34

Kailyn: I don't know what that means, but when

I am 34 I am going to stay up as late as I want

because that's what old people do.

They stay up as late as they want.

Boone's Blessing!

2010-05-11T12:42:00.013-04:00

A few weeks ago Boone was blessed!

We were lucky enough to have both sets

of grandparents here for the occasion.

Thanks for being here, it really meant a lot!

And thanks for the great men who stood in the circle!!!

And Boone just had his 2 month check-up.

He is 13lb 1 oz and 24 1/2 inches long!

Out Little Family

Jeff England, Bishop Greg Thompson, Ed Hoke, Jeremy w/ Boone,

Mike Whiting, Rod Sclater, Joe Pritchard, Phil Chumley

Philadelphia

2010-05-04T22:00:00.019-04:00

Jeremy had to go to Philadelphia for a clinical

test as part of his 2nd Boards.

We decided to make a little family road trip out of it!

Welcome to Philly!!

We tried to have Jovie sleep in a bed...

and it worked!!! She did great!

When in Philadelphia do as the Philadelphians do.

Eat a Cheese Steak!!

We were told about Jim's and Geno's, so

we went to both! Both had lines,

as you can see below and both

were yummy with their own differences.

Walking around the streets of Philly. It reminded us of New York City.

A lot of cars in little streets, a lot of buildings, a lot of people, a lot of chaos.

We tried Irish Ice. The girls liked it,

but it has nothing on Hawaiian ice or Slurpees for that matter.

Father and Son.

I was a little unsure of taking a 3 week

old on a road trip, but Boone was a trooper!

I caught Kailyn just watching Boone.

She is such a cutie and loves her little brother.

Little man who loves to sleep!

We went to the Harrisonburg Children's Museum.

An interactive museum, which was really fun.

Here are the girls building contraptions.

Kailyn set up all the links on this magnetic board

and then she put a marble in and

watched it follow her track all the way to the bottom.

Jeremy decided to build with the block as well

The girls had fun watching me build this

tower and then they got to knock it over!

The Fruit Stand.

They got to pick their fruit and weigh it in the scale.

Kailyn always asks me to use the

scales at the grocery store. Ha ha

There was a clubhouse/barn with stuffed animals that had a slide.

Jovie is addicted to slides.

They had face painting. Kailyn wanted to do hers all by herself.

They also had a stage with a bunch of dress up clothes.

We wiped off Kailyn's face paint and as soon as we

turned around again, she was back with the face paint.

Didn't she do a beautiful job?

When we first started talking about making a

family road trip out of Philadelphia I was not sure

if I wanted to because I was so tired with a 3 week

old and making 3 trips to the ER and more to the

hospital the week before. But I am so glad that we did!!

It was a lot of fun and we don't usually get to spend a whole

lot of time with Jeremy because of his rotations. It was totally

worth it and a whole lot of fun!

Super Hero Party!

2010-05-04T21:17:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago Kailyn's friend Jaxon had a

Super Hero Birthday party!

It was really fun and everyone was encouraged to dress up.

So the I made the girls capes!

Games were played, a pinata was hit, and food was eaten. Good times!!

Jovie with Sarah Boyle

Jovie will easily go to Sarah and

I though Sarah looked really good in this photo.

Pinata Fun!!

Kailyn loved her Spider-man mask party favor

Getting hugs from the birthday boy!

Jovie was the queen of dirty at Jaxon's party!!

Master Maddox hangin out in the grass...I just liked this picture