Five. 4. Three. 2. One!

MaKenna is FIVE! Celebration JJ style this year. After a her choice dinner at McDonalds with the Miller family, we headed out at five a on her actual birthday. She felt special and celebrated. It's all that matters!

4. The number of OUTS Mason had in his last baseball game, go BUDDY!

The little three year old is a straight-up dog lover! A wanna- be dancer. Has her first year of pre-school under her belt. She only cried two out of three days per week, for the entire year. Heart-wrenching.

2. Michelle and I finished her first, my second, half marathon. Together, well I left her somewhere on mile one, but watched her finish! Minus her telling me to "kiss her ass" we enjoyed our sister time to the M.A.X! And we plan to Rock a City next year, too. 

ONE dog left today! JJ, Grandpa Dan and Grandpa Bob left this morning, after a quick visit here to watch one baseball game of Mason's and MaKenna's first dance recital. Where she shook her groove thang to Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and trumpeted her left elephant arm! Rightthissecond she is playing dance recital and bossing Morgann. Girls will be girls.

8th Year

I cannot believe we've been going to Mt. Hood and staying in the same cozy cabin for eight years in a row now. Wearesopredictable. That, is what I love most about my family. And you know, the fact that they are oh so fun. Someone, get this man to the free run. Like, now.

Anyone else up for a late stroll through Govy Camp? 8 kids, snow, friends, all while sugared on homemade brownie sundaes! To those heading to Charlies or the Rat, watch out!

Here's to peace.

Love. Family. Special Memories. Friends.

New nephews. Who are totally sweet, cute and lovable!

And big girl days. Because, I am not going to lie. My fave day was Sunday afternoon. Happily talking and sipping some good brew.

What girl doesn't love a good talk?

And last but not least. Here's to new fur hats. Because the hubby is searching for just the right one. As I type.

Cat skiing, from our perspective.

We loaded up this morning for our first "real" ski day of the season. We went last weekend and had major mishap. Forgotten boots. Socks. Gloves. Ah. Today was nothing of the sort. In fact, it was full of fortune. Mason finally tested out and was successful on the ski's he was given for his birthday! Throw in MaKenna sharing her pink ski's, yes that is fortunate. The big red's are still a little long for Morgann, but they work when selfishness sets in.

I felt fortunate to be up there with awesome friends. But more so, that we were given rides on the cat. To get up the rope tow hill, that is. That really helped ease the thighs back into it!

He did more than hang out. Got some runs. Some air. Some pointers on teaching small children how to ski.

Wait. Who is driving that Cat?

Ok, maybe not driving. But riding shot gun! E and Morgann. Morgann liked riding in the front of the cat better than the back and she certainly was enjoying the trip back down!

"Tis The Season

We had special visitors this week--Michelle, JJ & baby Carson. The kids all had fantastic Christmas Programs and performed beyond my expectations. Their voices made the songs sound merrier. Our guests made our home feel homier. This time of year is our favorite.

As for E and I. We got our baby fix. We already can't wait to see Carson again. He's the sweetest little 5 week old chunk!

The world just changed. Big Love Ahead!

After a long overdue arrival. Carson William entered into the world on 11/6/11. And I was lucky enough to be right there with my sister, for those hurting hours. And there were lots of hours. Lots of screams. A few laughs. But  most of all, love. Pouring out of everyone. The entire day. I love my family. Sisters are the best.

It hurt to see her in so much pain.And gave me a whole new appreciation for the Daddy's who make it through labors, too. Bill was amazing. Knowing exactly what to do and when. And I am so thankful he let me crowd my way in there to squeeze her hands, rub her back and breathe with her.

The baby was big! 8 pounds 11 ounces and came out at 9:51 PM. Michelle and I reversed roles. When I had Mason, she cried while I was in so much awe I didn't know what else to do. My tears were flowing. Life is amazing. This baby, he's a gift. Wonderful. Happiness all swaddled up into a perfect package.

I wish I was still in Kirkland, listening to his sounds. Cuddling him and helping my sister. I'm home. And the kids are so jealous. They want to meet their baby cousin Carson, so bad. They looked through all the pictures, watched the video and said let's go. Now. I've held them off until the weekend, hopefully.

This picture created rolling laughter. They asked if these were the doctors. After a much closer look, couldn't stop giggling. Why were you wearing that? We'll save that part for Michelle.

Momma Giles!

The baby BUMP, bump, BUMP! Carson brought out a face I've never before seen! Great Grandma Marce, helped shower Michelle this weekend and celebrate baby Carson. His arrival is quickly approaching.

And as much as having a baby changes your life. I know these two are ready! They are going to be GREAT! 

As for the cousins. These little girls can't wait to hold baby. They are going to hold baby Carson. Yes. Yes, you can and will. But first he's going to have to be born.

Better Together

There's nothing better than being married to your best friend. And I know these two are, best. friends. forever.

During the father of the bride's toast to the couple. He warned her friends that they would be taking the back seat. They would now be second to Alex. That those friends are still important, still loved, appreciated and needed. Alex is number one. Her dad said he loved that anything he does with any of his friends is better with his wife, because she's his best friend, that they laugh and love.

When we came home at 11:30 Sunday night to a flood in our new house, I couldn't help but be so thankful that my husband was my best friend, too. And even in the hard times, those husbands are still your best friends. The ones you want to weather anything with, good or bad. Thick, thin, funny, whatever.

Conklin Contenders!

I moved up with Mason. Coaching U9 soccer has its perks. But it also has its downfalls. 1. Noaction shots 2. More competitive teams 3. More soccer knowledge needed

Like I said. There are perks, too. I love the kids! Our team is super diverse. Most of the kids haven't played before, but they smile and have fun. And that is what it is all about! I like getting to watch Mason grow. As a soccer player, a young boy and friend. It's pretty funny to watch him flirt, too. I may be bias but he pretty much rocks every position! One of our stronger and younger players! Big bonus, Aunt Cassidee and our old neighbor Rick are coaching right along my side. Or I'm along their side.

Easter 2011

Was everyone else's Easter weekend Super Busy?  And overflowing with sunshine, family and memories?

Turning hard-boiled eggs, the BRIGHTEST of colors;

Or with Daily hunts; 

Full of smiles and candy;  

LOVE;

Plastic Eggs;

Easter baskets;

BUNNIES;

Cousins;

Pointers for the most  unsuccessful egg hunts;

And most importantly, Family from Friday morning to Sunday night!

Ours WAS! And it was absolutely FANTASTIC!

A Sister Blawg!

I'm so excited to watch my sisters pregnancy through her very own blog, she's been following mine for so long now. It's my turn, to be the Auntie!

Don't forget to check out Giles & Company 

Spr!ng Bre@K!

Wednesday E dropped off the little people for their SPRING BREAK excursion to Grandpa Dan's and JJ's house. Where upon return, Mason told me "JJ's house is a lot more than just a lot of fun." I had asked him if he had a lot of fun?

Apparently very much so. I asked him about his favorite day while there and he had a hard time. The tie was between skiing at White Pass with Grandpa and the Seattle Zoo with the whole bunch, including Michelle and Bill.

His excitement was also bubbling when he shared that he could bunny hop the curb with his new bike. But only the curb at Michelle and Bill's. Oh and wait. He also bolted out how he can make a basket on their hoop. And, that oh my gosh, their going to have a baby and the baby's name is going to be Olivia Marceline or Carson William and mom they are going to have a baby and I want a boy cousin and mom did you hear?

My kid is a SPONGE! But then I had to quiz and requiz, what is the baby's name going to be? Because I didn't know this yet? And I LOVE it. And I get to be an Aunt! Excitement all around.

How lucky for our kids and my sisters soon to be baby, to have grandparents that are this GREAT! Grandparents that are active in grandparenting. Grandparents that send kids home with a suitcase full of clean clothes! And provide them with spring break fun, that otherwise would not have been had.

Minus one seriously silly moment of overwhelming worry, I enjoyed my little staycation with my hubby. We didn't really vacation. However, I didn't cook dinner one night. For that matter I didn't cook breakfast or lunch, either. Which might be a vacation in itself. We didn't eat out every night, we just fended for ourselves. I forgot how fun eating cereal for dinner can be. At 8P. I ate dinner at 8P.

We worked hard on a bathroom remodel. And E is still working hard. This is our last big house project for a while. I can't wait to see the finished project. For now, I can share my first before picture. Which is really too bad because we had already taken out the pinkish-brownish sink and countertops. And primered the cabinets. More on this house subject to come. Later.

SEVEN

I mis-typed or miscalculated. We have really been to Mt. Hood for seven years. It will be eight in 2012. Because, we are already planning our return trip. In honor of seven AWESOME years. Here are my top seven pictures from this year, 2011.

My little MaKenna took her first ride up the chairlift. She went right back up again. Something tells me she liked it. She just looks so small, sitting there with Grandpa Dan. She told me tonight, "I wasn't scared at all mommy!"

We added another family of five to our group this year. Which meant kids tugging at our clothes less often out of their need for entertainment. It was great that all six of them could entertain themselves and play together well for four straight days. And Cassidee came with us, too. Ya! The kids are always happy when she gets to come!

The weather was absolutely beautiful. I am not going to complain about blue bird days and powder. Great company, about 26 total. And food that was great. I am already trying to figure out when I can replicate my cousins four cheese lasagne.

This year the little kids were good enough to hit up the "free run." Timberline Lodge to Government Camp. These boys rocked it! Not only did they free run they also spent the majority of Sunday in the Terrain Park. Clearing bone pits like crazy. So were the adults, we liked it just as much as them. Maybe more.

JJ, You Rock! Keeping children entertained and happy isn't an easy job. My very, very selfish side is glad you don't ski. But in a few years, I hope that changes. Maybe you and Morgann can learn together next year?

Since we are, for the most part, a predictable family. Thursday night we met up at the Timberline Lodge for dinner at the Rams Head, drinks and games in the game room. Shuffle board and ping pong. And I might add, I almost beat Grandpa Dan. Almost.

One of the best years, yet. So good, I found myself on said "free run."  Right there with my fantastic hubby!

Grandpa Dan and JJ, Thank you for arranging our annual ski getaway. For taking such good care of us while we are there- from food and drinks to being our mountain guide. These are memories that we will forever treasure. In fact, Mason told me tonight that when he is "my age" he hopes we are still going to Mt. Hood.