Josh

 Josh was really sad that I didn't take pictures of him the day I took them of Cole and of his preschool friend Leah.  I often practice on the kids who are over for play dates....because my kids are tired of being chased by the camera.  Or so I thought!  Josh asked for me to get the back drop out and wanted to have a special photo shoot with mom just like Leah and Cole he said.  I finally gave in who can resist him! 

 Josh is definitely full of personality and goofiness.  He has the most expressions of any of my children.  He has the ability to charm just about anyone.  Everybody loves sweet Josh.  His grins and giggles sum it up....you're pretty cute!

Valentine's Day Dinner

 Our kids surprised us this year by making the cutest Valentine cards and paintings.  I love my kids.  Hanna is so thoughtful always and invited her brothers to make cards for us/reminded them to do it!  They are little sweethearts. 

 Off to school for Valentine's Parties!  Hanna made all of her Valentine's this year (none were the same) and also pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate for her teacher and two closest neighborhood friends, Jake got dinosaurs, and Josh gave out Krispy Kreme donut Valentines. 

Don't you just love Valentine's Day traditions?  I LOVED to write on my cards and give them out and then receive them from my classmates.   

That night we had our annual 'Red dinner' which was a success again this year.  I love it almost as much as the kids.  We invited the Stuarts to join us this year.  We had the usual pink rice, sweet n sour chicken, strawberries, apples, and jello.  The Stuarts added pink noodles to the meal brought jello, and provided quite the fondue spread for dessert.  I love Valentines Day! 

 Carlee girl was happy to sign up for Quality Control! 

The boys were a little wild upstairs playing with the static electricity generated by rubbing a balloon briskly on their hair. 

My kids always have such a great time with the Stuarts.  They match up in age great and have so much fun!  We are really going to miss the Stuarts. 

CTR

 Josh got his first CTR ring at church on Sunday. He was so excited and proud to show us all. 

The ring resides on his dresser every night.  Hopefully Choosing The Right will always stay this near and dear to your heart little one. 

Saturday Night Fever

Missy is always coming up with fun party ideas and thinking outside of the box.  This was quite the night.  It was a 1970's Murder Mystery Party complete with Fondue and yummy food!

Hey when you look this good wearing the 70's why not have a party right?  This is the sweet and so fun couple that hosted this night Doug and Missy

Yes, the question is what am I wearing?  Only certain people can pull off a bright orange one piece jumpsuit.  Some people can and shouldn't......I believe I fall in that category.  Half of the fun was figuring out what I was going to wear....my friend Emily is the one to call if you need outlandish and crazy dress-ups.  Which I have needed recently.  When she first came to Vegas about 10 years ago, she loved all the fun/crazy styles and bought quite a few of them.  She didn't wear a lot of them, but has kept them for just the right occasions.  Her bin has come out over the years for 80's nights, Witchy parties, and now this 70's night.  Love you Emily!....my favorite part was the glitter belt and platform sandals pictured further down.    

These are some other hot 1970's couples who attended..... The Smiths

The Hughes'

The Jones'

The Turners

The other Smiths

The Fritzlers

I had to throw in this picture just for my shoes alone! 

Missy = CUTE! (and you too Wes)

The Skinny Dippers

(Missing Melissa and Missy in the photo)

 "SWEET" JaCoy invited some military gals over for a Chocolate dipping party to make treats for our families for Valentine's Day.  (Too bad I ate a lot of it myself!)  I couldn't resisit.  It was soooo yummy!  The chocolate came in big chunks from Utah and was the best dipping chocolate I have ever tried.  When my husband saw the nick name of the group "The Skinny Dippers", he immediately thought that it was going to be the Best Valentines Day ever!  Sorry honey.  But the chocolates were not dissapointing!   

Look at this nifty funnel tool that trigger releases the chocolate

Mixed nuts covered in chocolate

Homemade caramel, with macadamia nuts and chocolate

Cinnamon Bears dipped in Chocolate.....these are a favorite within the group.  Don't knock it til you try it!

Pretzels with homemade caramel and then dipped in white chocolate

Homemade peanut butter cups with homemade pb filling

The 'helpers' Brock, Josh, Carlee, Leah, and Savannah

Baby Ella loving her momma

Homemade toffee with roasted almonds and chocolate.  Oh my....delicious! 

JaCoy and her mom Cheryl organized and told us how to do everything.  They are professionals!! 

Cutie girl

Grandma Cheryl with baby Amelia

Workin' hard!!

Yes the verdict is that anything dipped in Chocolate is really good.  Even broccoli.  Maybe this is how we should get our kids to eat their vegetables.  I'm game. 

There is already talk that they are going to make this a yearly tradition.  Drats.  I'll have to start the 'Euro Skinny Dippers'.   Yummy!

Photo Shoot

Do you ever have days where you decide to take cute pictures of your baby and they don't behave??? This was one of those days. I took about 45-50 and these were the best I got. He's still pretty cute!

Cole Jackson age 2: