A Young Woman Now!

Kailyn turned 12 last month!!!!!!! Trav told her she can date when these candles are turned around the other direction. We had family over for a big birthday brunch since Gav and Jen both have September birthdays as well. Super fun and we got super full!!!!! With Stake Conference, General Conference and a small Sunday emergency Kay didn't get to go to Young Woman's until last Sunday- she is thrilled to be out of Primary and part of a Beehive class with 23 girls! I took her to the doctor last week and she is 5 foot 5 and a half which is above the 95 percentile for her age. Another inch and she will be as tall as me!!! She is still the sweetest girl on the planet and I love love hanging out with her. She is getting straight As in all of her classes both at home and at HomeLink and working harder then I have ever seen her work. She is running and playing her guitar and playing volleyball and seems to be enjoying every minute of it. We are so happy to have this baby girl in my life!

Trav with his big brother and little sister

triple citrus cheescake! YUMMY!

we has some serious food and eating going on!

why yes I am a dork!

Sweet? 16

In June Allias turned 16! He was pretty bummed this year on his birthday. He was wishing we were back in North Carolina where he could have a HUGE party with all of his friends. I think because of how sad he was we kind of (really really really) over compensated in the gift department.
 Not sure if that was the right choice or not but I did have fun shopping lol- he got clothes and a hat and sunglasses and movie tickets and treats and some very very nice basketball shoes
Allias is fiery and determined and whoaaa hard headed and I imagine ( really really hope) those qualities will serve him well someday- especially with the direction the world seems to be going.

nothing says lighting birthday candles like a blow torch!

the candles were pretty much liquid by the time he blew them out!

he needed a BIG bowl!

sometimes I seriously wonder about this family!

I wish I could remember what that card said- Kailyn picked it out and it was pretty hilarious!

Miami!

REESE'S!!!!

Probably the most expensive shoes I have ever bought. for anyone. ever.

                        My handsome 16 year old! He was soooo happy to have his haircut! He can't stand when it gets shaggy. We keep waiting for him to ask someone out on a date but it hasn't happened- he is ever so slightly picky when it comes to women so we shall see!

Britt's Birthday

We took a drive to Whidbey Island and walked over the Deception Pass bridge. I have to admit I got a little dizzy! We also hung out and ate our lunch on the beach. It was a perfect day for it!





The "boys" were fighting over who got to be in the tallest spot!



no surprise that Travis won!

that night we left ALL of the kids at home and went to the bar- uhhhh I mean out to dinner.

We didn't have any candles so we used a flashlight!

you can still make a wish blowing out a flashlight right?



Birthday Cake (kind of)

A few Sundays ago we had the missionaries over for dinner. While we were at church we found out that it was Elder Gilbert's birthday. We were totally bummed we didn't have anything at home to make him a cake and since we don't shop on Sundays we couldn't just go out and get something last minute.

After dinner we really wanted to sing Happy Birthday so we decided to get a bit creative. We took a VERY stale doughnut (they were day old when we bought them the day before) and covered it with peanut butter, Reese's Pieces and chocolate chips. Then we stuck in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up a bit and melt the chocolate.

He was a super good sport and even took a bite! He said it wasn't too bad and even offered to share some with his companion. (sadly his offer was declined).

Happy Birthday Elder Gilbert! (he actually went home this week I think)