JUNE

On June 17, 2010, Alexis Elizabeth Boyle was born. My older sister, Erin, brought her beautiful daughter into the world. I was lucky enough to be there. My sister is amazing. She was amazing that day and I am so thrilled that she finally got her baby girl.

I went to my 10 year high school reunion in June. I had such a blast. It was so fun to catch up with old friends and see where everyone is at in their lives. We had a family bbq in the park on Friday night and then on Saturday night there was an adults only dinner at the Basque Center downtown. It reminded me why I loved being a Boise Brave!

My baby turned 2 on June 26, 2010! We had an airplane party in our backyard. "Panes and copters" are Chases favorite things right now. He is such a fun, sweet boy. He talks more and more everyday. Yesterday, he counted to 10. He loves to run and especially jump. He makes me happy and I am so thankful everyday that he is a part of our family.

MAY

May brought us John competing in and finishing his first marathon! It was his goal for this year and he did it! We were so proud of him.

Ogden Utah Marathon, May 15, 2010

Then a little later in the month, my brother, Drew, and his wife Jenny had their son Fisher Allen. I was able to go up the night he was born. Talk about a gorgeous child.

Brennan and I went on a buying trip/girl's weekend in LA. We basically ate and shopped for 72 hours. Pure bliss.

We finished up the month with a week family vacation in Southern California. We spent several days at Grammie and Poppa's just playing. Then for Memorial Day weekend we headed out to the Embassey Suites Resort in Oxnard, CA with Karen, Cecil, Jen and Kyle. It was beyond wonderful. The resort was gorgeous. We swam, played lawn games, rode bikes, and rode in Poppa's boat. I would go back anytime.

APRIL

April brought Bella's first time on a soccer team. John was the coach. There were about 8 little kids from our neighborhood on the team. Bella was literally "that kid." You know the one. The one who cries, refuses to play and then when they are "playing" they are really just sitting in the grass picking flowers. As my dad would say, "She is her own kind of wonderful."

In one of her final games, I final bribed her into going into the game and trying to kick the ball. She actually did it! She ran out there, went after the ball, went to kick it and was promptly pushed down by another player. She started to cry. I felt so bad. I am not sure she will every play soccer again...

MARCH

March brought Easter. We spent Easter in Boise with cousins. When we got back home, I tried to get fun pictures of my kids in their Easter outfits...the above picture is the best that came out of it. So sad. Bella, unfortunately, is going through a stage where she basically refuses to look at the camera or smile. Plus, the wind was blowing...didnt make for the best pictures.

Blogging Grade

F is for FAIL

So, I have been less than a faithful blogger as of late, um ok, for the last 6 months. But bear with me, tonight I am going to attempt to catch up. I resolve to do better...at least for tonight!

Sisters

Today is my sister, Erin's, birthday. And I have been thinking all day about how thankful and lucky I am to have such amazing women in my life. I adore all my sisters. I have 9 all together, if you include the 7 gorgeous gals that are my in-laws. I feel like I could go to any one with a problem and get help or we could go out and have a great time. They are truly some of the best, most kind and funnest people I know.

I am especially thankful for Erin and Brennan. (And my mom, because we always say it is just like she is a sister) They are the best friends I have in this world and no one understands me like they do. I love that we can be on a girl's trip having a blast or sitting on a couch in mom's living room and it doesn't matter. We genuinely love to be around each other, take care of each other, love each other.

So, Happy Birthday Erin! I love you....and let's go shopping soon.

Bella's Valentine's Day Party

Yesterday, Bella had a Valentine's Day party for the little girls in our neighborhood. Bella was so excited all week, every morning she would wake up and ask if it was the day of her party. The cute part was that almost every parent who dropped off their little girl said the same thing, they all couldn't wait to have a party. Nine girls and a little brother. It was a great time. We made necklaces and rings. We had a lunch of heart shaped pizza, vegi's with purple ranch and strawberries. We played games and decorated sugar cookies.

Ashlyn

Sage

Chase and Brittany

Baby Dane

On February 3, 2010, my baby sister, Brennan had her first baby, Dane Robert Lau. He was almost 5 weeks early weighing in at 5lbs 12oz. Erin and I were lucky enough to be able to jump in the car here in SLC and get to Boise in time to be in the room as Dane was born. It was such a blessing in my life to get to be there for my best friend.

Talking to mom via skype in Fiji.

Brennan was "All Eternity," as my dad would have said. This picture pretty much sums up the pushing. She pushed for a long hard time...amazing.

Dane struggled for the first couple of hours to get his breathing in check. He was pretty quickly swept up and taken to the NICU, but he was only there for 3 hours before coming to be with his mama.

Brennan got to give him a kiss before he was taken to the NICU.

All clean and healthy.

I love you Dane!