LIVE WELL * LAUGH OFTEN * LOVE MUCH

-JANUARY GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS-

2012-01-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

Gymnastics competitions started this month. Ashley was a little nervous this year to compete in a different state and with a different team. She has now finished 2 competitions and has done AWESOME!!! GOOD JOB ASH!! We Love You!!

For her first meet in Tennessee she scored:

Vault-9.750, Bars-9.0, Beam-8.650, Floor- 9.425

She placed 2nd in the All Around

For her 2nd meet this month in TX she scored:

Vault-9.70, Bars-8.825, Beam-9.175, Foor-9.725

She placed 1st in the All Around

Kevin was able to experiment on Addy's hair while we were in Tennessee and the kids loved having their dad all to themselves for the weekend:)

(the best was that her dress was on backwards for church and

Mason kept sending me txts telling me Kevin didn't make his bed:))

-I HEART TEXAS IN THE WINTER-

2012-01-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am just SAYING..... the weather has been NICE:)

Playing outside

Golfing

(leaving swimming lessons w/out shoes on or even a coat:))

-HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ADDY-

2012-01-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

My BABY is 4 today:) She is getting so big and I still feel like she is a baby. When I step back and watch the things she says and does I realize she is a little GIRL!! She is so sweet and so fun to have around!! She changes weekly on how to spell her name...on the weeks she likes to write Y at school it is ADDY and the times she likes to practice her I and E it is ADDIE... She saw an E the other day and said "Look that is in my other name" ha ha ha she makes me laugh!! She is loved by ALL and we are so GRATEFUL she was sent to our little family!! WE LOVE YOU ADDY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY:)

-HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012-

2012-01-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

We spent the New Year weekend in San Antonio with the Peterson Family. Such a fun city and so many fun things to do.....we were only able to visit Sea World and Six Flags.... so it is a good thing it's a great short distance vacation spot so we can go again soon:) Thanks Mark and Kim for a GREAT weekend!!

We welcomed the New Year in with fireworks at Six Flags

2011 was quite the year!! We sold Kevin's dental practice, sold our house, said goodbye to family and friends, and moved to a different state. Kevin worked as an associate and ended up running into a great opportunity that we would never have had if we were not already here...funny how things work out...Kevin will be part owner and lead dentist here in the area... so Kevin ended up giving his notice at his current associate and 2012 brings a new opportunity:) We are hoping for 2012 to be a bit more tranquil than 2011, but it was still a good year and we are excited for 2012:) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

-FAMILY PICTURES 2011-

2011-12-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

We decided after our last family picture 3 years ago we could try it again.... This time was soooo much better than 3 years ago where Mason was stung by a bee 4 times and Addy would cry everytime they pointed the camera at her..... Here are some of our FAVORITES:)

FAMILY

ASHLEY

JOSH

MASON

ADDY (she learned how to write y...so now she said "no I E mommie Y")

THE GIRLS

THE BOYS

JUST THE TWO OF US:)

OUR DAILY LIFE WITH A TEENAGER:)

We walked out of pictures thinking "that wasn't so bad....maybe we will do that again!"... but then realizing how many trips Kevin made to the mall for me to return the things that didn't look right and his last minute trip to pick out Ashley's necklace before leaving to the airport....It might be another 3 years:) ha ha ha

-MERRY CHRISTMAS-

2011-12-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

This year the big kids asked santa for electronics and

Addy asked for a "pint pillow pet" and a "baby Izzy."

They were all excited to find out we were headed on the

New Disney cruise this year:)

Brunch with the Fowler Family

-CHRISTMAS EVE-

2011-12-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

We started our Christmas Eve off at a Christmas Movie

Then we went to see the lights

Lights at the neighborhood clubhouse

Our favorite tree we found and would drive by often:)

Then we came back and cooked two of our favorite foods....

Nothing better than ebilskiver's and crab legs:)

Then we read a Christmas message and opened a Christmas Eve gift....

THEN OFF TO BED!!

-CHRISTMAS TIME-

2011-12-23T22:15:00.000-08:00

-CHRISTMAS FUN AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN-

2011-12-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

We spent the day at the Gaylord Texan enjoying all of their Christmas Activities.

-MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011-

2011-12-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

-HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY ASHLEY-

2011-12-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

We have a TEENAGER in the house!! I think I ask where the time has gone every year my kids have a birthday.... but this year especially... HOW IN THE WORLD DO WE HAVE A TEENAGER!!! Ashley has made the move so easy with her bubbly personality and ability to make friends wherever she goes. She has made some great friends this year and I have realized how STRONG of a girl she really is!! I love that she is truely a good person and has a great heart!! Happy Happy Birthday Ashley!! WE LOVE YOU!!

This year was a family Birthday so we were able to go out to eat and spend some time with just her!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY...lets hope we can survive these teenage years:) ha ha ha

-HOLLIDAY ICE SKATING-

2011-12-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

We decided to keep the tradition this year and go ice skating in December. We headed to the local ice skating rink and it was disco/laser skating the night that we went:)

The kids had a blast and Ashley ran into one of her cute friends(Sarah) at the rink.

-15 YEARS-

2011-11-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

15years

What a wonderful journey it has been!! 15years ago today I married my best friend and LOVE of my life!! I can't help but think everyday how LUCKY I am to have such a wonderful husband, a great father to our kids, and a best friend!! I am soooo BLESSED!!! I do know whatever we do or wherever we end up as long as we are together things will be GREAT!! I am looking forward to many more years:)

I LOVE YOU BABE!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:)

While visiting Utah for the holiday we were able to get away for our anniversary and enjoy the St. Regis in Deer Valley... So fun to be up in the mountains and be with each other and away from the hustle and bustle of things while the kids enjoyed family and friends:)

-WE DID IT...HOORAY!!!-

2011-11-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

We officially made it through our first fall season of sports on our own:)

We made it through:

SOCCER

We had 3 different soccer practices during the week and 3 soccer games on the weekend. We started out with 6 water bottles and ended up with 0. I am not going to say it was pretty... this is how Addie looked after the 1st game every week:) There was one really early morning game that we dragged the 2 little ones out of bed to go to and when they both had a melt down we decided not to fight and let them go in their PJ's....but when they got out of the car and Mason had an unmatched pair of PJ's and no shoes... I knew we had reached a new low:) ha ha ha... I wish I had taken a picture...but way too FRAZZLED that morning.... One of those times you laugh about it later:)

** I must say that at our last game on November 12th the weather was 80 degrees...SO NICE**

SWIMMING LESSONS

VOLLEYBALL

Ashley's School Volleyball Team took 1st place this season:)

HALLOWEEN FUN-

2011-10-31T22:47:00.000-07:00

This Halloween we had

A Samba Dancer

A Lobster

A Skeleton

A Tween who was too busy with friends
to be around for any of the pictures :)

Our Halloween started with

The Lantana Monster Mile

Carving Pumpkins

and ended with

Trick or Treating

-OUR WESTERN GIRL-

2011-10-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Addie had western day at her preschool. She was so excited to wear her "Hak", "Pint boots", and her "Petty dess" to school. Kevin said to let everyone know that this is the private school uniform here in Texas... What a cute little cowgirl:)

-PUMPKIN PATCH-

2011-10-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had a night that was free from all the kids activities so we took advantage on the 85 degree day and went to the local Pumpkin Patch!!

We enjoyed the hay ride, maze, bounce houses, slides and all the fun characters around the pumpkin patch!! I had the kids wear their halloween shirts... but apparently I need to find short sleeved shirts for the end of October in Texas:)

-TEXAS STATE FAIR-

2011-10-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

We went to the highly anticipated Texas State Fair this weekend with the Fowler family!!! It was fun to see and the kids enjoyed the rides, animals, and entertainment. We of course had to try all the different fried foods the Texas Fair is known for. After a long day and a fair as big and as crowded as Disneyland (seriously felt like it!!) we are glad to be able to say "Been there, Done That!" We ended the busy day with a great firework show and a yummy funnel cake and called it a night!! We might return in a few years....maybe:) ha ha ha

They had a great section that taught the kids how to be farmers...

and cute little farmers they were!!

-ANNUAL SCHOOL WOLF FEST-

2011-10-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

We were able to attend the annual school carnival the "Wolf Fest" this year. I was surprised at how big of an event it was and how much there was for the family to do. The kids enjoyed dinner, bounce houses, haunted houses, cake walks, hair painting, dunking the kids teachers, a zipline, and so much more!!! What a great night and the kids had a blast!!

-LET THE GAMES BEGIN-

2011-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

The sports season has officially started!!

Ashley

Ashley made the 7th grade girls volleyball team.
So far they are undefeated!!

She is enjoying soccer...
Her coach keeps asking us what we feed her... she is quick:)

Josh

Started his Soccer practice and games
and is enjoying every minute of it!!

Mason

Started his Soccer practices and games and loves it!!

-HOTTEST SUMMER EVER-

2011-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

It is Official.... the summer of 2011 is now the HOTTEST SUMMER EVER for North Texas!! We broke the record today of 70 days of 100+. The sad thing is we have only been here 79 days. The previous record set in 1980 was 69 days of 100+. The average temperature for the summer was 90.5 degrees. There were some nights that the low was in the high 80's. I guess after such a HOT summer we have something to show for it!! Lets hope that the summer of '11 holds onto the record for many many years:)

-LABOR DAY WEEKEND FUN-

2011-09-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

With it being so HOT this summer we took advantage of the long weekend and went to ANOTHER water park:) It has been really fun with all 4 kids being able to go on the slides.

(This was our first time going on a water rollercoaster)

On Labor Day it actually cooled down to a chilly 85 degrees (feels chilly when you are used to 100+) so we spent the day with the Fowler Family and everyone else in the Dallas/Fort Worth area at the ZOO:)

-ADDIE STARTS PRESCHOOL-

2011-08-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

So Addie (formerly Addy... I was writing her name one day and she said, "no y mommy...I" It was pretty funny. I think the girls at the gym would spell her name Addie and she noticed it) started preschool this week. She loves going anywhere and especially School. She is my baby and I was actually SAD!! I really have never been one to get sad when the kids head off to school, but this year was SO different. I think because I have always had others at home and now I just have time by myself to run errands and she has been my little buddy at errand time and I enjoy having her with me. She is so calm and easy going it is easy to have her around.

Addie is such a girly girl!! That morning she got up and put on her dress and she looked in the mirror and said, "oh petty dess.... I ook tute" and she would twirl around. She has decided she will only wear dresses and always needs a bow:)

When I went to drop her off at school I told her I was sad and that I was going to miss her. I asked her if she was sad and if she would miss me and she said, "no mommy me happy....me tool (school) a wee (has a slide)." I love that she is now just barely talking and she is so funny and has such a cute little voice when she does. I LOVE this little one and cannot believe my baby is officially in the school years!

-BACK TO SCHOOL-

2011-08-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

So our kids started a NEW year of school in a NEW school and in a NEW state. Alot of NEW's and I was so nervous for them!!! I couldn't stop thinking about them ALL DAY!! When they walked through the door at the end of the day all 3 of them were SMILING!! They could not wait to go back and I was SO relieved!!

Mason started 1st grade. It was his first time at school ALL DAY!!

He met a little boy named Joshua that he thought was pretty cool!!

He said he wished Daniel was still at his School,
but Joshua will do:) ha ha ha

Joshua started 5th Grade. He met a boy named Jacob.

He spent his first week helping a kindergarten boy at lunch

and doesn't know why they cry so much:) ha ha ha

Ashley started 7th grade. Her first year in Middle school.

She spent her first week going to school at 6:45am for Athletics.

She is trying out for the Volleyball team....So far she made the 1st cut...

she will find out on Monday if she made the team...

then she travels to compete.

Athletics is CRAZY here in Texas:)

-LAST WEEKEND OF SUMMER VACATION-

2011-08-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

For the kids last weekend of summer vacation we decided to go to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. It was a perfect day for the water park. It was 106 degrees and the water felt so good!! What a fun day together before they head off to school for the year:)

I loved that this water park was so kid friendly. Addy was able to go on so many rides. Some of the rides she went on scared me:) The kids loved the park and we can't wait to go back....:)

-INDOOR SOCCER AT COWBOYS STADIUM-

2011-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to visit the Cowboys stadium and watch an indoor soccer game between FC Barcelona and Club America.

We had a lot of fun with the kids and we were sooooo glad that the stadium was closed and the air conditioning was on HIGH because it is soooo HOT right now. It was a good break from the pools we have been living at:)

-UTAH GIRLS CAMP-

2011-07-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

We flew Ashley home to visit Utah for a week and go to her first year of Girls Camp!! It looks like she had a blast from the 350 pictures she took for the week:) Here are some of the camp highlights:)

-SUMMERTIME FUN-

2011-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of our SummerTime Fun in the middle of one of the HOTTEST summers Dallas has had!!

Golf Lessons

Josh and Mason enjoyed lessons in golf this summer

Swim Lessons

Addy and Mason

Enjoying some INDOOR swimming lessons

Tennis Lessons

Josh and Mason

nothing like Tennis lessons in the heat:)

Having fun on the golf course at night

At night we go out our back fence and enjoy playing golf and sometimes the boys will play a game of soccer on the golf course and Zoie loves to tag along:)

Addy and her Hat

Addy found a swim hat in her drawer and wore it everywhere for about 2 Weeks!! She would wake up in the morning asking for "my hak?" She would put it on and leave it on ALL DAY!! I finally had to hide it because it way too hot to be wearing her "hak"......:)

-SUPERSTAR-

2011-07-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of months back Kevin filmed a commercial at his new Dental Office. We forgot about it until recently when we have had people come up to us and tell us they saw him on TV or on the commercial at the movie theaters.

So we found it on the internet(apparently we have been watching the wrong channels and have not been to the movies in awhile) ... So here is our new SUPERSTAR:)

We laugh and laugh and laugh every time we watch it!!

Pretty funny stuff:)... HA HA HA HA

-IT IS OFFICIAL... WE ARE TEXANS-

2011-07-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

We have now marked the 2 week point of our new adventure in TEXAS--

The house is unpacked, pictures are hung, our checks have our new address on them, our drivers licenses say Texas, and our cars now have THESE......

I think we are official!

It is HOT here in July and we have realized that this is our 1st home.....

It is a good thing we have 5 to choose from in the neighborhood:)

-HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM TEXAS-

2011-07-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

We started the day off playing at the golf course

Then we went to a neighbors house for a BBQ and swimming

We ended the night with a great neighborhood firework show

-THE WHIRLWIND OF JUNE-

2011-06-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

June was a busy month for us.....

The car and house were packed up and shipped.

We moved in with Annie and Andrew after our house was sold. They were troupers.... 8 kids and 4 adults under 1 roof:) I really enjoyed being there. We spent the next two weeks enjoying our time left.

Going away BBQ

Annie and Andrew hosted a going away BBQ with yummy food and great company. Christie even made a wonderful DVD for us to take with all of our neighborhood memories on it!! So fun to watch and be able to have forever!! THANKS everyone for all you did to make the BBQ such a great night:)

We were able to enjoy Cowabunga and 7 Peaks Water park

Mason enjoyed more lemonade stands with his friends

Mason and his best buddies (Daniel and Will) would sell lemonade any chance they got. It would go from a lemonade sale to anything they could get their little hands on... The best was when they found a couple of Red Bull's and sold them to Daniels 3 year old brother....classic!! The memory of these little boys will always make me laugh

We enjoyed the last 2 weeks hanging out with friends and saying goodbye

We were supposed to leave a week earlier than we did, but our moving company was delayed so we changed 5 plane tickets, 1 dog plane ticket and brought Kevin home 1 last weekend.... there were a lot of tears!! After all is said and done I am so glad we were able to spend the extra week without anything planned and just enjoy everyone!!

June ended with all of us headed to the airport with our ONE WAY TICKETS to DFW and we boarded the plane to start our NEW ADVENTURE!!

-FAMILY GETAWAY TO SCOTTSDALE, AZ-

2011-06-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Every June Kevin has a conference at a Dental Center in Scottsdale, Az. This year the entire family decided to tag along!!

Playing in the sand

(They buried Mason)

Lots of Swimming

Enjoying the evening in Arizona

We had a blast swimming, going out to eat, going to the movies, lounging around and being with Kevin (since we only see him on the weekends these days)!!

-JOSH 4th GRADE RECORDER RECITAL-

2011-05-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

The 4th grade held their recorder recital at the end of the school year this year. Josh did a great job and on one of the songs he even showed off some of his piano skills!!

Great Job Josh:)

-END OF SEASON SPORTS-

2011-05-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

May brings the end of the spring sports season. With Josh in competition soccer, Mason in soccer and baseball, and Ashley in gymnastics and soccer we are a busy group.

Ashley

Josh

Mason

This season was a great season!! The kids enjoyed being able to finish the season before the big move:) A BIG THANKS to all the wonderful team parents that helped me get my kids to their games while Kevin was traveling back and forth from Tx.

-6th Grade Les Miserables Play-

2011-05-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ashley participated in the 6th grade Les Miserables play this year. She tried out for a singing part and ended up as Eponine and she sang "On My Own."

She did a great job!! I have never really heard her sing and she did really well!! I think it was the first time I have seen her get nervous to be in front of a crowd:) Great Job Ashley!! We Love You!!

-SAYING GOODBYE TO THE MANSELL DENTAL CENTER-

2011-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Mansell Dental Center opened November 2007

and sold on April 29, 2011.

To say goodbye Kevin took the staff to lunch and then off for Manicures and Pedicures for the day!!

Kevin worked with such an amazing staff! It was hard to say goodbye!

-Brooke, Jill, Kevin, Brittany,

Barb (at the office since the beginning), Kim-

(Missing Monica and Tori)

-HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY JOSHUA-

2011-04-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy 10th Birthday Josh!! Time is flying by! I cannot believe it has been 10 years since Josh joined our little family! We are enjoying our easy going calm child:) He loves to play sports and especially loves soccer, but hates chocolate and pizza:) He is a funny kid!! Happy Birthday Josh.... WE LOVE YOU!!

For his birthday we let him invite a couple of close friends and went to the REAL soccer game.

We started the day off with Jimmy Johns Sandwiches, Ice Cream, Cake and Presents
Then we were off to spend the afternoon at the REAL Soccer game. We had a great time and Josh enjoyed celebrating his birthday with his friends watching soccer.

-HAPPY EASTER-

2011-04-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER

-SPRING BREAK IN DALLAS, TX-

2011-04-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kids to Dallas/Fort Worth area so they could see where they were going to be living.

Dinner at the Rainforest Cafe

We stayed at a wonderful place called The Great Wolf Lodge.

The kids had their own little retreat with bunk beds

We spent a lot of time at the Water Park

Fun at the Arcade

We were able to tour Dallas/Fort Worth area and check out the neighborhood we will be living in and the schools the kids will attend. The kids seem to feel much better about the move after visiting the area. We had a great family trip and are excited for our new adventure.

-NOT SURE I AM READY-

2011-04-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

So with the move comes putting the house up for sale... we met with our Realtor, signed all the papers and we knew it was coming.....

But when the sign showed up today.... My heart sank!

Our house will be on the market on Monday.... I wish I could take all the wonderful people with me to Texas and it would be so much easier:)

-BEST FRIENDS/RIVALS-

2011-04-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Mason wearing their team jersey's to school for spirit week

-OUR FAMILY THEME NIGHT-

2011-04-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

So we had a family night with a theme----

We started out with dinner at

We ordered the yummy Dallas Fillet......

Then we headed home and the kids got some presents to open....

Some maps and a book about TEXAS.....

The kids then guessed it.... We are moving to TEXAS!!!

We didn't get anymore pictures after the guessing game because there were too many tears:(

Kevin has accepted a job to work in a high end group dental practice in Southlake, Tx. We are excited for the opportunity, but it is going to be hard to leave all of our family, wonderful friends, our great neighborhood, and The Mansell Dental Center and the wonderful people at the practice.

-HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY MASON-

2011-03-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MASON!! Mason turned the BIG 6! Mason was so excited about turning 6! He told me the night before he didn't know if he was going to be able to sleep he was so EXCITED! Well he slept just fine and when he woke up he kept saying "I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM 6." Last year he asked for a chocolate bar this year he asked for sour patch watermellons.... at least he makes it easy on us!! Happy Birthday Mason!! WE LOVE YOU:)

PRESENTS

This year Mason got a set of golf clubs to go golfing with Kevin. He keeps telling me we bought him golf clubs so dad can have a son that golfs!! He is soooo funny!

BIRTHDAY PARTY

This year Mason had his party at Bouncing of the Walls. They had a great time and it was so nice to let them just run and get out all that energy!!

-GIRLS...GIRLS...GIRLS-

2011-02-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

It has been a big month for these 2 cute GIRLS...

Official NAME CHANGES for both

Formerly Sarah Ashley Mansell

Is now Ashley Sarah Mansell

Formerly Addison Kate Mansell

Is now Addison Jane Mansell

Ashley has been begging for years to switch her name...… So we decided before she goes into middle school and it gets more complicated we would change her name. We then decided since Addy was the only child without a family name we would change her middle name to a family name and change both names at the same time. We now wish we had changed Ashley's sooner...We ended up at the court house a couple of times and she had to meet with a judge since she is older than 6... but she thought the court was pretty cool:)

NO more DIAPERS for this little one.

Middle School Orientation for this one

-VALENTINES-

2011-02-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

-MOST AMAZING BIRTHDAY-

2011-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

So this year for my birthday my AMAZING husband gave me the best surprise birthday present ever......a 24 hour getaway with Him in Vegas and The Garth Brooks Concert. He pulled it off without me suspecting anything and it was such a GREAT SURPRISE!!

We had a fabulous dinner before the concert

We saw the 10:30pm concert....

when it ended close to 1am I was not ready for it to end

it was such a GREAT concert:)

Thanks to my WONDERFUL husband for making this birthday so special and so memorable!! I enjoyed every minute of my getaway with him.... every time I think of him and that he was able to pull something like that off I just SMILE:) I LOVE YOU BABE!!!

Thanks for another GREAT memory with YOU!! :)

-CRYSTAL CUP-

2011-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Gymnastics competition season is in full swing! The Crystal Cup was a great meet! This is the first competition of the season that she was able to compete ALL 4 EVENTS!! Ashley put in a lot of time and hard work to be able to get all the skills necessary for the competition!! We are so PROUD of her!!

BARS

FLOOR

BEAM

VAULT

Ashley took 1st on Beam and placed 6th in the All Around. Great Job Ashley!! We Love You!

-A LOST TOOTH-

2011-02-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mason has lost his first tooth! He was so excited he wanted to go to all of his friends houses to show their moms:) He keeps saying he can't believe he is 5 and lost a "toofes" and there are kids in kindergarten that are 6 and have not lost a "toofes" yet!!

-LAS VEGAS-

2011-01-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

We traveled to Las Vegas for Ashley's gymnastics competition....The trip started off great until 2 in the morning when Ashley got the flu. We waited until right before the competition to feed her hoping it was just a little bug and she would be fine. No such luck....she lost her breakfast right before she competed beam(we were just glad it was right before and not during:)) and then went on to compete the other events. I was amazed she even competed!! She took 2nd place on vault this competition:) GOOD JOB ASHLEY...

You are a trooper:)

Beam

FLOOR

VAULT

After the competition the Adamson Family drove in from St. George to spend the night and hang out. The kids were so excited to be together again!! We spent the evening at dinner, watching movies and the next day in the tub and bowling!! We enjoyed having them come and hang out with us in Las Vegas:)

Movie and Tub

Bowling

-HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY ADDY-

2011-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

My baby is 3!!! I cannot believe she is 3!! I think because she is little and does not have much of a vocabulary she seems so much younger than 3!! Where did the last 3 years go:) Seems like just yesterday I had the little 6 pounder in my arms.... now she is determined to put on her own shoes and coat and get in the car all by herself:) Addy loves anything with a princess, loves the colors pink and purple and any frilly skirt or dress up!! She is such a girlie girl!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY little munchin:) WE LOVE YOU!!!

3 YEARS OLD

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

OPENING PRESENTS

Grandma Johnson came over to celebrate earlier

and one of her presents was the pink puffy skirt

.... She would not take it off the rest of the night:)

CAKE AND ICE CREAM

ADDY'S FIRST NIGHT IN HER BIG GIRL BED

We set Addy's new room up so she could spend the first night on her birthday!! She went into her old room and pointed at the crib ...shook her head NO and said "baby, baby." and then went into her new room and said "MINE!" My baby is growing up and I am not sure how I feel about it:)

-ADDY'S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL-

2011-01-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Addy understands everything, but she does not have the communication part down. She says some things and has a cute little voice when she does talk. She has had speech people come to our house to work with her for the last little while. Addy passed the tests for early intervention preschool in the language department, so she was able to attend her first day of preschool today. She was so excited:) She put her shoes, coat, and backpack on 10 min early and kept saying "Mommy bye, Mommy bye" and pointing to the door.

Kevin keeps telling me just because I don't teach her to talk doesn't mean she wont grow up!!! It is worth a try J/K.... I have to admit it was hard to let her go today. She is my baby and is such a sweet little one and I love having her around:) But she LOVED every minute of it!!

-YELLOWSTONE / HAPPY NEW YEAR-

2011-01-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Yellowstone for New Year's this year. It was so much colder than the years previous....single digits this year, and there was soooo much more snow as well. The kids spent most of the time playing in the snow, sledding and quick snowmobile rides (we are a pretty wimpy bunch when it comes to being that cold) and of course we spent New Years in the cozy warm cabin:) It is always a fun getaway!!

Playing In The Snow

Snowmobiling

Sledding

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

-MERRY CHRISTMAS-

2010-12-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ashley's room after Santa came:)

We spent Christmas morning at home opening presents and playing with the new toys. Grandpa and Grandma Johnson and Grandpa and Grandma Mansell came over during the day to celebrate with us. Then that afternoon we went to Grandpa and Grandma Johnson's for a Yummy Christmas Dinner and to celebrate with all the cousins.

We had a wonderful Christmas!!

-CHRISTMAS EVE-

2010-12-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve has turned into a fun tradition with the Mansell Family. We had 3 families get together this year and Grandma and Grandpa Mansell were there for the first time in 3 years:) We get together for some finger food, play games, sometimes a craft, a Christmas eve present, and of course Christmas stories and Christmas message. A big thanks to Annie and Andrew for hosting this year.

Yummy food

Games

Christmas Eve presents...new PJ's

Listening to Christmas stories, a Christmas message,

and the kids got a box full of love from Grandma and Grandpa this year:)

-CHRISTMAS TIME-

2010-12-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time

Mansell Cousin Christmas Party at Incredible Pizza

-APPENDIX....GONE-

2010-12-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

So just in time for all of the Christmas time parties and festivities to begin...Kevin woke up with a pain in his stomach. I thought he was just sore from jumping on the trampolines at Ashley's party:) He managed to get through the ward party that morning, but by noon he was in so much pain we ended up at the ER. Blood work and tests came back...an appendicitis it was! So with it being a weekend we checked into his hospital room and waited and waited and waited (with a morphine IV) and finally he went into surgery after 9:00 pm that night. So we spent an entire busy Christmas Saturday at the hospital and came home the next day. We had so many wonderful people willing to help in anyway they could. It was so nice to have Annie and Andrew so close and willing to take our kids while we were gone. We had neighbors running our last minute errands and even meals being offered and brought in (I was told it was because they new Kevin was the one that cooked a lot...ha ha ha). We live around such wonderful family and friends:) THANKS TO ALL THAT HELPED!!!

So we missed the annual adult Mansell Christmas party.... but it was kind of nice to take a day off of the busy hustle and bustle of everything and just spend time with the hubby... although it was not the best situation for him he was quite entertaining on the morphine:)

I LOVE YA BABE!!

-HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY ASHLEY-

2010-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday Ashley!!! I cannot believe we have a 12 year old!! We are way too young...at least we feel way too young:) Time is slipping away! Ashley is sooooo very outgoing and such a happy child:) We love that she is friendly and there is always a laugh when she is around....

For her birthday she asked for her previous bedroom set to be painted white and since Christmas was not too far away she asked for a new quilt from Santa. She would bring us her money from babysitting to help with the expense....(after that how could you say no)... So we moved her out of her room and took her furniture to get refinished. We locked her room up and on her birthday she was able to open it up!

We decided to get her a new white bedroom set and we painted her room a different color for her:) It was so fun to surprise her:).. now she gets to wait and see what quilt Santa picked out from the ones she said she liked:)

For her birthday we took 14 preteens to Jump on It!! It was a great place for them to get all that preteen energy out...they wore us all out!! It was fun to see all of her friends together and we are so glad she has such a great group of friends!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!! We Love You!!

YW here she comes:)

-ICE SKATING AT GALLIVAN CENTER-

2010-12-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

We attended the annual ice skating party at the Gallivan Center with the England side of the family. We love going downtown to ice skate this time of year. We love being able to catch up with all the cousins each year. We enjoyed the skating, the yummy krispie Kreme doughnuts, and hot chocolate to keep us warm:)

It was a perfect night for skating!! Thanks to the Bindrup's for making it possible each year!!! We loved every minute of it:)

-LIGHTS AT TEMPLE SQUARE-

2010-12-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

We had a fun filled day with the Cannon family!! First breakfast with Santa and then that night we went to see the lights at temple square.

Temple square with 12 people was an adventure...

We were surprised to still have all 8 kids at the end of the night:)

We went to dinner downtown and then we were off to see the lights and ended the night with some yummy hot chocolate. We had a great time with Great friends:)

-2nd ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA-

2010-12-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point

with the Cannon Family again this year.

We enjoyed breakfast

The kids enjoyed the crafts

We all enjoyed Santa this year....even Mason:)

What a fun tradition with great friends:)

-DISNEYLAND/14 YEAR ANNIVERSARY-

2010-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

We took the kids on a surprise vacation to DISNEYLAND!! We packed the bags and loaded them into the car without them knowing. We told them we were going to do something fun as a family and headed out the door. When they got in the car and noticed the bags the guessing game began.....Their first guess was to St. George to visit the Adamson's, but then when we headed the wrong way they began to guess again......We got to the airport and they were all excited, but still did not know where they were going....They saw the ticked that said Long Beach, but still did not know where in the heck Long Beach was:)

When we landed they were still confused, but when our driver told us we were close to the hotel and if we looked straight ahead we would see DISNEY...the kids started SCREAMING...."DISNEYLAND!!" They were all so excited and that was the start of our surprise vacation.

All the kids situated in the plane:)

The First day we spent at Downtown Disney for Dinner and a Movie and back to the hotel for Swimming.

Fun in the Pool

The Second day we spent at Disneyland and California Adventure

Playing the day away

The Third day we spent at Disneyland and California Adventure and we made sure to

take Addy to see all the Princesses that we could find.

Addy is obsessed with anything Princess.

She can't talk much but she says "Beast" for Belle.

She was in HEAVEN the entire trip:)

Addy was obsessed with the Castle.

We told her it was Cinderella's Castle...

Her response was "No BEAST"

So everyday we had to go see "Beasts" Castle

and every night we had to say "Goodnight Beast" on our way out

The Fourth day we celebrated our 14th ANNIVERSARY at Disneyland and California Adventure.

The beginning of the day

During the day we enjoyed the rides,

ate at a nice dinner for our Anniversary,

watched the World of Color, and played at the Park until Midnight.

We bought Addy the Belle skirt and she never took it off...

she has worn it everyday since we have been home

The end of the day....Leaving the park at MIDNIGHT!!

Happy Anniversary BABE!!! I LOVE YOU!!

We had such a great trip!! We loved all the Christmas Decorations and Christmas Lights at the park...It was so fun to be there during that time of year!!Our kids were at great ages and we loved every minute of it!!

-NOVEMBER DAYS-

2010-11-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Playing In The Leaves

Mason and Josh

Sick Days

Addy got sick in the night and slept better with someone by her side.

Kevin made them a bed out on the couch so she would sleep.

I woke up to find her asleep under one of the couch pillows

and Kevin fast asleep:) What a great DAD:)

-HALLOWEEN FUN-

2010-10-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

This Halloween we had

A Ninja

A Witch

A Dragon

A Greek Princess

Our Halloween fun started with

The annual school parade

The Annual Trunk or Treat

Carving Pumpkins

Trick or Treating

The Halloween Fun ended with

One tired dragon and

a little girl in tears because she didn't want it all to end:)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

-PUMPKIN PATCH-

2010-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Our annual visit to the pumpkin patch

Playing on the Tractors

Picking out our Pumpkins

(Addy was determined to have the pumpkin she picked out

and only the one that she picked....It was a little small

and on the green side, but she thought it was pretty AWESOME!!!!)

-OCTOBER FESTIVITIES-

2010-10-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

In October we were able to

Spend some time in St. George with the Adamson's

Mason got heat stroke and started throwing up so we told him

he needed to go lay down.... we found him outside laying on the table

watching the other kids jump:)

Teach Mason to finally ride his bike without training wheels

Visit the Zoo

Go to Thanksgiving Point

Finish some of the Fall Soccer Games in the pouring rain

-ST. GEORGE MARATHON-

2010-10-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

16 Weeks of training for a Marathon

and it all paid off!!

5 a.m. Heading to the bus

MILE 18

The Last Stretch to the Finish Line

Over and Done!! (It felt so good to eat)

Time: 4 hrs 12 min 25 sec

Bib # 6348

Chelsa dropped Kevin and Beau off as close to snow canyon as she could and then they rode their bikes along the bike path from mile 18 (where they met up with me) and stopped every aid station (every 2 miles) to cheer me on until the finish. It looked like they were having a lot of fun on their bikes and I LOVED the support!!!

The Bikers

Chelsa's sweet mom took care of the 3 little ones (Izzy, Addy, and Zach) at her place. While Chelsa was so great to take the rest of the kids and stand at the finish line for hours:) Such great friends and so supportive....especially letting our entire family crash at their place for 5 days:)

The Adamson Family

I would have to say I could not have pulled it off if it were not for my WONDERFUL HUBBY!! When the training started to get tough and the longer runs were a must.....he was WONDERFUL!!!

He would get me ready for the long runs starting Friday night....make sure I had a good dinner, go to the grocery store to get me a yummy banana for the morning and make me go to bed early:)....

Saturdays were spent with him getting up bright and early to drive me as many miles as I would have to run so I could just run home. He would meet me along the run to fill up my water bottle and make sure I was o.k. When I hit my 18 mile run he came out of no where to run the last 2 miles with me home:) HE is WONDERFUL!! I could have never done it without him!!

The Family(Mason hiding)

-JOG-A-THON-

2010-09-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

The kids had a Jog A Thon at their school. They had a lot of fun and it is always good to see them get out and exercise:) We missed getting a picture of Ash...She ran past when Kevin was with Mason, but she was having fun!!

We were able to go and eat lunch outside with the kids at the school after it was all over:)

-BRACE FACE-

2010-09-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

We have a cute little BRACE FACE in the family now:)

Ashley was so excited to get her braces on.....

the excitement soon wore off with a sore mouth that evening:)

-LABOR DAY WEEKEND FUN-

2010-09-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was a little busy, but a lot of FUN!!!

We spent a day at LAGOON

We spent a day up past Park City at a Cabin

with some of the Mansell family

While everyone from the cabin headed to the Alpine slide with our kids,

Kevin and I met the adults on the Johnson side of the family

for a yummy Thai dinner:)

Always fun to spend time with family!!

-BACK TO SCHOOL-

2010-08-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Back to school for 3 kids this year.

Ashley

6th Grade Mr. Rosansky

Joshua

4th Grade Ms. Holt

Mason

Kindergarten Mrs. Mecham

I cannot believe 3 out of our 4 kids are in school now. Time is flying by and they are growing up way too fast!! The kids were so excited about their teachers. Here is to a great year:)

-SNOWBIRD VACATION-

2010-08-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

We spent a week up in Snowbird vacationing with the Johnson side of the family. It was nice to get away for a week of swimming, hiking, and relaxing up in the beautiful canyons. The condo was fabulous...

THANKS for a great week MOM and DAD !

We enjoyed all that the canyon and resort had to offer....

SWIMMING

RIDING THE TRAM UP THE MOUNTAIN

HIKING DOWN PART OF THE MOUNTAIN

(Kevin and Josh hiked the entire way down)

THE ALPINE SLIDE

THE BOUNCE HOUSE

THE ROPES COURSE, BUNGIE TRAMP, ZIP LINE

HIKING ALL AROUND

(On a couple of the days Ashley and Josh went on a couple of hikes

with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson,

Ben and Tricia andtheir kids Oakley and Camden)

-ST. GEORGE AND ZIONS-

2010-07-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

We were able spend the weekend with the Adamson family in St. George over the 24th of July. We spent a day in Zions while we were there. We hiked up to emerald falls, played in the river, went to lunch, had ice cream and wore the kids out. It was beautiful and a fun adventure:)

The rest of the trip was spent swimming, at the park, and of course an adults night out:) It was a great weekend!!

The Hike

Playing In The River

Ice Cream and Out Cold On The Ride Home

Playing At The Park In St. George

-THIRD ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY IN DELTA-

2010-07-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

We had our 3rd annual Delta 4th of July with the Mansell clan.

Another great year of Boating, Water Skiing, Tubing, Jet Skiing, Parade, Demolition Derby, Firworks, and playing around for a couple of days with some of the cousins. This time Al and Margurite were able to join us for some of the fun:)

Jet Skiing

Water Skiing/ Boating

Playing Around

Delta Parade

Demolition Derby

A big thanks again to Darren and Shilane for letting us crash their vacation home. We loved all the new landscaping!! We had such a great time with everyone:)

-WELCOME HOME-

2010-06-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Al and Margurite (Kevin's parents) returned home from serving as Mission Presidents in the Washington, D.C. North mission. So much has happened in the 3 years since they left, but it seems like yesterday that we said goodbye and now we are welcoming them home. We missed them and are glad they are back:) WELCOME HOME!!

-REAL SOCCER-

2010-06-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

We went to a Real Soccer game this season. Ashley's soccer team was able to walk onto the field with the players. She loved being out there and the boys enjoyed the game. I didn't get many pictures, but it was a fun night out with the kids:)

(They gave out fee tshirts....Mason loved his, but a bit big:))

-SWIM LESSONS-

2010-06-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

With summer brings daily swimming lessons and diving lessons for the kids. They enjoyed going to the pool everyday and they are all turning into little fish. This year was Addy's first lesson. She loves the water and loves to put her face in:) It was a whole new experience for me as well....all 4 kids in lessons at the same time. I was able to sit and relax for 45 min and watch and take in a whole new world!!

-STATE GYMNASTICS-

2010-06-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ashley competed level 6 at the State Gymnatics meet.

She came out winning First Place all around in her division!

GREAT JOB ASH!! We are soooo proud of you!

-NEIGHBORHOOD BUDDIES-

2010-06-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Mason has a great little neighborhood friend....Daniel. They had a little campout one night. They slept in a tent in Daniels backyard...they had a blast and did really well! Thanks to Jim for setting it all up and sleeping with them that night!!

-ARIZONA WITH THE BOYS-

2010-06-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Kevin had his annual dental meeting down in Scottsdale, Az so we took the boys with us for the weekend. It was a little bit of a different trip with boys than it was with Ashley. We spent the days by the pool and and the nights playing....not much shopping this time around:) We enjoyed spending time with the boys and the boys enjoyed each others company. It was a great trip!

We enjoyed the great restaurants Scottsdale has to offer:)

It was so hot that the days were spent by the pool

(waterslides and sandcastles)

and after dinner we found some more water to keep us cool:)

We went fishing and caught some fish at the resort

Mason got a little bit of heat stroke and

after waiting for 30 min to get into our favorite restaurant.....

he threw up right when we were seated:)

.....he fell asleep that night with the ice bucket:)

The next morning he woke up drank a ton of water and was good to go:)

We went miniature golfing

(after dark of course....IT WAS HOT!!)

-A SAD MOVING DAY-

2010-05-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

We helped one of our BEST FRIENDS from our wonderful neighborhood move down to St. George this weekend. We had a wonderful weekend with a very sad drive home. We have known since January they were moving, but it all came way too fast!! Luckily they ended up renting their home so we can rest assured they may be back..... but until then we will make St. George our 2nd home.

We unpacked and made their house look like a home!!

We took a break for some Cold Stone---

(a staple in the Adamson home :))

The kids were great, they just enjoyed each other:)

We took some time to play and enjoy the sunshine and pool:)

Who knew the cute couple with the brand new baby we met in the design center while building our homes 4 years ago would end up being as close as family!!

We have had a wonderful 4 years of ice cream runs, late night deck time, date nights, take out nights, movie nights (Kev is still singing to MAMA MIA) ha ha ha, sunday morning drives :), daily phone calls, and just hanging out. We will still have our good times, just a bit longer of a drive:) Beau, Chelsa, Avery, Izzy, and Zach .................................. We miss you already....................

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!! SEE YA SOON :)

-MASON GRADUATES FROM PRESCHOOL-

2010-05-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Watch out KINDERGARTEN here comes MASON :) Mason officially made it through 2 years of preschool and he is ready for the BIG K :) He could not of done it without the wonderful teachers at Super Start Preschool and all the wonderful little kids in the neighborhood that he went with. Mason loved going to preschool and was always sad if he had to miss.THANKS for 2 great years SUPER START:)

Graduation Program

(with it being graduation weekend a lot of kids were missing)

Mason actually participated in the program :)

(He did have some killer dancing moves)

Officially Graduated

(The teachers said he is the leader of the pack-uh oh:))

Graduation Sweethearts:)

Little Avery and Mason

BEST FRIENDS since they were little....

-AHLEY'S 2nd ANNUAL PIANO RECITAL-

2010-04-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ashley had her 2nd annual piano recital. She really likes piano and has a great teacher. She had her piece memorized and did such a great job!! When we started her in piano we borrowed her piano teachers keyboard to see how she would like it before investing in a piano.....well she loves it and think it is time to get a piano:)

GOOD JOB ASHLEY----we LOVE you!!

-HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY JOSHUA-

2010-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!! Wow 9 yrs old. It seems like just yesterday we were in Omaha, Ne conversing with family through email pictures and phone calls trying to decide what to name this little one. Joshua is my only red head and my only child born out of state. He is still so calm and easy going. He is a joy to be around.

We LOVE YOU Joshua!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

With it being the family birthday this year we went to dinner.

He wanted to go to IHOP at first, but with a bit of persuasion

We made it to the Cheesecake Factory and he LOVED it.

We came home and opened presents.

We ended the night with some cake and Ice Cream!

-SKIPPING NAPS-

2010-04-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

There are some days we let Addy skip her nap, especially when you ask her if she is tired and she shakes her head no, but.........

On those days we usually find her fast asleep somewhere :)

-EASTER TIME-

2010-04-04T16:31:00.001-07:00

Our Easter Time Festivities --

Coloring Eggs

Easter Baskets

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Clothes

-THE BIG 35-

2010-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

So KEV turned the big 35!! Where is the time going! So I decided I would surprise him and do something we do not usually do on a weekend date:) We went to dinner for our usual (sushi) and then we went to the sky diving simulator in Ogden and had a blast! A big thanks to my mom for taking all the kids overnight so we could spend the night downtown.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!

I LOVE YOU!!

-SKI DAY-

2010-03-05T19:07:00.001-08:00

Kevin took the kids up skiing one day while they were out of school. The ski resort had almost 2 feet of new snow when they arrived. Lots of fresh powder and lots of digging kids out of it:) Always fun to spend the day skiing with dad!

-HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY MASON-

2010-03-02T19:25:00.001-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday to Mason!!! Mason turned 5 this year! He is growing up way too fast! This year was the family birthday party year where they get to go to dinner with just mom and dad, but Mason was concerned about his best little friend Avery not being able to come to his birthday... so we made an exception and Avery joined us for the festivities. She is moving soon so we couldn't pass up not having her there:)

We went to dinner

We came home to open presents.

All Mason wanted for his birthday this year was a Chocolate Bar...

A chocolate bar like they have on the Willey Wonka movie...

he keeps looking for the golden ticket everytime he gets one.

We ended our night with cake and ice cream

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

-CALIFORNIA VACATION AND VEGAS GYMNASTICS COMPETITION-

2010-02-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ashley had a gymnastics competition in Las Vegas so we decided we would make a family vacation out of it and take a trip to Disneyland. Especially since Santa gave the kids tickets for Christmas and we were over half way there anyway:) We dropped some of our stuff off at a condo in Las Vegas and headed for California.

We went swimming

We went to Disneyland and California Adventure

Addy spent some time with all of the Characters

She loved them and Mason still will not go near them:)

We spent a day at Seaworld

We headed back to Las Vegas for the

Gymnastics competition

We ended our trip with a swim in Vegas---

And a little exhaustion:)

-GIRLS TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C.-

2010-01-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

ALL 8 of the Mansell girls took a trip to Washington D.C. to visit President Al and Margurite before they return from their mission this summer. What a trip!! We ate, shopped, saw a movie, went to a Chinese ballet, went sight seeing, and of course girly talk until all hours of the night. We left with the intent of a relaxing vacation without any mother responsibilities, but ended up more exhausted than we came.

It was a great trip!

Plane ride there (lisa is missing...she is a couple rows back asleep:) )

Out to dinner

Amish Market

Kennedy Center for the Ballet

All 8 of us with Julia Roberts....(the wax version)

THANKS to Al and Margurite for a wonderful trip and THANKS to wonderful sister in laws that are fun to be with.... although next girls trip should be on a beach!! ha ha ha

A big THANKS to a wonderful husband that took time off of work so I could go and enjoy 5 days of fun without any worries!!

-HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ADDY-

2010-01-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Addy! I cannot Believe she is 2! She is such a sweet little one. Addy loves hugs, kisses, and to be cuddled. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!!

We went out to dinner

Opened presents

Then we ended with her favorite princess cake

-HAPPY NEW YEAR-

2010-01-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

We rang in the New Year with the Reese family! We enjoyed a night of bowling,dinner, and games until the New Year arrived. The year 2009 was a great year. We are so blessed to be healthy and have such wonderful family and friends. Here is to the New Year 2010 in hopes it will be as good as the last! Thanks for a fun night Gavin and Nicole.

Bowling and Pizza

The kids playing games and watching movies until the New Year

We let the kids loose outside at midnight banging on their pans

-YELLOWSTONE-

2009-12-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we packed up and headed to Yellowstone with the Johnson side of the family. It was beautiful up there with all the tree's and the snow. We went snowmobiling, swimming, and relaxed in the cabin and played games at night. It is always a fun getaway!

Luckily this year we came home without any trips to the ER.

Playing in the snow

Snowmobiling

Feeding the fish, muskrats, and ducks at Big Springs

(It took us longer to get everyone in their gear and ready to snowmobile

than it did to go to Big Springs and back.)

-MERRY CHRISTMAS-

2009-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had a wonderful Christmas. We opened presents in the morning, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson came to visit, and then we went for a yummy Christmas dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's that night.

-CHRISTMAS EVE-

2009-12-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is always a fun night with the Mansell family. We had 4 of the 8 families get together to enjoy our Christmas Eve traditions. Thanks to Darren and Shilane for hosting it again this year!

We made our yearly craft

We played some games

We sat by our candles and listened to a Christmas message

The kids opened up their Christmas Eve pajama's

-CHRISTMAS TIME-

2009-12-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time

Cousin Christmas Party at classic

-HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY ASHLEY-

2009-12-15T19:10:00.001-08:00

The years seem to be passing us by way too quickly!! We now have an 11 year old in the house. Pre Teen years here we come:) Lets hope the teenage years go even faster! J/K ( I think)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASH!! WE LOVE YOU!

This year was a family birthday celebration year!

We went for manicures, dinner, and back home for presents and cake!

-ICE SKATING AT GALLIVAN CENTER-

2009-12-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

We attended the annual ice skating party at the Gallivan Center with the England side of the family. We love going down every year with our family and love catching up with the England's. We enjoyed the skating, hot chocolate, and of course the doughnuts. Thanks to the Bindrup's for making it possible!! We had a great time!

-BREAKFAST WITH SANTA-

2009-12-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

We went with the Cannon Family and enjoyed breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point this year. We had a great time. It was actually quite relaxing and the kids enjoyed themselves.

We enjoyed Breakfast

We enjoyed Crafts

We enjoyed santa and his helpers.

This was the first year Mason was not in tears.

( He was not happy about Santa, but there were no tears:)