RAZ turns 1!

One year, were has it gone?. It seems like Raz has been in our family forever, but it feels like the year has gone by in a blink of of an eye. I feel very blessed. Having Raz in our family is a privilege. It seemed crazy to want another baby when the twins were barely one themselves. Everyone told me so, (and they still do.... I'm talking to you, "strangers in the grocery store"! Don't look at me like that, I'm 27 for crying out loud, and YES I do know about birth-control!!! go eat a bagel!!). So here we are 3 boys, 21 months aparts. Exactly as busy as the numbers add up to. But where the twins were a rude awaking to parenthood, Raz has been nothing but a little baby all year. Always ready to cuddle, always looking little and chunky next to his ever growing brothers, who seem so long and stretched next to his stout frame. An easy temperment and fearless determination to fit in, keep up, and take all the punches in the face, kicked out of the bed, slammed in the door injuries that accompany that. Smiling on the other side and ready for more. He has brought into our lives, a measure of joy that can only be described as a blessing. We love you Raz.

I wasn't planning on doing much for his first birthday, just dinner with Ben, Jesse and Esme but found out that Shaw's were coming to town and quickly changed our plans. We had a double roast dinner with creamed veggies, roasted potatoes, gravy, Cesar salad and the best Jello salad. That was just dinner. For dessert we had a apple/blueberry crumble, mini cupcakes and a small cake just for Raz to dig into- plus other kids.

California

Alright, i know we have gone and come back from California for a while but i finally have made the time to blog about it. We flew down to California June 15 for a short, much needed visit with Michael's family. Christina, Michael's sister, was graduating from high school and it was going to be the first time EVER that all 8 sibling were going to be together. We had a great time and really enjoyed spending time with everyone. It was a busy and short trip so we did not go to Disneyland but with all the family living in California we know we will be back.

With it being the first time with all 8 sibling together, we had family photos done at good old sears. Needless to say, my children do not do well when trying to get a family picture. I will admit, i laughed a good hour when we got the disc back. I am jealous of all the beautiful family photos i look at, with everyone cooperating and looking good. One day i hope we can at least look like a normal function family.

Too start off, we have our lovely family of 5- with the bear it make 6. Don't know were to being, I have thought about hanging this one or using it for a Christmas letter. It make me laugh ever time.

Sampson with his wild hair.

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Oh so serious Raz

and emo Link

Michael and his sibling and Dad

Michael, Doug and Dad

We still don't have a camera- since Feb. unfortgantley i don't have any other pictures that captured the many fun moments. Between Christina's grad, the family dinner, Marina and Christina combo party, Newport beach and adventure city we had a wonderful time, thank you.

Bikes!!

Saturday was finally nice and felt a bit like summer. We have been wanting to get the boys bikes for a while now. They are always trying to get on strangers' bikes when nobody is looking. A few weeks ago our ward had a Luau. At one point i could not find the boys. Eventually i found them outside with Link on top of the missionaries bikes that were locked to a railing. How he got up on top i can only imagine. Yesterday we finally broke down and got them both a bike. Link was instantly attached to his bike, he doesn't even want help.. "its MY bike" He would rather sit on his bike at the front entrance then watch t.v.. and he LOVES TV. Now i just need to get helmets. Bikes sure get expensive with two, but the love they have for those bikes makes it worth it. Now i just need to get a camera so i can post pictures of them. Although Raz isn't ready for a bike, he has been trying to walk. He is getting good at taking 6 steps or so at a time. He has been attempting for about a week or so but since Thursday he has been doing it more frequent.

First Post

Well i finally did it. I think i have been saying for almost a year that i wanted to start a blog but never made the time. I think part of it was feeling a bit intimidated by setting it up, but slowly this blog is coming together.

Today we had the opportunity to attend a Canada wide stake conference in Burnaby. We pretty much rolled out of bed and into our chair- only thanks to Ben and Jesse for going early to save. Razak literally was in his PJ's. Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard along with Elder Pace attended and spoke to us. Although i feel like i wasn't able to sit and listen to it as much as i would have liked, their messages were enjoyable.