Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thanksgiving and Family Pictures...














We had a beautiful Thanksgiving here in Arizona. All the Vans were together and we were able to get some family pictures taken. Matt's friend, Ben Christensen, took them and I think they turned out really great. Lots of kiddos, can't believe they're so big. And #9 is surely on her way in a few months. We went to Dave & Buster's for dinner and lots of games and over-priced prizes after pics! The kids had a blast.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Judy's this year. Dave and Tracy came to town and we all celebrated Granny's 80th Birthday together. Joan put a lot of effort into a display of Granny's favorite things and we took turns asking her questions. It was fun to get to know her a little better :)

The weather has been lovely. We had turkey day soccer game at the park Thanksgiving morning with all the kiddos. The cousins sure love being together. We had a great holiday week.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Catch up. again.

Well, I should be fired from the blogging world, it's true. And whether or not I have any good excuses, doesn't matter so much. But I am going to attempt to play catch up really quick.

Ah, the summer. It came and went. We spent some time in Idaho and Utah...not our usual six weeks thanks to a little something called Primary. My mom turned 50 and we had a celebration! My cousin had his "newly-wed celebration" and that was really fun. Mike and I sang "Huckleberry" and Payt made his performance debut with "Big Green Tractor". He did amazing. Driggs was beautiful, lots of cousin fun and horses. The fourth of July was great, as always. Hot air balloons and parade in Victor then fireworks in Idaho Falls. We took Little Ann with us, so that was fun. And crazy...3 kids and a dog in one mini van. wow.

And back home to the heat. School started before we knew it and now I officially have two kids in school all day. Sydney loves Kindergarten and Payton is a top notch 2nd grader. So...it's just me and Avery home and it couldn't have come at a better time. Because end of August hit and Dora was suddenly Avery's babysitter because I either had my head in the toilet or I was asleep. I seriously think I slept most of the month of September. It's been a rough few months, but I am happy to say that I am offically happy about baby #4 joining our family! We'll be a full fledged family come April 18th! We don't know if it's a girl baby or a boy baby yet...will keep you posted if I can get the guts to go find out.

Before the nausea hit, I did get to go back to Connecticut to a high school friend's wedding. I got to spend time with dear friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was great fun and quite a festive event. Not to mention, I love the East coast.

So that's my story.

Primary Program was last week and went off without a hitch! It really went great and I couldn't be more proud of these kiddos. Halloween was fun, as always. The kids were so excited to be all dressed up, especially our little butterfly Avery. She did the cake walk at least 100 times..."i love this game" she would say. She also said that while trick or treating. She is one funny girl.

The weather here in AZ is at it's prime and that makes me happy. I guess it's a good time to cover up this baby chub in sweaters and boots :)

OH...and I got a new nephew. Bennett Andrew. He is beautiful. and so is his mama. He came to the world a little quicker than anticipated and surprised us all. He was a tiny little bundle (3 pounds, 9 ounces) but is growing stronger and should be going home from the hospital very soon. We are so grateful for the progress he's made and how strong he is. I also am so impressed with my sister through it all. She is one strong mom and I look up to and respect her endlessly. She is a blessing in my life. I was so thankful to be able to go up to Utah after he was born and spend time with her and the family. I feel blessed to have been able to help with his first bath and watch him eat for the first time. And to shop for teeny tiny clothes with his mom. And to love Arleigh during this difficult transition. Heavenly Father surely blesses us each day.

Alright, if anyone even reads this blog anymore, enjoy the pics. If not, so be it.

Cowboy Miguel
kids found & rescued Hoppy the bird...



thought this was funny...Driggs hippies were not thrilled Glen Beck was speaking at the Huntsman Country Club for the 4th of July...we didn't go, but heard it was awesome!

mom's 50th






old friends
first day of school
Halloween 2010