GQ

I had to share this picture of William. He just started to pose like this without any instruction. We were all dying... He thought he was pretty hot stuff!

Seriously?

I received a few sneak peaks today of our latest family pics. All I can say is, "Seriously?" I am speechless which is saying a lot for me. I love them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Katie & Dan! Your talent continues to amaze me.

Birthday Central

2 birthdays in 3 days. What was I thinking, right? The second week of November is now referred to as "Birthday Central" in our house. Those of you who know me well, know how much I LOVE all things birthday...especially when it comes to kids' birthday parties. We kicked off the festivities this year at IncrediblePizza with Nate's parents. My kids had never been, & needless to say, were quite excited.

Next, a combined family party for Lyla Jane & Will.

Then, a dino-themed birthday party complete with an erupting volcano cake. I couldn't of pulled this off without Grandpa & Grandma Coyle's help. There were 14 boys total!

And last, but certainly not least, a surprise trip to Disneyland!!! More to come.

5 Years Old!

William Patrick turned 5 on November 17! 5...This seems so old. Officially a little boy. Old enough to start elementary school. Embarrassed to have mom give him kisses in front of his friends. Tall enough to ride the "big" rides at Disneyland. Over "Lightning McQueen" & "Thomas the Train." Even though it makes me sad to see him get older, I am in love with the 5-year old version of him. He continues to be the sweetest boy. William LOVES life. As Grandpa Jerry says, no one has a much fun as Will. He is so creative & has an amazing imagination. He has a thirst for knowledge & I never tire of his questions. This boy has his mommy wrapped around his finger for sure!

Will's current likes are:

1. Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, dinosaurs. Oh & did I mention dinosaurs?

2. Volcanoes

3. Skeletons & the human body

4. "Creating" - give him a roll of scotch tape & some popsicles sticks & he's one happy kid!

5. His friends - This boy is ALL about playing.

6. School - Every morning is started with the question, "Is today a school day?"

7. His mom - Always has been his mommy's boy. He still loves to cuddle!

8. Legos

9. Outings with grandma - The dinosaur museum is usually his first choice. Grandma's a good sport!

10. Bathroom talk - Seriously, what's with boys & bathroom talk? Who knew the word "fart" could be so funny.

Happy Birthday, little man. We love you!!!

Boys will be Boys...Or Girls?

A few weeks ago, William had his buddies Daniel & Mason over to play. All of the sudden I noticed that it was a little too quiet (never a good thing!). I began to look around the house for them & finally noticed that the door to Olivia's bedroom was closed. This is what I found! You can't tell from the pictures very well, but William's face is covered in makeup. They thought it was absolutely hilarious... I guess even little boys like to play beauty parlor now & then.

2 Years Old!

I can't believe our sweet "Janie girl" is two. CRAZY!!! She seems so much more grown up to me at this age than her brother & sister did. She is a spitfire & is so full of life. She talks non-stop & keeps us really busy! She is really strong-willed & definitely holds her own with her brother & sister. We love her spunky personality... Nate & I are already worried about what she's going to be like as a teenager! Her current likes are:

- Minnie Mouse & "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

- Winnie the "foo"

- William: She loves to wrestle with him & thinks he is hilarious. No one can make her laugh like him.

- Tomatoes: Seriously the only thing she ever wants to eat.

- Swedish Fish: She's her daddy's girl

- Books: Especially "Goodnight Moon" & "10 Monkeys on the Bed"

- Her monkey feet p.j.'s

- Grandma "Nina"

- Her bottle: Not proud of this one, but this girl will NOT take a sippy cup. I know, I know... It's got to go! I am taking suggestions of how to get rid of it.

- The phrase "Oh Yeah"

Happy birthday, Lyla Jane! We all love you so much & can't imagine our worlds without you. You make our home so fun!

First Snowfall

William always anxiously awaits the first snowfall. This year was no exception. Once he woke up & looked out the window, he couldn't get outside fast enough. Of course, his buddies Daniel & Jake joined in for the fun!

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2010 was crazy as usual! We definitely got our money's worth out of the kids' costumes...both grandma's parties, trunk-or-treat, school parades & parties, & 2 birthday parties all led up to the big night. William was so into Halloween this year! Holidays just keep getting better & better as my kids get older. While I admit that I was glad when the last trick-or-treater came, we all had a great time!

A "Punk" Witch (emphasis on the "punk". Liv was very clear on this matter!)

Minnie - We thought it was only fitting since Lyla Jane is currently OBSESSED!

Our "vicious" tiger

Livi Lately

Liv ran in the school Jog-a-Thon. It is always fun to see all of the students running through our neighborhood. I was so proud of her this year because she actually ran...Last year she "wasn't into running" as she put it & walked the whole way with her teacher (I think she came in dead last for the first graders). I had to laugh & couldn't argue with her because I hate running too!

She also lost her other front tooth...Just in time for Christmas!!! She has been singing "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" ever since. She is quite proud of herself!

Fall Happenings-Part 1

You can't have Fall without a trip to Gardener Village to see the witches... Or in our case, 3 trips! My kids look forward to this every year. They love to pick out their favorite witch. William, of course, loved the one using the outhouse (what is it with boys & potty humor?). I didn't end up with any pictures of Liv. I took her over UEA weekend... HUGE MISTAKE! It was so crowded you could barely move. Trying to take pictures would have heightened the state of crazy I was in!

Family+ Good Friends+ Football=FUN

Another fun day at the Utah game! What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Happy Birthday to Me!

34... I am old! Boy did I get spoiled. This year my birthday fell over Labor Day weekend so Nate surprised me with a getaway to Park City. The two of us escaped on Friday night & then my parents & kiddos joined us on Saturday. It was so relaxing! Thanks to my sweet & thoughtful hubby for planning such a special birthday for me. I am one lucky girl!

GO UTES!!!!

I love the crisp feeling in the air that accompanies fall... It feels like UTE FOOTBALL!!! We start to get the itch & anticipate the first game around the beginning of August. We are all "Utah men" & have such a great time. The Lewis kids learn to be fans at an early age... Lyla is already saying, "Go Utes!" The first game did not disappoint. Here's to a great season!

Proud Pre-Schooler

Will FINALLY started school!!! And not a day too soon. He was so confused about why Olivia had started & he hadn't. Every morning brought the same question..."Is it my school today?" He was so thrilled when I finally answered, "YES!" We love Super Start School & are so excited to have Will go there again. His teachers this year are Miss Kris & Miss Darcie. Will looks so forward to going each day. I truly appreciate all the teachers at this school do to make learning so fun for Will!

Back to School

Back to School! Can you believe it? Summer went by so quickly which is ironic considering I was worried it would be too long (we were used to year-round school). I also cannot believe Liv started second grade. She was so excited for school... I think she was a little nervous too, but she'd never admit it! She couldn't wait to see all of her friends & meet her teacher, Mrs. Jolley. It seems like just yesterday I was waiting in line outside East Sandy Elementary ready to meet my second grade teacher, Mrs. Osborne. Time definitely goes by too quickly!

Abby, Olivia, Lauren, Katie

Growing too fast!

We had a little photo shoot of the kids at the end of May. I about died when I saw the pictures for the first time: A) I LOVE them. Katie did it again! B) I can't believe how BIG they all looked in them...especially William & Liv. I am already in shock that I have a 2nd grader this year. The pictures definitely didn't help! Here are some favorites.