Hi all!!!

Wow!! Has it really been that long since I have posted! I am a major slacker. Things are going very well for our family. We had a very busy summer with all the kids and their activities. We took the kids to Yellowstone for the first time and the kids loved it! They are still talking about all the cool things they were able to see. Among them were many buffalo, elk, a bald eagle, Miranda said she saw a wolf but I highly doubt that. On our last day there we were sad that we hadn't encountered a bear yet, and towards the end of the day as we were driving, to our surprise there one was, walking down the side of a hill. We were able to pull over, as did everyone else and get some great pictures of the black bear. We also had 2 kids in soccer this summer, 4 in swimming and 1 in karate. So needless to say my week was always full . We spent this past thanksgiving with Cody's family and had a wonderful time. I am grateful for my wonderful sisters and brothers on Cody's side and also for my in laws who have always been so great to us. I love that my family is also here nearby so I can visit and see them often.I am very grateful for this Christmas season and all the many blessings that fill my life. I am grateful for my wonderful husband who works so hard to provide for us and for the blessing of good employment. My kids are growing up so fast and they each have their own cute, sweet personalities. They are the joy in my life! Here are some recent pics of the kids! Enjoy!

Cameron getting some mommy love

Jacob and Miranda

Miranda loves taking pictures

All my cute, crazy kids!

My oldest!

Soo Serious Jacob!

My little Diva!

There is some angel in her.

What a doll! Sweet Alyssa!

Brendan my little goofball

Brendan crackin up! Always happy!

Cameron...my baby

Cute boy!

Weekend in Moab!

On fathers day weekend we took a trip to Moab with Brandon and Amber . I had never been there and had heard how fun it is. We went on a river rafting trip the first day there and had a blast. It wasn't the best weather for river rafting, I think it was about 80 degrees, but there was no sun out and it happened to rain on us which made it freezing for a while on the raft. Our raft was known as the pirate raft because we would get into water battles with all the other boats and we would destroy them. We had an awesome guide who wasn't afraid to get into the battles with us. The water in the river was sooo cold, I think it was 58 degrees, so I wasn't getting in! Of course, Cody and Brandon wanted to test the waters and jumped in a few times. They didn't stay in too long though. We hit a few good rapids but mostly it was pretty calm. Next time I want to try a different part of the river that is more wild. I didn't get any pictures from the rafting because my camera is broken at the moment, but I did get some from the next day and our hike up to the delicate arch! Enjoy! The arch is amazing! We had so much fun hanging out and getting a break from the kids!

This is a picture of Cody and Brandon in front of some ancient drawings! Pretty cool!

Oh my gosh....it was about a mile and a half hike up to the delicate arch. This stretch was a killer! pretty much straight up the mountain. I have height issues and was sort of freaked out!

Here is me looking down over a ledge right before we come around the corner to the arch! I was pretty nervous. Cody kept getting really close to the edge to make me crazy!

My cute hubby relaxing after the hike up!

Brandon and Amber up at the arch!

Cody and me at the arch. This is pretty much where I stayed, I was too chicken to walk right up to the arch.

Brandon pretending to fall off the ledge! Goofball!

Brandon at the arch!

Cody had to go exploring by the arch! Too scary for me!

Cody down under the arch! sooo cool!

This a random picture of Cameron after I got his haircut! He is my sweetheart!

Miranda's Baptism

This past weekend, my sweet Miranda was baptized. We are so proud of her for making this decision and know that she will be blessed for it. It was such a beautiful baptism. Miranda and her cousin Malia decided that they wanted to be baptized together since they are so close in age. That made it fun and memorable for her as well. They sang a primary song together, "When I am baptized". I couldnt hold the tears back when I heard them sing. It was so precious and sweet to listen to their voices. It was wonderful to see all the friends and family who attended. Miranda is a special girl and is loved by all those who know her. We love you Miranda and hope you enjoyed your special day.





Miranda in her baptism dress


Miranda and cousin Malia waiting to get baptized


Miranda with her proud daddy


Miranda and her pretzal creation...check out the chocolate fountains...fancy!


proud parents!


Miranda with grandma and grandpa Stephenson


Miranda and grandma and grandpa Rasmussen

Randomness

Here are some pictures I have taken recently of the kids I wanted to share! Enjoy!

Kids at Jumpin Jacks!!

Valentines Day Weekend

I had a wonderful Valentines Weekend! Cody and I never really go all out for Valentines day, because our Anniversary is a couple weeks after. It all started when I woke up Saturday morning to go to the gym like I always do and I went out to the car to find a single rose sitting on the seat. Soo sweet!! That meant so much to me! My husband is very thoughtful and romantic. I then spent the morning getting my hair done and relaxing. It was fun because the girl who did my hair wanted to do something different than I am used to. She used a flat iron and put big curls in my hair. I loved it! You cant tell to much from the picture below, but my hair is a honey blonde all over. It turned out great.




Later that night we got a babysitter and went to see the movie Marley and Me. Oh my gosh I loved that show! Total tearjerker and such a feel good movie. I recommend it to anyone especially the dog lovers like me. After the movie we went to eat at Bajio Mexican Grill. I cant decide if I like this place better or Cafe Rio. I think I liked this place. We went shopping and just enjoyed a night out away from our crazy life.


The Monday after which was presidents day, we took the kids to see the movie Bolt! I thought it was soo cute and I cried at that one too. I must be a sucker for dog shows or maybe just a total sap. Good show!! Take the kids if you havent seen it!

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Miranda!!

I am about a month late with this, but I wanted to let Miranda know how much we love and appreciate her in our home. She turned 8 years old this past February and can't wait to be baptized. Miranda loves anything that has to do with art. She loves to draw pictures and write stories. I think she is amazing with her drawing and imagination. Her favorite color is pink and she loves animals. She has a very spunky personality. Sometimes we don't always see eye to eye on things but that is what makes life with her interesting. Miranda teaches me new things everyday. We love you Miranda and are proud of the wonderful girl you are becoming!

New Years!

For New years Eve, we went over to my brother and sister in laws house and had a blast! We ate tons of food, played games and enjoyed eachothers company. The Wii and Rockband were definitely big hits with the kids and adults. I was impressed that all the kids were party animals. They all stayed up and partied with us till the wee hours of the night. We did lose Alyssa 10 minutes before midnight, but we woke her up so she could celebrate with us. Here are some funny pics and moments from the night!