April Adventures

April flew by so fast here are a few of the highlights from the month:

Wicked

My mom bought tickets for me and Jacee as an early birthday present for me. We found out Shae was flying in the night before the show so we called the ticket office, but it was sold out. My mom was going to give Shae her ticket, but we convinced her we could find one. I had the thrill of my life scalping a ticket for my mom. I don't know why, but I get a rush from bartering. Seriously, my favorite place in New York was China Town trying to get the best deal on a hand bag. There's nothing like the rush of getting a good deal. Well I don't know if the price we paid for the ticket was a good deal, but my Mom had one of the best seats in the house. She was on the fourth row and right about in the center. The show was amazing and it was so fun to hang out with all my sisters. I miss my family not living close so I cherish the time we do get to spend together.

Me, Shae, Jacee, and Mom

Grandpa's 80th Birthday
My Grandpa turned 80 this year and celebrated his b-day in style. There was a big suprise party for him and a lot of the family was able to fly in for the big day. It was fun to see the look on his face when he walked into the church; he didn't even know his kids were here from Texas! There were about 100 people there to wish him happy birthday. All of his kids paid a tribute to him and reminisced about their favorite memories of him. My cousin, Saren, made a slide show of his life and I will say he has lived one great life. Granpda is one of the funniest people you will ever meet and it was so fun to celebrate his day and catch up with family.

Everybody enjoying the party...food was delicious and catered by Maddox.

Me and Gramp

Grandpa and Levi

The Hancock Family

Grandpa and His Kids

Watch out ladies...they're single and good lookin'!

Mitch's 5th Birthday Party
I can't believe Mitch is 5!!! I met Reese's family when Mitch was just a baby and now he is already 5 and preparing for kindergarten. Mitch also celebrated his birthday in style...my Dad and Granpda would approve of the John Deere theme party. Reese's family uses Case tractors on their farm and my Dad always has to give Reese a hard time about it. When Brighton was in the hospital Mitch stayed the night at my parents house. My dad gave Mitch the grand tour of the dairy and told Mitch that nothing runs like a deere (sublte brainwashing). Well since then Mitch has told his Dad and Grandpa, "Ashlee's Dad says nothing runs like a deer." My Dad loves this, but I really don't think Reese's family cares one bit. I will say this kid knows his tractors. Mitch has loved trucks and tractors and knows everything about them; so if I'm ever wondering what a certain piece of equipment is or what it does all I have to do is ask Mitch because he is one smart cookie. I love the kid and had a great time at his party...you just can't beat cake, ice cream, and a pinata.

Nothing runs like a deer!

Sarah's mom is so talented and always makes the cutest cakes.

Hope your wish comes true!

How could you not love that kid?

Baby Belly

I would say I have a baby bump, but I've got a full blown baby belly. This picture was taken two weeks ago and since then I've been growing at an exponential rate. I really feel like I'm going to burst one of these days, but everybody tells me my skin will keep stretching. Isn't the body amazing?!!! I have been able to see my belly move as he kicks; the whole process is surreal.

24 weeks and counting

Silverline Tryouts

My posts are always way after the fact, but I finally took pictures off of my camera onto the computer with the other thousand that are patiently waited to be printed...maybe tomorrow.

A few weeks ago Jacee tried out for silverline. I am happy to announce she made the team and is bursting at the seams. I am definetly biased but I think she is an amazing dancer and has worked hard to get to this point and I am very proud of her. I just can't believe she's going to be in high school. I went down and stayed the night before tryouts to be moral support and aid in the makeup and hair department. It has been a few years, but the whole try out thing brought back a lot of memories:

Getting ready...

The nerves...

The support...

The excitement!

Congratulations Jacee!!!!

Its a boy!!!

Well we went to the doctor on Friday and much to my surprise found out we will be having a baby boy!!! I swore I was having a girl, was convinced actually, so I was pretty suprised. I will say Reese is one proud papa, as soon as the ultra sound tech. pointed to the little man parts and asked "so what do you think you are having?"...it was quite obvious...you couldn't wipe the smile off of Reese's face. We are so excited and happy that everything looks healthy so far. He is actually a feisty little thing and was being stubborn during the ultra sound. The technician was trying to get a picture of the face, but the little bugger wouldn't move his arms. He held his arms up just like a boxer and wouldn't budge. The technician started moving my belly trying to get him to move, and all the sudden he scrunched up his eyebrow and scowled and pulled this real mean face. I'm scared because I think this little boy is comin' with an attitude. He must get that from his Daddy. We played a little trick on my dad and told him it was a girl for a few days, just because he's been adamant that he was having a grandson. I think I would have felt bad if we were really having a girl because he was so disappointed with the news. When he saw the ultrasound pictures and found out we were really having a boy he was all too delighted. He got his glasses out and examined all the pictures and had me save them on his computer too. We are all so excited and can't wait for this little guy to get here!

Cabin Trip

A few weeks ago we went to Island Park and stayed at the cabin. While we were there we went on a snowmobile ride to Big Springs to feed the fish and the ducks. It was pretty fun, but I don't think the baby appreciated all the bouncing.

Mitch and Taelor getting pumped up for the big expedition!

Owen and Shawn.............. Mitch feeding the fish.

Look at all those fish!

Taelor..............................Looking at all the ducks.

Reese and Owen ready to roll!

Birthday Girl!

It's a little after the fact, but on Feb. 8th Jacee turned a whopping 15 years old. Scary!!! What's even scarier is she will be getting her driver's permit upon completion of her AR book. I can't believe how grown up Jacee is. She's not a little girl anymore, but a beautiful not to mention quite sassy young woman. If any of you know Jacee this sass has been with her since day one. If you don't believe me you'll have to come watch some of our home videos. I remember how excited I was when Jacee was born and since then have made it my place to try and be her mom. She will tell you that I like to tell her what to do or become the "counselor". I just want Jacee to know I love her and I'm so glad she's my little sis'.

Together at last!

Levi got home from his mission on January 29th. Brock and Shae were able to fly in for the big event. It had been two years since we had all been together, but seemed so much longer. I hate that we live all over the place, but it seems like old times when we all get together. We were able to hit the ski slopes (minus Jacee) and have a good time! I think we are pretty close to starting up our own band thanks to all our practice with Rock Band...and I will be the lead singer, oh yeah...watch out! We had so much fun together; I was so sad when everyone went home.