Mary Kate is 8

Wow, has it really been 8 years?! We celebrated before her actual birthday this year, with Jake on the way, I had serious doubts about my abilities to do a sleepover party for 6 girls with a new baby. We had a "spa" party, Aunt Stacy was so nice to let us use her home/pool. Aunt Amy made the cake, it turned out so cute! My grandma helped me make little "spa wraps" for all the girls as a party favor. After swimming we did their "facials" and then Aunt Stacy and Aunt Amy helped do "pedicures". What would I do without the help and talent of my amazing family? The best part was that Katie felt so special and loved by all, which she is.

4th of July continued

How cute are these kids?

Then they grow up to be teenagers! Naw, just kidding, they're still cute!

What happened, we shrunk? Weird, anyway, my friend Stephani and her family came all the way from Houston to spend the 4th, we sure do miss them in The Ville.

I can't believe how big these girls are, they are so darn cute!

These 3 boys always have so much fun together.

4th of July! * Family * Friends * Fireworks *

The Family

Boys being boys

Evie being oh so cooperative!

All the girls

The show was awesome!

Swimming Lessons at Sooner Pool

3 Amigos

Last day of swimming lessons. The kids took lessons with their cousins, Lucas, Izzy and Mack. I have fond memories of Sooner Pool. I used to take swimming lessons there in the summer and spent countless hours there as a kid. My aunt, Marianne was a teenager and she was a lifeguard, I thought she was so cool--still do! They recently made some nice improvements, they took out the old kiddie pool and added a splash pad, the little and big kids love it.

Brooks Johnson Eve, June 11, 2008

Logan holding Brooks

Katie taking a turn

Grandma Marilyn holding #8 Great-grandchild

We were so excited to learn that my sister-in-law, Mary was in labor! Her water broke and we (my mom, grandma, me and my crew) all headed south to Edmond to meet the newest member of the family! This is the first cousin on my side of the family. He is a beautiful, healthy boy and has awesome parents, they have waited and prayed for this special guy for many years, what a miracle he is!

Hawaii 2009

We went to Hawaii the last week of May with my family. Jon and Mary couldn't make it because their baby was due too close to this time. We decided to leave our kids with Tyler's mom and take the opportunity to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I was about 6 months pregnant and knew this would possibly be our last chance at a vacation without kids for awhile!

This is an areal shot of Turtle Bay where we stayed.

I was super nervous to go in the helicopter, it was an incredible ride though.

This was our 3rd time to go to Hawaii together and 2nd time to go to Oahu, we spent most of our time on the North Shore in The Villas at Turtle Bay. This was actually my 2nd time to go 6 months pregnant! Our 2nd trip was to the big island, Hawaii for Jon and Mary's wedding in Kona. We took Katie who was 2 at the time and I was pregnant with Logan. We love the more rustic relaxed environment on the North Shore as opposed to Honolulu. Some of the highlights of our trip include visiting Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day, going to the PCC, snorkeling at Shark's Cove, (Tyler actually hooked a ride on a sea turtle), helicopter tour, Tyler and the boys swam with sharks in Haleiwa, laying on the beach and gorging ourselves at the shrimp shacks and shaved ice on almost every corner. The Temple was closed for re-modeling but we enjoyed the visitors center and attended the Laie 7th ward, it was awesome. We almost didn't go to the Polynesian Cultural Center because we went to it 9 years ago, but I am so glad we did, a lot has changed and their show is incredible. It is a must do if you ever find yourself in Hawaii. Another must do is rent a convertible, it was really fun! We love it there, it is truly paradise, hope we can visit again soon, and I really hope to not be pregnant next time!

Spring 2009

Katie got to graduate to coach pitch softball this year and Logan started tee-ball. Katie and Julianna have been on the same team every year and have had Tyler and my stepdad Jeff as their coaches. This year Tyler got to coach Logan's team with our good friend Randy John. It was fun to have Logan and Austin on the same team and see them learn to play the game. It was also fun to see Katie's progress with batting and fielding.

New Year and New Baby 2009

We found out over the holidays that another baby was on the way, due September 4th! The kids were very excited when we told them. By the way, Logan had been pestering us for over a year and a half, "when am I going to get a baby brother?" He had even named him, "Baby Leo". We were also excited that my brother, Jon and his wife Mary were expecting their first child. Then later in January to add even more excitement, Tyler's brother Marcin and his wife Brittany found out they were expecting their first! Our kids will never have a shortage of cousins to play with! What lucky kids they are.

New Years Eve 2008

Tyler and Andy helping the kids play Rock Band.

The adults playing charades.

We spent New Year's Eve at my parent's home. We had all of Tyler's family, my family, some out of town cousins and friends. The kids and adults had a blast.

Christmas Day 2008

Christmas Day at my parents home.

Christmas Morning at our house.

Making them wait on the stairs for a picture.

Christmas morning we spend at home, Tyler's parents make the rounds to all the houses to see the kids open their presents. Later in the morning, we pack everyone up and head over to my parent's home. Tyler and I cook a big Christmas breakfast brunch for everyone. Then we exchange presents, hang out/play and then my mom does the traditional turkey dinner. We feel really blessed to live close to both our families.

Christmas Eve 2008

Every year the cousins act out the Nativity, this tradition becomes more treasured each and every year.

Grandpa Mike reading Luke II

I love Christmas Eve at the Farm. Everyone brings their favorite appetizer to share, the kids act out the Nativity and then the adults do a "dirty Santa" gift exchange, it is always fun to see what this creative group comes up with for presents.

December 2008

Evie is still scared of Santa.

Logan was all business with a detailed list.

Katie telling Santa what a good girl she's been.

Every year the 66 Federal Credit Union has a special party for the employee's children where they get to see Santa and get a present, the kids love it.

November 2008

Earlier in the month, Logan got to go to his first OU game with daddy. He got a jersey with the number 28 on it and he thought that was pretty cool since his birthday happens to be the 28th of October.

Giving Thanks

We spent Thanksgiving with Tyler's family. Russell and Emilie hosted, it was great to spend the holiday with good food and family.

The "kids" table

After the turkey.

Emilie, Heather, Tyler, Russ & Lorne

One of the days the kids came over and played in our backyard, this a third of the Vaclaw cousins, we would need a longer slide to fit them all.

Tyler put together this set mostly by himself, but for the parts where a 2nd person is needed our friend Tim Green came to the rescue (thanks Tim!). I'm so proud of him, he's such a great dad, the kids and their friends absolutely love it!

Disney World 2008

I fully anticipate someday Evie seeing this picture and realizing "you mean you went to Disney World without me and all I got was a Minnie mouse doll?!" I didn't realize how baby friendly Disney is, or I probably would have taken her. All I can say is sorry, babe!

Magic Kingdom

Logan had to struggle to stay awake!

Character breakfast with Mickey

Character lunch with all the Pooh Bear Characters